T. K. V. Desikachar Book order

"A dialogue between a master of yoga and a psychoanalyst about philosophies of mind"--

Originally published: New York: Aperture Foundation, 1998.

Yoga Rahasya, one of the most important texts on yoga was composed by a ninth century Vaishnavite saint, Nathamuni and was subsequently lost. Mysteriously revived by T Krishnamacharya in the early twentieth century, this text contains a lot of practical information on how yoga plays a role in the different stages of life, pregnancy, therapy and more.

This book comprises the original Sutra-s, their translation and commentary by T K V Desikachar. This edition also presents two unique sections: the Yoga Sutra-s with chant notations to aid recitation; an index of all the words that appear in the text along with the Sutra-s in which they appear for easy reference. Hardback edition with a complimentary CD featuring an audio rendition of the Sutra-s in the classical format.

Ever since man set foot on planet earth, he has been a seeker. As he evolved, his thirst to understand the mysteries of life aroused and grew. His experiences forced him to ask questions for which he could find no answers. This search gave rise to many different schools of philosophy. All of them point to a source within. India has a very rich inheritance in the fields of philosophical reflection and spiritual inquiry, with a great variety of beliefs and practices. But they all share the idea that we should undertake a special journey toward an inner light. T. Krishnamacharya is recognized as one of the greatest masters of the last century, an authority on all schools of Indian thought and an expert in the field of yoga. Combining an ocean of knowledge with his vast experience stretching over more than a century, he taught his students to connect with their heart. His son and student, TKV Desikachar, offers in this book a synthesis of three decades of study and a wealth of experience in teaching worldwide. The reader will discover many aspects related to the inner the role of suffering, appropriate discipline, the student-teacher relationship, social responsibility and values, the mind, action, faith… Desikachar, as one of today’s foremost exponents of this ancient discipline, presents in a lucid and intuitive manner the best of Indian wisdom. (from the back cover)

The first yoga text to present a step-by-step sequence for a complete practice tailored to individual needs, this contemporary classic by a renowned teacher includes thirty-two poems by Krishnamacharya, encapsulating his teachings. Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a pivotal figure in modern yoga who lived over a century, influenced many prominent yogis, including B. K. S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, all of whom were his students. His son, T. K. V. Desikachar, who studied with him throughout his life, teaches the full spectrum of Krishnamacharya's yoga. Desikachar's method is grounded in the concept of viniyoga, emphasizing that practices should adapt to the individual's evolving needs for maximum therapeutic benefit. In this text, Desikachar distills his father's teachings and presents his practical approach, describing it as "a program for the spine at every level—physical, mental, and spiritual." It covers all aspects of yoga, including poses, counterposes, conscious breathing, meditation, and philosophy, guiding students to develop a practice suited to their health, age, occupation, and lifestyle. This revised edition offers a comprehensive framework for cultivating a personalized yoga practice.

The value of the book lies in the author's expertise in yogic theory and practice, the questions and responses of the students attending the course, and the many figures designed to facilitate understanding of yogic concepts and practice... both teachers and students will find the book useful as a supplemental text. The questions by the course participants are invaluable to instructors since they reflect the understanding and difficulties of beginning students...