Yoga Beneath the Surface: An American Student and His Indian teacher Discuss Yoga Philosophy and Practice »

Srivatsa Ramaswami studied yoga with the legendary Sri. T. Krishnamacharya for more then thirty years and had taught Krishnamacharya’s vinyasa yoga for more than twenty years in India and the United States. He has extensive knowledge of the classic yoga texts; is the author of The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga for the Three Stages of Life, and countless yoga articles; and has made more than thirty-five recordings of Sanskrit mantras.

David Hurwitz is a yogi and yoga instructor who has studied for almost twenty years, most recently with Srivatsa Ramaswami. He has written articles on Yoga for the studies and journal of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and for LA Yoga magazine. He lives in Los Angeles.

In The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga<, Srivatsa Ramaswami presented the full breadth of yogasana teachings as taught by Sri. T. Krishnamacharya (1888–1989) — the father of modern yoga. Now, for the first time, Ramaswami imparts his vast yoga experience and knowledge of Krishnamachara’s distinct vinyasa krama system in an accessible question-and-answer format with experienced California yogi David Hurwitz.

In a beautifully clear and conversational style, Ramaswami and Hurwitz delve deeply into various general and specific topics relating to yoga philosophy and practice, shedding light on even the most confusing concepts. The nearly 240 questions are drawn directly from Hurwitz’s private study with Ramaswami, and include: Does yoga lead to happiness? How do we achieve the famous ahimsa (non-violence)? How does the yogi “see” his soul? What is the role of breath in Asana? Where does willpower come in? and Was Krishnamacharya happy?

Yoga Beneath the Surface is the next best thing to studying directly with one of yoga’s true gurus — and a must-read for every serious yoga student.

Library Journal

Ramaswami (The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga) studied with Sri. T. Krishnamacharya (1888-1989), the father of modern yoga, for more than 30 years and has taught vinyasa yoga in India and the United States for approximately 20 years. Hurwitz, his student and an experienced yogi in his own right, sat down with Ramaswami for an in-depth discussion of the philosophical foundations of yoga. Their dialog, in question-and-answer format, sheds light on concepts that may be confusing. Topics include breathing and postures-with illustrations-as well as more abstract subjects (e.g., "Does yoga lead to happiness?"; "How does the yogi see his soul?"). Ramaswami and Hurwitz discuss the role of walking in yoga, the practice of yoga while traveling, God, and the integration of yoga with other religious traditions. Their book is best suited to readers with some background and experience in yoga practice. That said, it makes an excellent addition to all library collections because it covers materials not found in basic texts and how-to manuals.-Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.