Amazon.com (ISBN 078943301X, Paperback)

The London Sivananda Yoga Center's Yoga Mind & Body is a comprehensive yet user-friendly guide for anyone interested in starting or expanding a yoga practice. All the essentials are covered, from the Sun Salutation and 12 basic asanas (the system of poses that make up hatha yoga) to relaxation, positive thinking, breathing, purification, and meditation techniques. The book contains more than 500 beautiful illustrations demonstrating both basic and advanced poses. The detailed instructions will enable anyone, regardless of age, sex, or physical ability, to start practicing yoga at home. The physical, mental, and pranic (energy) benefits of each pose are included, as well as a discussion of common alignment problems associated with each asana. The authors also give readers a taste of yoga philosophy and the yoga lifestyle, including a section on vegetarianism complete with dozens of recipes to refuel after completing those shoulder stands, forward bends, and spinal twists. --Ellen Albertson