Book Review by Jane Mason
This book is written by T.K.V. Desikachar, Son of Sri Krishnamcharya and was published in 1995. It is a tribute to his father’s teachings and is a must for all teachers and students of Yoga alike.
As the name implies, the book expounds the essence of Classical Yoga with the aim of assisting the development of a personal and deeper practice based on knowledge and understanding.
Desikachar covers a broad spectrum of yoga theory and practice and presents it to the reader in an easy and straightforward manner. He achieves this through a mix of explanations written in an informal and personal manner accompanied by various diagrams, pictures (of Krishnamcharya himself) and example practices.
“The Heart of Yoga” is a timeless piece of writing on yoga and anyone, no matter which style of yoga or level of experience, will benefit from this book. I loved the emphasis on the breath, vinyasa karma, simplicity in practice and the importance placed on understanding the theory of Yoga and the reasons for the practice. It also includes a clear and inspiring commentary of the Yoga Sutras.
It was a pleasure to read a book with unquestionable authenticity that explores a myriad of tools of yoga. This is a book you will read over and over again. A classical text on classical yoga that provides a strong and, I believe, essential foundation for the practice of Yoga.
A must for all yogis.
