Learn how to incorporate traditional yoga into your modern practice - and feel the benefits. Yoga in its traditional form is a practice focused on inclusivity, inner work and peace. But the yoga that is practised today in the West has got a little lost along the way. In this accessible beginner''s guide, Indian yoga teacher Nikita Desai brings us back to the authentic roots of this ancient practice. In A Beginner''s Guide to the Roots of Yoga , Desai unpicks the complexities of the modern yoga space. Moving away from the focus on physical poses, she delves into traditional resources to show how yoga can help your mental and spiritual wellbeing. With a range of enlightening essays, she explores why change in the industry is vital, before centring key yogic texts, philosophy and history in a digestible manner to give you a basic understanding of the origins of yoga. Desai then guides you through integrating these foundations into your current practice both on and off the mat, so you can enjoy the benefits of the tradition while helping to make yoga today a more inclusive and diverse space. A Beginner''s Guide to the Roots of Yoga is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to make their practice more authentic.>

Vorwort
A practical and accessible guide to incorporating traditional yoga into a modern practice, by an Indian yoga teacher and educator.

Autorentext

Nikita Desai

Klappentext

'Crucial and timely' - VEX KING

SHORTLISTED FOR THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARDS 2025 - BEST WELLBEING BOOK
GOLD AWARD WINNER AT THE LIVING NOW AWARDS 2025 - EXERCISE, FITNESS AND YOGA BOOK

Learn how to incorporate traditional yoga into your modern practice - and feel the benefits.

Yoga in its authentic form is focused on inclusivity, inner work and peace. But the yoga that is practised in the Western world has got a little lost along the way.

Join Nikita Desai on her mission to help us understand yoga beyond the physical poses and pricey outfits that we're so familiar with today. Drawing on research and teachings from ancient sources, Desai helps us navigate this complex practice as we learn how to:

• Unpick the problems in modern yoga
• Understand the fundamentals of what yoga is in its truest form
• Explore key yogic texts and gurus to support our learning
• Add in practical elements of traditional yoga to our current practice, both on and off the mat.

A Beginner's Guide to the Roots of Yoga is the essential companion for anyone who wants to practise yoga respectfully and fully.

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What readers are saying:

'This was exactly what I never knew I needed to assess my foundation of knowledge'

'An outstanding book for yoga lovers and learners everywhere'

'If you are new to yoga practices and you are looking to gain some insight and deepen your connection, jump in, practise, read this book and enjoy the journey'

Inhalt

Foreword by Vex King
Introduction
How to use this book
A note on Sanskrit

Part 1: Why we should aim for an authentic yoga practice
1 - Problem 1: The emphasis on physicality in modern yoga
2 - Problem 2: Cultural appropriation in modern yoga
3 - Problem 3: Commercialisation in modern yoga
4 - Problem 4: The lack of diversity in modern yoga

Part 2: The foundations of yoga and a very brief history
1 - A brief timeline of the history of yoga
2 - The roots of yoga
3 - Significant literature in yoga
4 - Significant gurus of yoga

Part 3: Integrating authenticity into your practice
1 - Three key yogic teachings
2 - Types or styles of yoga
3 - Traditional yoga: The four key margas
4 - Traditional yoga: Hatha yoga
5 - A note on chakras
6 - Traditional yoga: Ashtanga yoga
7 - Limb 1 - Yamas (our behaviours)
8 - Limb 2 - Niyamas (self-observations)
9 - Limb 3 - Asana (physical postures)
10 - Limb 4 - Pranayama (regulation of breath)
11 - Limb 5 - Pratyahara (the influence of our senses)
12 - Limb 6 - Dharana (concentration)
13 - Limb 7 - Dhyana (meditation)
14 - Limb 8 - Samadhi (pure awareness)
15 - Yoga Nidra: a practice for deep relaxation
16 - Studying yogic texts/scriptures

Part 4: Continuing your journey
1 - 10 next steps
2 - My hope for the future

Resources
References
Acknowledgements
Index