Yoga Beyond Asana The Complete Guide for Blissful Life Hardcover – March 1, 2012

If you are seeking to deepen your yoga practice beyond Downward Dog, Satya Kalra's "Yoga Beyond Asana..." is an excellent place to start. This book is elegant and thoughtful yet also approachable for the reader whose only familiarity with yoga might be from the gym or studio. Satya Kalra has created a simple but powerful introduction to yoga as a complete practice -- not just asana (the physical poses most Westerners associate with the word "yoga") but that philosophy behind the eight-limbed path itself. Each short chapter represents a day on a 31 day journey towards enlightenment, peace, and better physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Satya introduces the reader to the many different forms of yoga in a way that is easy to understand. She includes quotations from the Bhagavad Gita throughout, which is a wonderful way to get to know this important text. One thing I really appreciated is the way Satya reinforces that yoga itself is not a religion -- it is a way of living that is compatible with any system of religious belief. (In this way, I think "Yoga Beyond Asana" is not only useful for those seeking to deepen their own practice, but may also be helpful for those who experience resistance from family or friends who are concerned that yoga somehow runs counter to Christianity or other religions. This book makes clear that yoga is a path of health and peace that members of any religion can practice. And because it is a brief read, "Yoga Beyond Asana" would be a great book to give to people who have questions about "What is this yoga you're into?") Each brief chapter includes some verses from the Bhagavad Gita, a short discussion of the aspect of yoga to be explored that day, and an exercise, quotation, or affirmation for the reader to focus on. The chapters on pranayama and meditation, in particular, are helpful as they walk the reader through the basics of these techniques. In addition, Satya encourages the reader to read the beautiful poem at the very end of the book each day to focus his or her practice. The spiritual planner at the end of the book is also helpful as readers explore the book and the exercises it contains.Satya Kalra has provided an excellent, accessible introduction to really living one's yoga. It is a wonderful program in an of itself, and it will also serve as a launching pad for students who wish to further explore the sacred texts and practices of yoga on their own. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about yoga beyond the mat.

I've been doing Yoga for a couple of years, and have discovered that the more I learn about the principles behind the movement, the better my practice becomes and the more I get out of it. This book is a great way for the casual Yoga participant to learn more about the thinking behind the postures to gain a deeper and more satisfying practice.

This book has it, in a concise way. What westerners think of as yoga (asanas, or poses) are just one aspects of the 12 limbs of yoga. The author, without getting too complicated, explains what the other limbs are (self-inquiry, compassion, meditation, etc.) and how we can bring them into our lives practically.

We are all seeking happiness, freedom from ignorance, freedom from daily grind and freedom from inner conflicts. Mrs Satya Kalra's book contains the eternal wisdom of the ancient sages of India. My heart's salutations to her for bringing out this little e-book of wisdom...Joy Kapur (Author: Your Quantum Essence)

A great book I enjoyed it thoroughly and review it regulary.this is a very useful book for all who are seeking

This book really allows you to understand how Yoga is a spiritual practice and can be a key part of creating a blissful life.

After just finishing Satya Kalra's pocket-book, "Path to Anandam-Yoga Beyond Asana...The Complete Guide for a Blissful Life," I can attest to feeling more present, aware, and blissful. I'm no stranger to yoga, having been taught the postures by my dad when I was five. I've read books on yoga as well, but this book is by far the easiest, most informative, and digestible. In fact, Satya's book is designed in such a way that you can read just one page a day and learn about the history of yoga, actually engage in a chant, meditation or an Asana: physical posture, apply the wealth of information and actually benefit immediately! There are visuals for those who need the story in pictures, not just in words. It's a fast read, but why speed-read a book about yoga when you're actually starting to chill out? Not only that, but I was fortunate enough to listen in on a call where Satya was a guest speaker and her vibe alone spread joy and relaxation through my entire body! She's the real deal and her book is a must have for anyone who's looking to be more present to create a conscious and intentional lifestyle.

For anyone who has wanted to start on a spiritual path but you didn't know where to begin...now you do. Satya has even provided a daily planner with spaces to check off your daily yoga, pranayam (breathing) and meditation/prayer. She gives a spiritual thought to contemplate each day and substantiates that thought with quotes from the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.Because the path to bliss that is recommended is more than just yoga asanas (postures) you might think this book is too advanced but the beauty is that Satya has made the advanced so absolutely simple so that it is accessible for the novice and advanced practitioner alike. This book is an absolute treasure.