Mohan, A. G. (with Ganesh Mohan). Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings.Krishnamacharya (1888-1988) is considered the "father of modern yoga." Some of his famous students included B.K.S. Iyengar, Patabi Jois, Indira Devi, T.K.V Desikachar (his son), and the author, A. G. Mohan. He is largely responsible for the popularization of yoga through his own influence and through the influence of his students.
A.G. Mohan began studied with Krishnamacharya for nearly two decades at the end of Krishnamacharya's long life. He gives an overview of Krishnamacharya's early years and studies, but does not go into his lessons with Iyengar, Patabi Jois, or Indira Devi. Instead he relates his own personal experiences with his teacher and mentor with great respect and reverence.
"... A. G. Mohan, a well-respected yoga teacher and yoga therapist, draws on his own memories and Krishnamacharya’s diaries and recorded material, to present a fascinating view of the man and his teachings, and Mohan's own warm and inspiring relationship with the master. This portrait of the great teacher will be a compelling and informative read for yoga teachers and students who truly want to understand the source of their tradition and practice." Product Description
The book is quite short with many references to ancient texts with which I am not familiar and only brief information about Krishnamacharya's early years, but I agree with the Product Description -- it is an excellent read for yoga teachers and students interested in learning more about their tradition.
Nonfiction. Biographical. 2010. 151 pages.
That is short biography for such an esteemed individual.
ReplyDeleteChristina-- Evidently, Krishnamacharya never talked or wrote much about himself. He was very modest and his writings were about yoga and interpretations of yoga texts. He was 100 when he died, and that was 22 years ago. Most of the people who knew of his early life are dead.
ReplyDeleteA.G. Mohan decided to limit the majority of the book to his personal interaction with the man.
I have to admit that I expected more, especially in regard to some of his famous students and his early yoga classes.
Very interesting. I keep telling myself that I must read more about yoga!
ReplyDeleteIliana, I wouldn't begin with this one. You are reading some Donna Farhi, right? She's good and really discusses more about the actual practice.
ReplyDelete