Amrit Yoga - By Yogi Amrit Desai

Amrit Foundation, copyright 2000

Reviewed by Aileen Hansen

Locating a yoga class in America was challenging 20 years ago. Experienced teachers and flexible class schedules were in short supply. Most classes offered only a generic style of yoga. Furthermore, convenient locations or formal teacher training were often difficult to find. Unfortunately, selecting a class in a small town was nearly impossible.

Today the prospective yoga student discovers a dazzling array of choices, especially in the larger cities. Many new styles of yoga practice have emerged as yoga has gained popularity. The yoga neophyte's current challenge is to choose from the numerous available options.

Now another delicacy is being served on the bountiful buffet of yoga styles; Amrit Yoga, recently self-published by Yogi Amrit Desai, 67, makes its debut. In his latest of many books, Desai describes his updated developments in yoga science. It is the result of a lifetime of study, practice, and teaching.

The skinny paperback is heavily packed with wisdom. Possibilities for a more fulfilling yoga lifestyle are described. Basic principles of Amrit Yoga are succinctly defined.

There is one unique identifying characteristic of Amrit Yoga: it integrates meditative awareness with awakened prana of the body. There is a conscientious focus on movement and body sensations. Amrit Yoga is a complementary blend of hatha (bodywork) and raja (mindwork) yoga.

According to Desai, a blissful union of mind, body, and spirit is the result. This direct experience is the key to a true understanding of yoga principles. Wisdom is awakened at a core level, not merely intellectual or physical.

The book describes how to have a conscious yoga practice that can be of intrinsic value in everyday life. Desai explains why life can be a series of ongoing conflicts. He clarifies how to become empowered and more effective in daily encounters. The language is simple and to the point.

There is an enlightening discussion on higher consciousness. The necessity of mindfulness is explained. The book later describes the three stages of Amrit Yoga.

Stage I is called "Willful Practice." In this stage the practitioner learns to do the postures correctly and without force. Movement is deliberately slow and focused. There is close attention to details of correct form. Self-acceptance and respect of personal capabilities are emphasized.

Stage II is described as "Will and Surrender." Internal focus is intensified. This intermediate stage is characterized by a prolonged holding of the posture. Mental and emotional disturbances are subdued. Following Desai's instruction, one can "melt, merge, and disappear" into the internal energy experience.

An interesting feature of this stage is Desai's division of the posture into two parts. First is the actual performance of the asana. The second part is the period that follows, which comes with the posture release. He recommends being fully attentive to physical sensations at this time. Desai remarks that this is when the integrative process of mind, body, and spirit is most active.

The last stage is "Surrender." Spontaneous movement distinguishes it. The body's wisdom guides the posture flow, while the thinking mind is quiet. Here rules, techniques, and mental learning are discarded. Movements are guided purely by the higher intelligence of prana, the life force within. There is an improvisation of movement spurred from deep inner impulses.

The book concludes with some affirming thoughts. One is, "I am the creator of my present and future, regardless of what happened in the past." Desai stresses the value of transcending the ego consciousness to tap into the unlimited source of potential within. He shines a light on the spiritual path for those who are seeking the Truth.

Amrit Desai is an internationally renowned yoga master. He is also the creator of Kripalu Yoga, which is one of the world's most widely practiced styles of yoga today. His teachings have reached hundreds of thousands of people.

Amrit Yoga provides a new approach for the yoga practitioner. Just as there are many styles of music, there are yoga rhythms and beats to meet the needs of each unique individual. What is the melody of your body? Are you looking for a yoga practice that has a heart-gripping tempo and some deep-down soul? Amrit Yoga invites you to tune in.