While there is no denying yoga's popularity as a form of physical exercise, the other life-enhancing aspects of this tradition remain obscure to many Westerners. In Yoga for Transformation, Gary Kraftsow introduces techniques that treat not only the physical body but also the emotions, mind, heart, and soul of the practitioner-the places where real transformation can take place. There are breathing techniques to control energy levels, exercises to train and sharpen the intellect, and meditative practices to help increase self-awareness. With more than 350 black and white photographs throughout, this unique and accessible book is dedicated to strengthening the whole self-body, mind, and spirit.

"Gary Kraftsow . . . will inspire every Yoga enthusiast." (T. K. V. Desikachar)

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The publication is in two parts. The first is a presentation of the classical five dimensions to the human being from the Taittriyha Upanishad integrated with the Kriya Yoga model of transformation from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the age and orientation models of Yoga practice from the teaching lineage often known as Viniyoga in the West. This discussion alone will be of much interest to the serious Yoga student of any tradition, for many classical teachings are condensed in a well-written, authoritative and accessible manner. The authority comes both from the influential teachings of Krishnamacharya and his son, Desikachar and the scholarship of the author, a student of Desikachar, Sanskrit and religion for many years.

Following this foundation is a series of discussions and practices sequentially emphasizing each of the 5 dimensions: Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya and Anadamaya. Within these discussions are more well-written teachings on Pranayama, the Bandhas and the Cakra model. These practices are instructive and surprisingly challenging by themselves, but they are not prescriptions. They are illustrations of principles that can be further adapted by individuals to better support their own bodies and purpose for Yoga practice. In brief, this is what the Viniyoga teachings are all about. Still, the practices can be practiced by individuals on their own or used by a teacher as a template when working with his or her own students in group classes. For those not familiar with Viniyoga, the practices are well-presented with pictures and detailed instructions.

For those who have worked with the author for some time, several of the practices are familiar, but others are new. Many of the best practices he has presented at workshops are not shown. This book will be a relief for the many students who have tried to recall the flood of information presented at workshops around the country because much, but not all, is finally written down. A natural complement for this book is Kraftsow's first book, Yoga for Wellness, where the principles of Viniyoga asana practice are presented, along with many therapeutic applications of breath and movement. Three other good complements are Yoga for Body, Breath and Mind by A.G. Mohan, The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar and The Essence of Yoga: Reflections on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Bernard Bouanchaud.

26 of 29 found the following review helpful:

Elegance in ActionJan 30, 2003
By Kenneth Eric Getz
There's lots of noise in the yoga world today. . .infomercial style promises that yoga will sculpt this and mold that. This book brings much needed clarity to a confused universe. It's message is simple, time-honored, and authentic: your yoga journey begins and ends with you. Yoga for Transformation is elegant and speaks with a quiet, compasionate wisdom that radiates the true spirit of a profound yogic heritage.

19 of 22 found the following review helpful:

What you need from Viniyoga of YogaJul 11, 2002

Designed very simply with clear pictures. A book that every yoga student should have. A very good reference. Gary Kraftsow's "yoga for wellness" deals with the technology behind viniyoga, where this piece gives a personal practice session including pranayama.

2 of 3 found the following review helpful:

Transform your life!Sep 26, 2009
By H. G. Swint "Panic RHM"
Transform your life! This book is amazing, I do not recommend it for beginner yogi's but for anyone that has the desire to deepen their yoga practice - get this book! The pranayama sections are very detailed and the sections on meditation/krias are great. This book is for someone who wants to make yoga a part of their life, not just a fly by night hobby. Gary is a wonderful teacher and writer.

2 of 3 found the following review helpful:

YFT on the KindleMar 02, 2009
By Beth
I am so grateful to have this book available on my Kindle. As a long time student of Gary Kraftsow's I treasure this text for both its completeness and it succinctness. It is a constant reference not only as a reminder for my interactions with my students, but even more for refreshing my own personal practice. The graphics translate quite nicely to the Kindle screen.

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