Review: A primer on Yoga theory and practice

A primer on Yoga theory and practice by Ramesh Bijlani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All life is yoga - Sri Aurobindo

This book is a primer on yoga but gives substantial information about it. All the chapters in the book are already published as a blog in speakingtree.in by the author.

The book starts with a general definition of yoga and goes on to discuss Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga in a detail. It also talks about Bhagwat Geeta's take on Yoga. there is one chapter on Tantra Yoga where it explains all the Chakras and Kundalini and dangers if not practiced well.

While talking about RajYoga it talks about eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. In the whole book, the author has emphasized that yoga is the process of self-improvement and the pinnacle is to become one with the divine. Bhagwat Geeta emphasizes that each person is different and they can choose one from GyanYog, BhaktiYog, karma yoga and follow it in their life and reachh the divine. The Author also goes on to claim that Gita has probably prevented more mental breakdowns than any psychiatrist.

I kind of agreed with the author that yoga is also a great source of self help. If we look at the Yam, Niyam part of the Ashtanga Yoga you will see that all the Niyamas are a way to help us be better . There are 5 niyamas -
1.) Shauchha (Cleanliness) - keep your self clean in body and mind
2.) Santosha (contentment)- Be content with what you have but keep trying to be better
3.) Tapas (concentration of effort) - Apply yourself fully to achieve any goal that you set. in yoga it is to be one with divine
4.) Swadhayay (Self Study) - self-study of scriptures and making your own opinion about it.
5.) Ishwar Pranidhana (surrender to the divine)

The niyamas - Tapas and Swadhayay can be applied in other fields of life as well.

The book, as said , is a primer on yoga and doesn't give much info about the Asanas. it talks about around 20 asanas and Surya Namaskar and briefly talks about the Pranayams and lists some easy to do Pranayamas.
The book also has a section on FAQ which is OK. it has One-hour Practice Protocol which I think is also OK.

I liked this book because it gives a lot of information about Yoga. The book also comes with a CD which shows around 20-30 Asanas discussed in the book and Pranayamas.

I rate this book 4/5.


View all my reviews