Book Review - Light on Life

By BKS Iyengar

“Light on Life” is one of BKS Iyengar’s latest books. It was written in 2005 when he was 60 years into Yoga practice. It is a really easy read and sheds light on how the Asana practice ties into everyday life, our health and our wellness.

He suggests that physical health is not a commodity to be bargained for. It is something that we must build up. We look to creat within ourselves the experience of beauty, liberation and infinity. This is health. When a person is healthy, smiles shine forth like the rays of the sun.

We should not under estimate the value of asana. Even in simple asana one is experiencing the three levels of the quest. The external quest which brings firmness of the body, the internal quest which brings steadiness of intelligence; and the inner most quest which brings benevolence of spirit.

Light on Life is full of examples of real life scenario’s. It speaks of external challenges such as how to pay the mortgage and feed and clothe the family. But it also suggests that if you are in balance, if there is an energetic osmosis between you and the outer world, you will adapted survive your problems.

A great boon of yoga, even for relative beginners, is the happiness it brings, a state of self-reliant contentment. Happiness is good in itself and a basis for progress. An unquiet mind cannot meditate. A happy and serene mind allows us to pursue our quest as well as live with artistry and skill.

So pick up a copy of Light on Life if you can. Inspiration comes in many forms!