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Book Review of The Language Of Yoga: Complete A to Y guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants

The Language Of Yoga: Complete A to Y guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants
reviewed Say it right on + 14 more book reviews


This book and CD set is designed to help the yoga practitioner or teacher to learn how to properly pronounce the Sanskrit terms that are commonly used in yoga, such as asana names, the names of the eight limbs of yoga, animal names, classical texts, names of body parts, etc. If you are the type of person to whom such details are important, then you will really enjoy this work. Mr. Bachman says the term, pauses, then repeats it and pauses again, giving you the opportunity to practice saying the words aloud. It is a private yoga language tutorial, and it's a lot of fun!

There are two sections on the asanas: one according to astanga sequence, and an alphabetical listing. Each gives the sanskrit name (in sanskrit lettering--whatever that's called, as well as its transliteration), the english name of the asana, and a DRAWING of the pose in question--a word of caution if you are an "I can do that!" type of person.

No, it won't help you achieve Enlightenment, but you may get to impress your friends by saying "ardha buddha padma pascimottanasana." And you'll actually know what that means!