Yoga for the Three Stages of Life: Developing Your Practice As an Art Form, a Physical Therapy, and a Guiding Philosophy

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Summary: Review of Yoga for the Three Stages of Life
Review: (Pamela Hoxsey is the author of "Walking in a Landscape of Words")

Rarely does an opportunity present itself to give us a glimpse into the full tradition of yoga as it must have been practiced since ancient times. Srivatsa Ramaswami's book, "Yoga for the Three Stages of Life" opens the window into this vast knowledge, revealing the vitality, richness and depth that continues to reverberate within us today.

The years and years of intensive daily study which Ramaswami had with his own teacher, Sri T. Krishnamacharya, along with the dozens of volumes of ancient Sanskrit texts that they studied and chanted together, vividly illustrates the nearly limitless possibilities that yoga has to offer, and serves to inspire us to broaden our own views on yoga.

There is so much information packed into this book, it will be a source of inspiration for a very long time: graceful vinyasas; practical guidance on bandhas, pranayama, meditation, mudras, etc.; a comprehensive and clearly written overview of the philosophy of yoga taken from the Yoga Sutras; and, an in-depth look at the meaning of the Sanskrit terminology.

The most profound aspect of Ramaswami's book (and he relates that he has begun and ended his book with it just as Patanjali has done in the Yoga Sutras) is the eloquent definition of the second yoga sutra which answers the tacit question of "What is yoga?" with "yogascittavrittinirodhah." Ramaswami has devoted a large portion of one chapter to this very important sutra and its definition, but simply put, yoga is defined as "a state in which there is a complete stoppage of the mind's activities." Regardless of which aspect of yoga we may be practicing, this is the unwavering mental focus to be held before us and is the ground upon which all of our yoga practices are to be based until we are able to abide permanently in this complete state of freedom called "kaivalya."

This book is highly recommended.

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Summary: Review of Yoga for the Three Stages of Life
Review: A masterful and complete presentation of the Yoga of Krishnamacharya. The point of view is unique in that the Yoga is deeply imbedded in the Vedas, that is, the Yoga is taught according to the sastras (scriptures). Another unique feature is that the asanas are accompanied by their vinyasas (variations). The illustrations are good; the instructions clear. While not for the absolute beginner the book is a real eye opener for those familiar with some Yoga. The first chapter is a moving account of the author's long relationship with his teacher. A chapter on Yoga for women in included. This is an authentic and complete portrait of the life of a practicingYogi in South India. Highly recommended.

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Summary: Discussions of yoga techniques geared to age, sex & ability
Review: Individuals ready to devote their lives to the field of yoga will find Yoga For The Three Stages Of Life an excellent introduction which blends the usual guide to postures and meditation practices with insights on adapting yoga to individual needs and different stages of life. Young and old receive appropriate discussions of yoga techniques geared to age, sex and ability.

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Summary: Yoga for the Three Stages of Life
Review: Srivatsa Ramaswami studied for more than thirty years with a legendary yoga instructor and has taught yoga himself for more than twenty years. He's blended all that he's learned over the years into a program designed to be adaptable to individual needs, abilities, and ages while remaining true to the principles of traditional yoga.

Yoga for the Three Stages of Life: Developing Your Practice as an Art Form, A Physical Therapy, and a Guiding Philosophy is the result of his life's work.

He begins with personal information on how he began learning from the incomparable T. Krisnamacarya as a child, followed by descriptions of the various kinds of yoga and the philosophies underlying each. He says that his book "follows the thought progression of Patanjali, author of the Yogasutras, but it adds material gathered from my guru and from other authentic yoga texts."

Ramaswami includes the history of the development of yoga, and discusses the roles of chanting and scripture study in making yoga part of lifestyle, rather than just a routine. He also devotes large sections to the importance of proper breathing while performing the yoga postures. Correct breathing "helps one to reach and work on the deeper muscles and organs inside the body, which may not be possible otherwise." Additionally it aids in relaxation and concentration.

The remainder of the book describes the yoga postures. Each has detailed written instructions, as well as photographs. Ramaswami notes whether each posture can be safely done by those with physical ailments. He includes a chapter on yoga practices for pregnant women.

While he does include basic yoga postures and complete instructions, Ramaswami notes that his book is not for beginners, but rather for those who have been practicing for some time and/or have a knowledgeable teacher to guide them.

He says that "my goal is to portray the three aspects of yoga-as art, physical therapy, and philosophy-that are appropriate for the young, for the middle-aged, and for retirees, in that order." Readers will discover that he met this goal in Yoga for the Three Stages of Life.

Rating:
Summary: Yoga for the Three Stages of Life
Review: Srivatsa Ramaswami studied for more than thirty years with a legendary yoga instructor and has taught yoga himself for more than twenty years. He's blended all that he's learned over the years into a program designed to be adaptable to individual needs, abilities, and ages while remaining true to the principles of traditional yoga.

Yoga for the Three Stages of Life: Developing Your Practice as an Art Form, A Physical Therapy, and a Guiding Philosophy is the result of his life's work.

He begins with personal information on how he began learning from the incomparable T. Krisnamacarya as a child, followed by descriptions of the various kinds of yoga and the philosophies underlying each. He says that his book "follows the thought progression of Patanjali, author of the Yogasutras, but it adds material gathered from my guru and from other authentic yoga texts."

Ramaswami includes the history of the development of yoga, and discusses the roles of chanting and scripture study in making yoga part of lifestyle, rather than just a routine. He also devotes large sections to the importance of proper breathing while performing the yoga postures. Correct breathing "helps one to reach and work on the deeper muscles and organs inside the body, which may not be possible otherwise." Additionally it aids in relaxation and concentration.

The remainder of the book describes the yoga postures. Each has detailed written instructions, as well as photographs. Ramaswami notes whether each posture can be safely done by those with physical ailments. He includes a chapter on yoga practices for pregnant women.

While he does include basic yoga postures and complete instructions, Ramaswami notes that his book is not for beginners, but rather for those who have been practicing for some time and/or have a knowledgeable teacher to guide them.

He says that "my goal is to portray the three aspects of yoga-as art, physical therapy, and philosophy-that are appropriate for the young, for the middle-aged, and for retirees, in that order." Readers will discover that he met this goal in Yoga for the Three Stages of Life.

Rating:
Summary: A great book, but not perfect.
Review: This is a rich treasure trove of information about yoga in the context of an authentic tradition. I found it to be endlessly fascinating and rewarding. However, despite what some other reviewers have said, I think it may not be what many people are looking for. Here are some things one should be aware of:

1. The philosophical information is quite dense and not always accessible. While the author's English is quite good, it is not always completely "comfortable" and people may become confused. For instance, he frequently uses terms most westerners will not be familiar with (names of deities, etc.), only some of which are in the glossary. If you are looking for an accessible, down to earth philosophy that will enrich your asana practice, read T.V.K. Desikachar's "The Heart of Yoga." If you are looking for a richer, less watered down version of this information, and are willing to put up with a less clear format, then this book may be preferable.

2. This is not a good presentation of the asanas. Many asanas are described but not pictured, and in addition, there is not a lot of detailed instructional information about most of the poses. In his defense, Ramaswami says that he is only cataloguing the asanas for reference purposes and that they should be learned only under the supervision of a teacher. All of the above applies equally to the section on pranayama. The presentation of vinyasakrama is the only bridge I've seen between Desikachar's viniyoga and Pattabhi Jois's Ashtanga yoga. Basically, it involves starting all poses in samasthiti and using the sun salutation poses to connect them, but with emphasis on the slower, gentler and personally customized routines that characterize viniyoga. This content came to me as a truly wonderful gift.

So, I would recommend this book only to people who are looking for a source of thought provoking yoga philosophy and especially those who want all the information they can get about Krishnamacharya's yoga system(s). This book will greatly enrich most aspects of your practice, however, it is best to approach it as a supplemental rather than primary source of information.

Rating:
Summary: A great book, but not perfect.
Review: This is a rich treasure trove of information about yoga in the context of an authentic tradition. I found it to be endlessly fascinating and rewarding. However, despite what some other reviewers have said, I think it may not be what many people are looking for. Here are some things one should be aware of:

1. The philosophical information is quite dense and not always accessible. While the author's English is quite good, it is not always completely "comfortable" and people may become confused. For instance, he frequently uses terms most westerners will not be familiar with (names of deities, etc.), only some of which are in the glossary. If you are looking for an accessible, down to earth philosophy that will enrich your asana practice, read T.V.K. Desikachar's "The Heart of Yoga." If you are looking for a richer, less watered down version of this information, and are willing to put up with a less clear format, then this book may be preferable.

2. This is not a good presentation of the asanas. Many asanas are described but not pictured, and in addition, there is not a lot of detailed instructional information about most of the poses. In his defense, Ramaswami says that he is only cataloguing the asanas for reference purposes and that they should be learned only under the supervision of a teacher. All of the above applies equally to the section on pranayama. The presentation of vinyasakrama is the only bridge I've seen between Desikachar's viniyoga and Pattabhi Jois's Ashtanga yoga. Basically, it involves starting all poses in samasthiti and using the sun salutation poses to connect them, but with emphasis on the slower, gentler and personally customized routines that characterize viniyoga. This content came to me as a truly wonderful gift.

So, I would recommend this book only to people who are looking for a source of thought provoking yoga philosophy and especially those who want all the information they can get about Krishnamacharya's yoga system(s). This book will greatly enrich most aspects of your practice, however, it is best to approach it as a supplemental rather than primary source of information.

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Summary: Artistic Expression, Somatic Health and Religious Devotion
Review: Yoga for the Three Stages of Life is a must read for the aspiring yoga student and the accomplished practitioner alike. Never before has a practical yoga manual included sections on history, philosophy, spiritual applications, and actual guidelines for Yogasadhana and a lifelong, daily practice.

An understanding of Hinduism is vital if one aspires to a heartfelt appreciation of Yoga. However, long ago, when I first attempted to explore the minutia of my Hatha Yoga vocabulary and its history, I felt a disparity between the utilitarian instruction of asanas (yoga's physical postures) and a true feeling for the cultural richness and vibrancy from which these things had emerged. To enrich ones practice through understanding another culture, especially at the level of its deepest insights, requires a certain delicacy that must be cultivated from the start. Ramaswami sets out from the beginning explaining the history of the tradition and his own rare experiences in a polite, self effacing way that invites the reader to proceed into a world that has, for centuries, been the exclusive province of male Brahmanas. Yoga for the Three Stages of Life begins traditionally with a dedication to the Parents and Family Deity of the author. The first chapter then, deals with the history of the author's studies with his Guru, the renowned Krishnamacharya. Chapter Two salutes Patanjali, author of The Patanjali Yoga Sutras, and Father of Classical Yoga as we know it today.The chapters continue to unfold in a sequence not unlike that of the yoga classics of India. Defining the term Yoga... and proceeding to tell the reader how and why it is so. I hope readers will patiently try to absorb the Sanskrit terminology with the understanding that this IS the language of Yoga and it has a place, beyond reproach, in this Path. Furthermore, it has been this readers observation that when the roots of Sanskrit words are learned, their translations frequently allow me to view my life and my practice from a viewpoint quite fresh and different from my previous way of thinking. Chapters Four, Five and Six Are for those who wish to broaden and deepen their insight into the mental/spiritual foundation of the yogis practice and quiet their minds. This section contains vital information than has, for many years, been missing from most western texts on Yoga practice. The authentic, traditional approach is the author's emphasis and it is clear as the chapters unfold, that this is the method that he, himself, underwent beneath the watchful eyes of his Mentor, Krishnamacharya. After an immersion in the Sampradaya (lineage tradition) of Krishnamacharya's Vinyasakrama... Ramaswami deposits the reader at the door to the yoga practice hall and bids you to enter. The Vinyasakrama Hatha Yoga is then described and photographed in the sequential linked transitional movements that, along with the quiet roar of Ujjayi breathing, characterize Kishnamacharya's style. My only criticism is that there were not more photos as I am a very visual learner. Beyond that, the instructions were extremely clear and I can only hope for a videotape by the author and his students. When the asana segment is concluded, the reader comes upon some of Yoga's hidden jewels...Pranayama (manipulation of Prana by the yogi), Yoga for Women (including fetal development, family planning, and contraception), Chikitsa (therapy - the use of yoga as medical treatment), Antaranga Sadhana (internal religious observances), and last... Freedom (beatitude/liberation). These aspects of Yoga, like so much else in this book, are the subject of much jabber in the modern press... but one feels that the mystery and secrecy are quietly removed and the wisdom in the heart of these practices glows red hot from a place of the author's long abiding experience. It is this reader's belief that what I have found here is of great significance in the world Yoga community.

Thank You, Ramaswami!

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Summary: Review of Yoga for the Three Stages of Life
Review: YOGA FOR THE THREE STAGES OF LIFE is an extensive resource for anyone seeking an authentic, detailed description of yoga theory and practice. Srivatsa Ramaswami is an erudite scholar of yoga and an experienced teacher and practitioner. His teacher, Sri T. Krishnamacharya was also that of B. K. S. Iyengar and J. P. S. Pattabhi Jois, who both currently have extensive follwings in the United States. It may only be a matter of time before this is also true of Srivatsa Ramaswami. The book is divided into two sections. The first, on yoga theory is filled with innumerable quotes and references to authentic yogic texts. In this section, Ramaswami gives in-depth explanations of yoga, the story of Patanjali, the meaning of yogic terminology and its practical import. This aspect of the book alone is worth its price. I own many yoga books that only give a small portion of the information available in this text. The second section is on practice and presents the unique system of "vinyasa krama", which coordinates movement into and out of the classical postures with the breath. All major areas of practice are included and there are some quite advanced postures described and depicted. The section on breathing is one of the most detailed you will ever find short of going to India and training at the foot of a master. Ramaswami not only describes the practices but also explains how these exercises benefit health at every level of being. Because this is not a watered down introductory book, any yoga enthusiast will find expert guidance into expanding capacity. There are also chapters on practices particularly beneficial for women and on more esoteric aspects of yoga, such as stilling the mind and yoga's ultimate goal of freedom. Srivatsa Ramaswami has provided an enormous amount of information, detail, and source material for the benefit of the entire yoga community, and especially for the experienced practitioner who wants to improve and learn even more.