Light on Yoga - 50th Anniversary

This year marks the 50th anniversary since the first publication of Light on Yoga was released.

Although it was first published in 1966 by George Allen and Unwin it was many, many years in the making. 

In an article written by Mr. Iyengar and republished in Yoga Rahasya (vol.23, No.3, 2016) he writes on the struggles and hurdles in compiling this book. 

He was asked to write a book on yoga by a publisher from Mumbai in 1958 so thus began the arduous task of writing and rewriting, many interjecting fear and discouragement in his project. 

At that time Mr. Iyengar was teaching in Mumbai on the weekends and in this article he wrote of how he would work on the project on the train rides and ask his most senior students for input.

It was during one of his trips abroad to teach, and after many years of working on the book that he showed his manuscript to a student who knew someone that worked for George Allen and Unwin. 

Mr. Yorke helped in editing the book and publishing it.

In a note he wrote to Mr. Iyengar on its publication was, "If a thousand of Light on Yoga are sold in a year take it as spiritual success".

With over 600 photos and 200 asana Light on Yoga is still a leading book on yoga even today selling over a million copies. 

To show my gratitude to Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar for his dedication in sharing the gift of yoga with the world I will write about a page from the book for the next 50 days or more. It might be a quote, an idea to share, etc. As each page contains a wealth of information. 

Namaste. 

Pamela Nelson
 

Www.plnyoga.blogspot.com