Kakaku：185 saved$1.85
Alight Publications
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Stolen Goods?) 『 This is NOT THE REAL MCCOY! The Real McCoy is the copy published by Self-Realization Fellowship and has the footnotes that I got as much out of as the text. Many explaining the essential oneness of western and eastern religions through biblical passages, etc. This copy does not have those invaluable footnotes!
Yogananda's Self-Realization Fellowship organization continues to thrive and expand worldwide. I recommend only purchasing genuine, original, not-copied books published by Yogananda's Self-Realization Fellowship. They will have the name Self-Realization Fellowship inside as well as the SRF emblem (which is a star within a circle within a lotus).』
(Decent Compilation) 『This collection evidently inspires some ire from reviewers because it is not clear simply from the cover that this is not a new work by Yogananda, but a collection of various texts that embody what the editor felt was "The Essence of Kriya Yoga." First, to clear up a few things:
1. Paramhansa Yogananda's name was spelled as it is in this volume during the life of the great yogi's life. I have a first edition of Autobiography of a Yogi with his signature, and I am sure other copies of that edition are available for verification. I was surprised that this volume had the name correct, given the widespread misspelling, and that was what interested me in it in the first place.
2. This collection contains Science of Religion and Songs of the Soul in their entirety, and not merely excerpts. Otherwise, the Autobiography, Healthy Diet, and Ladder of Evolution are excerpted as Steven indicated.
3. If the works included in this volume were redundant to the Autobiography, I would not have even considered purchasing it.
I only write this review to correct some flagrant misinformation. Those corrections aside, I think this is a fair publication except from the formatting, which is lackluster. It would also have been wise for the publisher to indicate on the cover that this is, in fact, a collection, and not some newly discovered work.
That said, if you lack any of Yogananda's writings included in it, then it is certainly worth the price. As far as I know, this is the only publisher that has brought multiple works by the master in a single volume.』
(If you already have the Autobiography of a Yogi, you already have most of this book) 『First of all, to the folks who were disappointed that this is not an SRF book, check who the publisher is. SRF has published all of their own books since about 1950. Check the SRF website if you still aren't sure (there are a few non-SRF published books that SRF carries).
I was hoping that this book, in it's 321 pages, would contain a fair amount of currently out-of-print information on Kriya Yoga, written by Paramahansa Yogananda. I was disappointed.
Here is the breakdown:
Science of Religion excerpts: pages 1-52 Songs of the Soul excerpts: pages 53-122 Autobiography of a Yogi excerpts: pages 123-276, 296-316
Here is what is in this book that I consider 'out of print':
Healthy Diet (excerpts from lessons and articles from the 1920's) pages 277-295 = 18 pages
Ladder of Evolution (excerpt from an article in Inner Culture March 1937) pages 317-321 = 4 pages
Grand total of 'out of print' material: 22 pages
Incidentally, the entire March 1937 issue of Inner Culture, as well as many more of the older SRF magazines, may be viewed at: [...]
I am sure that the editor of this book is very sincere in his efforts in putting this book together. I feel that most people who are interested in Paramahansa Yogananda and Kriya Yoga would probably be better off with the complete texts of 'Science of Religion', 'Songs of the Soul', and 'Autobiography of a Yogi', however. 』
(An inspiring compilation) 『This is a must own compilation from one of the greatest yogis of recent times. Instead of the recent editions of his work which have been edited and changed, this volume contains the original works published during Parmahansa Yogananda's life-time. The only wish I have is that this should have been a hardcover book! I'm a long-time Kriya practitioner and have read some of the works published here, but still enjoyed it -- having all this information focussed on Kriya Yoga is very useful.』
(Inspirational collection) 『This is a collection of the writings of a Kriya Master on the subject of Kriya Yoga. The author passed away over 50 years ago and can have no new writings. It seems there is a dispute on the spelling of his name -- the authentic way that he spelled it is the way it is given in this publication and not as subsequently revised by zealous administrators of his legacy. I found it very useful to have his first book on religion which sets the stage for his exposition of Kriya Yoga taken from the Autobiography of a Yogi, as well as his inspirational spiritual poetry all in one book. I recommend this highly.』
IPhone 3G used's review (my favorite yoga DVD) 『This was my first experience with a yoga DVD, and I liked it so much that I've started practicing daily. I've since bought more yoga DVDs by other people, but this is my favorite. I wish I could find different ones that Yolanda has done!』
(Simply Great) 『I could never do yoga until I picked up this set. The instructor has a way of making anyone feel that this is something they can do. Highly recommended』
(Gets Better&Better) 『I picked up a version of this set at Barnes and Noble where there's flashcards instead of the book included with the dvd. I would highly recommend looking for the flashcard version. They are nicely photographed on good quality paper. There are more poses on the cards then on the dvd so you could design some of your own routines. The dvd has one 30 minute workout. It was shot in a studio, probably hers. The background is simply laid out without being bare. There's a nice blue carpet and blue backgound. She is Australian and I would say has that British aspect of being low key. It feels very relaxing when you do the workout but then you feel it the next day. Overall the more I use this the more I like it.』 『Get moving with the popular Pilates Book and Video Gift Box! It containes 64 pages of full–color photographs with instructions as well as a peaceful 30 minute video to guide you through your workout』
IPhone 3G used's review (Great Yoga Manual) 『This is a great book! Many yoga books that I've purchased describe only a few sequences. Others describe only very long (time-consuming) sequences. This book details over 30 sequences ranging in time from 10 minutes to 90 minutes in length. It is organized to make it easy to select a sequence according to different criteria - length of sequence, theme (e.g., "opening"), or body area emphasized. Descriptions of the asanas are very detailed, and each comes with a description of the advanced pose and easier variations. And there is quite a bit of other useful information also, including suggestions on forming your own sequences, illustrations showing the location of various muscles and other body areas, etc.』
(Make This Your FIRST Yoga Book) 『This book was recommended by our local yoga instructor. The spiral binding makes the book lie flat. I really like the split pages with the practices on one side (very wide range from beginner to advanced) and the poses on the other. Arrangement is very simple and straightforward. The teacher kept this book out as a constant reference--which was a good enough recommendation for me--and she is a certified Iyengar instructor with years of practice.』
(Best Yoga Book Available) 『Yoga Your Way is (by far) the most user friendly and thoughtfully designed yoga manual to appear on the market. The authors have paid careful attention to detail, insuring that the information presented is comprehensive, helpful,&presented in such a way that anyone can create a daily practice to fit his/her unique needs. This is an extraordinary publication, a must for yoga practitioners at every level. 』
(Absolutely Awesome) 『I love this book...very user-friendly. There are so many practices (including the suggesting time for each practice) that you could choose from and several modifications. The explanation and illustrations are clear and precise. If you are looking for a yoga book...consider this one.』
(Yoga Your Way) 『Namaste! I've examined and used a large number of yoga manuals, and I feel sure that you will love this book! Its unique and handily-designed format goes far toward making it the only yoga guide you'll ever need. Ideal for both beginners and experienced practitioners. What you get for the very low price of $12.95 (Canada C$19.95) is incredible! All your questions about yoga are answered by the authors, who really know their stuff. Outstanding photos (from different angles, many in multiple "sequence style" to help you perfect the fluidity of moving poses) with explanatory instructions and pointers make it so easy for you to customize your home yoga practice to your own requirements ... and stick with it!
Spiral-bound split-page format allows easy use and reference for a specially selected core group of "44 poses" (Iyengar tradition, the basis for many yoga styles today) and "31 practice sequences" (varying in length from 10-90 minutes, and ranging from vigorous to restorative). Absolutely excellent, very clear and well-thought-out - yet detailed - explanations and background notes fill you in on every aspect of your yoga practice.
The volume also contains an All About Yoga section, a great Glossary and assorted Practice Selection Charts to help you craft and vary your yoga routine, while ensuring that you get the benefits you desire.
The wealth of information contained here is worth the cover price many times over. Just examine this book at your bookstore - turn to any page and read just a bit - and I think you'll wind up eagerly buying it, amazed at the value. Recommend it to your yoga-loving friends, and give it as an economical gift to your non-yoga-practicing friends to get them started on a beautiful life and health journey! They'll love you for it! 』 『
A unique split-page format helps yoga lovers easily personalize their routines—and keep their home practice varied, fun, and highly individual.
With the help of this unique and innovative manual, yoga practitioners can work to their optimum level and tailor their exercise to fit their individual needs. The secret lies in the split-page design that features 40 poses, or asanas, on one side and 30 practice routines on the other. Every yogi will be able to construct an ideal session, whether the desire is for a quick 10-minute routine to destress or a full 45-minute workout that strengthens back muscles. Color photos capture the intricacies of each movement; notes on details and variations accompany each pose; and there are observations, advice, and frequently asked questions for particular positions. Beginners will especially appreciate the valuable information on creating a pleasant practice environment, using the book in conjunction with other yoga instructions, and finding and working with props. Cindy Dollar lives in Asheville, NC. Susanna MacKenzie Euston lives in Arden, NC.
IPhone 3G used's review (The best practical applications of the Bates method!) 『The best practical applications of the Bates method! Many books on the Bates method, but you really can't miss this! Simple things are always the bests! And they work!』 『Often it is surprising how quickly the vision begins to improve by Dr. Bates' simple methods of eye education. For example, a female student of Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, whose eyesight had failed both for far and near, recovered normal eyesight in about a week's time. And a teacher at the Centre, whose left eye had been blind since childhood, regained normal sight within two months with regular eye exercises for about two hours a day.』
Kakaku：1500 saved$15.00
Sri Ramanasramam
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (The Book of Wisdom for the Ages) 『Maha means great and Yoga means a path of reunion. Here the Great Path is outlined and explained in a truly timeless and masterful way. Written by a direct disciple of the great Ramana Maharshi, this is a very important guide book for the seeker of Ultimate Reality. First published in 1937, with numerous printings since then, this book is as fresh and new as a perfect spring morning. Chapters include The Sage, The World, God, The Quest, The Egoless State, and much more. For the modern day nondualist seeker, this is a treasure chest of spiritual wisdom. The author declares that we all, consciously or unconsciously, are always looking for the Supreme Beatitude of the egoless state, i.e., direct knowledge of the One, the Self. To quote a bit from the book: "The right thing to do is not to go on framing questions and seeking answers...but to arrest the culprit, the ego, put him in the dock, and dispose of him by the Quest of the real Self, which he pretends to be. In other words, one should discover the real Self, who is the final answer to all questions. Every question that arises is vitiated by the ignorance which takes the ego at its face value, as the real Self. All questions are therefore reducible to one, 'Who am I?'. This question is the Quest of the Self, by which the egoless state is won." For the person who's ears are ready to hear, this book is sweet music indeed!!!』 『This Book (running into tenth edition) is based on the Sanskrit works of the Author,Sri Raman Hridayam and Guru Ramana Vachana Mala. The status of the world, the soul, the egoless state and merits of devotion are all lucidly explained so as to help the serious seeker understand the teachings of Bhagavan. The Author chooses to write under the pseudonym 'WHO'.
The Book besides summarising the teachings of the sage also gives a summary of the entire vedanta embodying in particular the exposition of Sri Sankarachrya. In effect we see the perfect parallelism between the teachings of the upanishads and those of Sri Maharshi.
The method of Self-Enquiry advocated by Sri Maharshi has an intense orientation towards practice. This means enquiring into the source of 'I' which leads to the extinction of the ego, that is illusory 'I'. Thus Self-enquiry leads to Self-realisation.』
Kakaku：399 saved$3.99
Kyle Books
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Iyengar Yoga fans take note of this book!) 『Once again, Mira Mehta has proven herself to be a valuable writer on the art of yoga. Although there are many yoga books available on the market today, her previous works "Yoga: The Iyengar Way" and "How To Use Yoga" remain two of my most used and treasured.
This new book is great for beginners. Mehta writes in a manner that is clear and not intimidating. The pictures are beautiful and the suggested yoga routines (each based on a theme such as stretching the arms and legs) are well thought out. Co-author, Krishna S. Arjunwadkar, adds yoga philosophy throughout the book - giving the reader an insight into the deeper mysteries of yoga.
For those of us who have been practicing for quite some time, there is still much here to appreciate. For fans of Iyengar yoga, the precision and spirit of Iyengar shines brightly throughout the entire book. Mira Mehta is most likely one of the best authors on Iyengar yoga - second to BKS Iyengar himself!』
(One of the best books on Yoga) 『I think that it is one of the best books about Yoga. There are many photos and detailed explanation on how to perform postures and also many tips for beginners. I also found extremely useful the suggestion to perform with the help of props. 』 『Addresses both the physical and theoretical aspects of the ancient art of yoga from its very beginnings.』
IPhone 3G used's review (I dig this little book!) 『This is a VERY COMPACT yoga book. I was actually surprised to see how small it is. The idea of doing yoga in your tent is a wonderful concept for us enthusiasts, however I'm not so sure the poses would would work on top of an air mattress, which I use in the tent.』
(FANTASTIC Book) 『This is a fabulous book! Great for those with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS/CFS) or possibly others who have cognitive disabilities. Very simple to use. Straight-forward, list-driven instructions on one page; great photo of the pose on the page facing the instructions. Really easy to use - which is great for those who get overwhelmed by too many words! 'nuff said! ;-)』
(Excellent! I keep giving away my copy!) 『I keep on buying new copies of this book to give away - and can't seem to keep a hold of the one that I have. Her instructions are clear and understandable - the routine is straightforward, and as the title says can easily be done on a sleeping bag - I have! Wonderful!』
(Phenomenal! It is about time!) 『I started doing Yoga while on an SCA trail crew and found it so relaxing and energizing that I have been looking for a not-so-cheesey way to learn more. Now here it is! Widman is a genius! I am giving this to everyone in my life who is active or wants to be!』
(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!) 『I will no longer lay idle in my tent, zipped up like an eskimo baby, waiting out bad weather. Here's a guide to keep you active and relaxed no matter where you are. This book contains easy to do Yoga poses, so easy that all you need is your body and the space in your tent, or even your sleeping bag! Let it rain!』
IPhone 3G used's review (Thorough, Not Easy) 『This book is a good read for those interested in yoga and its practices and postures are intelligently organised and described in excellent detail. It beats the majority of yoga books out there as it as been "dumbed down" less than most.
There is a good section on meditation, breaking the process down into eight simple steps for entering and coming out of meditation.
It breaks down postures into a number of practices, including the "energising practice", the "grounding practice", the "opening practice", the "rejuvenating practice". Devereux indicates when each might be an appropriate practice (e.g. the energising or grounding practice first thing in the morning).
Unfortunately, of these practices I find I can only really do the "energising" and "grounding" practices. The others include postures I can not nearly achieve, judging by the photographs.
That said the author recommends the reader to gradually create practices from based on intuition, rather than follow the practices religiously.
In summary this book is perhaps suitable for those who have some prior experience of yoga and are looking for some short practices. But some of the postures do require a high level of flexibility.』
(Good supplement to your yoga practice) 『As a beginner at yoga, and a person who has a long way to go on her flexibility, I can say that I have found this book to be helpful. I have used it in addition to a class I'm taking. I think that the first section of the book, an overview of yoga, is extremely informative and fun to read. Also, it's an attractive book, with glossy pages and a bold font. I do not think it is suitable for a beginner as the ONLY book. A video, or ideally, a teacher, is necessary to benifit from this book.
I only gave this book 4 stars because I thought that the written descriptions of the postures could be more clear and less abstract. I also felt that the author should have included more modifications of poses for us less-flexible folks.』
(I love this book!) 『Although I usually practice ashtanga yoga, I find this book perfect for the occasions when I'm pushed for time or too tired to face sun salutations, but don't want to miss out on at least some practice. I find the sequence of small pictures to illustrate each routine, similar to those in David Swenson's book, particularly convenient. It might not be ideal for a beginner, but I would definitely recommend it for someone already familiar with yoga who is looking for some short practices.』
(Disappointment) 『Perhaps the title misled me (and certainly the cover on an earlier edition which pictures a woman doing upward facing dog pose--which is not even mentioned in the book), but this book was a real disappointment. Much of the text (granted, I read it briefly) seemed rather "cold" and the illustrations as well. It is NOT for beginners as many of the poses are rather difficult, and the routines do not really have a flow to them. Definitely not a "user-friendly" introduction to yoga!』
(terrible cover and title, very good book) 『author communicates the spirit, attitude, purpose, philosphy and techniques of yoga. I have read several yoga books and this is by far my favorite. The cover and title make it look suitable for a supermarket check out stand but I assure you this is a very serious and insightful work. That cover-title thing is distressing. It's like the publisher never read the book.』 『This lavishly illustrated book contains six simple and easy to learn 15 minute yoga routines suitable for every body.』
Kakaku：329 saved$3.29
Shambhala
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Before the OM was what?) 『Yes. The previous reviewer is correct: this is the deepest of the deep of the Buddha's cosmic sutras. Don't waste your money on this book if you are not a meditating Buddhist.If you've found the cushion, however, taste this! This is a book for Bodhisattvas to bathe in.』
(Not a excerses on It but a translation of a Sutra) 『This book refers to philosophical basis of Buddhist practices as well as technical clasification of the states to be reached into meditative absortion. It is not a manual nor a guide. No Meditation techniques nor yoga excersises can be found on the book. the style is simbolic and poetical. it is an interesting book but the name does not reflect the content. It will be interesting for people more inclined to scholarly work.』 『The wordyogahas many meanings, including "meditation," "method," and "union." While the physical exercises of Hindu yoga are familiar to Westerners, the subtle metaphysics and refined methods of spiritual development that characterize Buddhist yoga are not yet well known. This volume presents a landmark translation of a classical sourcebook of Buddhist yoga, theSandhinirmochana-sutra, or "Scripture Unlocking the Mysteries," a revered text of the school of Buddhism known as Vijnanavada or Yogachara. The study of this scripture is essential preparation for anyone undertaking meditation exercise. Linking theory and praxis, the scripture offers a remarkably detailed and thorough course of study in both the philosophical and pragmatic foundation of Buddhist yoga, and their perfect, harmonious union in the realization of Buddhist enlightenment.』
Kakaku：542 saved$5.42
Human Kinetics Publishers
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Morning Yoga Workouts) 『I've always liked the idea of doing yoga. It seems so serene. Over the years, I`ve tried doing yoga in a variety of different ways, all with the same unfortunate results. I start out very eager. I push myself to do the poses and find myself becoming competitive. Within two or three days, I've hurt myself and that's about the end of my attempt.
I got Morning Yoga Workout, hoping that this time might be different. Surprisingly it was. It's been two weeks and I've only missed one workout (on the third day). I feel pretty good.
Even though I am getting up earlier every morning to do my workout, it doesn't seem to be a big chore. I think it's because the author puts a great deal of emphasis on breathing. Therefore, instead of getting overwhelmed with worries that I might not be doing a pose quite right or moving to the harder positions before my body is ready, I simply focus on my breathing. It's pretty easy to get up and do a workout when you tell yourself that your sole purpose is to breathe. The book includes light, moderate, and intense15-20, 30-40, and 50-60 minute workouts for any fitness level and schedule.』
(Great routines for starting your day) 『This book offers several levels of energizing morning yoga routines. You can choose a shorter easier routine when running short on time or a longer more challenging one. It also allows a beginning student to progress through the levels at their own pace. The instructions are easy to follow and the accompanying photos further illustrate the point. Great for home practice or for teachers looking for some routines to energize their early morning classes.』
(Most excellent Book on yoga instruction) 『This book is by far the best I have ever had. The directions are clear, right to the point. He is very clear about breathing and how it's all connected to the movement. My advice is the following: give yourself the time to read the instructions and then do the asana as described. What a concept! very very very good book!!!』
(Highly recommended) 『This is an excellent addition to your home library. Lots of good ideas to plan either your own practices or upcoming class for your students. I always go to the bookstore and browse to check out the books, then I come home and purchase them through Amazon. They are always cheaper.』
(A great, easy-to-follow workout book) 『I'd been looking for a simple, straight-forward yoga exercise book and I checked several out from my local library, including this one. Kurland's book was the clear winner. I regretted having to turn it back in and I'm definitely getting my own copy.
Pros: + Easy-to-follow directions with photographs - not too cluttered + Exercises are grouped into sets divided by intensity (light, moderate, intense) and workout length (15-20 min, 30-40 min, 60 min). This lets me choose day by day what I'd like to work on given the time and intensity. + Each set includes a variety of poses and exercises with a nice focus on balance and motion + Exercises do not rely on other equipment like mats, balls, or bolsters + Exercises do not need a lot of room or floor space + Book includes warm-up exercises that can be used before any type of exercise + Includes meditation exercises, too
Cons: I can't really think of a down side to this book. I have had previous in-class yoga experience, so I'm not sure how easy it is for an absolute beginner to grasp the concepts and to feel when a pose is correct.
Finally, despite the word "Morning" in the title, these exercises are perfect for any time. I'm not a morning person, so I perform these exercises when I get home from work - a nice way to recharge my batteries!』 『This work is ideal for people looking to become more active, as well as a reference for personal trainers and fitness professionals. Morning workouts continue to grow in popularity due to the ever increasing demand on peoples time. A start-of-the-day workout has been found to be beneficial in preparing the body and mind for the day ahead. It includes workout options based on time, level and intensity; nine yoga sequences including a full range of yoga asanas and breathing techniques; and includes nutrition, environment and equipment advice.』
