Beyond Power Yoga: 8 Levels of Practice for Body and Soul

Power Yoga, Beryl Bender Birch's first book, is a great introduction to developing a strong asana practice. In Beyond Power Yoga, Beryl reminds us that true astanga yoga is about more than physical health; rather it includes ethical living, a disciplined mind and body, and openness to that which is larger than ourselves. Beryl presents this information in a conversational, friendly manner, similar to how she spoke at a workshop I recently attended. Asanas, of course, are at the core of this work, and BPY gives us a good overview of a mixed primary and secondary series of practice. However, BPY goes beyond the asanas by linking the chakras to the 8 limbs of astanga yoga practice as detailed in the Yoga Sutras. The section on pranayama is exceptional--she brings a relatively obscure practice down to earth in a way that reveals not only how to do it, but *why* it's important to practice in our lives. This is a book for those interested in the larger picture of yoga and how it fits into a spiritual/philosophical worldview of how to live rightly on this earth. Highly recommended for those who like to sweat but are ready for even more from their practice, as well as those from other hatha yoga traditions, if just to prove that astanga yoga is rooted in spirit as well as matter.

I am greatly impressed by Birch's new book, "Beyond Power Yoga." I feel that she has managed to distill all of her experience and teaching skills into an incredibly well written text that is both very enjoyable to read and also very inspiring and personally challenging. Usually sequels are not as good as the original, but "Beyond Power Yoga" is an outstanding exception. I feel that it is truly an uncompromisingly honest piece of work.

As a committed beginning yoga student--6+ months practicing--this is exactly what I have been looking for. In the West few yoga teachers are willing to make the spiritual and ehthical connections that are an essential part of yoga--union--mind and body, world and spirit. Perhaps they feel that American students are only looking for a "workout." But as the body bends and becomes more flexible, so can the mind. The energy that makes you physically strong also can liberate your spirit from the many weights that drag it down. Birch's writing is not only clear and helpful, but very moving. Reading this book, and starting to integrate the practices into one's whole life, will open up a lot of unexplored places in your life. She interprets the yoga philosophy in terms that speak directly to the student. I think she is especially helpful to women practitioners, since so much of the traditional yoga culture has been male. Wonderful--very highly recommended!

I heartily agree with the previous reviews that praise Beryl Bender Birch's newest book. After reading Power Yoga I felt extremely inspired to start and continue practice of asana postures...but this book surpasses the postures described in detail in Power Yoga. Beyond Power Yoga: 8 Levels of Practice for Body and Soul, is truly the continuation of the Astanga practice for those yogi's who wish to improve their health physically and mentally. BBB reviews the postures described in Power Yoga and continues into an in depth description of the connections between the physical practice and the movement of prana through the chakras. She also discusses the history and progression of yoga in a direct and interesting manner. I highly recommend this book to both beginners and advanced yoga practicers because the author makes sure to cover all levels of Astanga yoga in a challenging but reassuring manner. This book provides pure motivation for the Yoga enthusiast!

BBB does it again! What a find. I read Power Yoga a year ago and was very pleased to find Beyond... on the shelf last week. This book will give you a thorough introduction to astanga yoga, or deepen your already existing practice. But more than that, it takes you deeper into WHY practicing yoga is so challenging, why you run into hurdles/blocks, why they are good for you, and how to overcome them. Exactly why I was browsing the yoga shelf that day.....