Yoga: Mastering the basics

In the early stages of practice most yoga students focus on postures, breathing, relaxation, and meditation— combining them into one or two daily sessions of anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. This is an admirable goal, and it is the main theme of this book. But there is much more to yoga, and we have also tried to develop the story further—from philosophy to its application in daily life. Along the way we explore each of the basic components of practice in considerable detail, showing how you can improve your health and sense of inner well-being step by step.

We begin with a chapter called “The Spirit of Yoga” because we think you will want to know about the message behind the practice. An inspiration to students for over four thousand years, yoga philosophy is optimistic and practical. As a companion to the disciplines described in this book, you will find that it deepens both the joy and the mystery of life. If you are looking for stretches and postures, you’ll find them in chapters 3, 5, and 6. These chapters include essentially all the poses a beginning student might expect to encounter. Chapter 6 will help you work with problem areas in your body and customize a personal practice.

Breath training, pranayama, relaxation, and meditation are covered in separate chapters.