Overview

This collection of questions and answers explains the nuts and bolts of yoga philosophy and practice in a completely clear and readable way. Richard Rosen is known for his engaging teaching and writing style and in this book he gives pithy, accessible explanations of key aspects of the tradition, such as:

Yoga’s main texts, including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutra, among others

Yamas and niyamas

The subtle body—what it means and what it looks like in practice

The evolution of asanas

Pranayama

Mudras and bandhas

And much more. Rosen also writes about the origins of yoga and questions whether it’s a religion, a practice, or a science; explains the symbolism of frequently recurring numbers in the yoga tradition; gives the proper pronunciation of commonly mispronounced Sanskrit words; and looks at some of the more esoteric aspects of the tradition.