The text is a reference/collection of yoga techniques. The techniques are divided into groups: namely those mentioned in the title plus Shatkarma. The first group (Asana) takes by far the largest space (3/4); the other groups are approximately of equal length with Bandha being considerable shorter. Each technique is presented in a uniform way that first describes the technique step by step and then lists (a subset of) notes on "Breathing", "Duration", "Awareness", "Benefits", "Contra-Indications", etc...

Since I found these notes often repetitious or simply annoying (see below) I mostly only read the technique descriptions which almost always was well understandable.

Most techniques are illustrated with a drawing of a person performing some stage of the technique. While these drawings certainly have their value they are of poor quality (anatomically and concerning the print quality). I consider this the main disadvantage against Iyengar's "Light on Yoga". The set of presented Asanas (i.e. without even considering the other groups: Pranayama, ...) is more diverse than that given in Iyengar's book, e.g. it contains anti-rheumatic exercises (that I would call warm-up exercises) and eye exercises.

As usual for texts of this kind, bold statements about health improvements are made (e.g., p. 74: "Simplifying the diet [...] will help rectify poor vision". Also, the notes on "Benefits" often seem dubious) and overly cautious warnings are too often heard in the notes on "Contra-Indications" (sure, not everyone should do every exercise but I do not see why, e.g., people with high blood pressure should not perform Padahastasana; cf. p. 235).

To conclude, the text is a decent and quite exhaustive overview over the techniques of Hatha Yoga. ( )

Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha is recognized internationally as one of the most systematic yoga manuals available today. Since its first publication by the Bihar School of Yoga in 1969, it has been reprinted thirteen times and translated into many languages. It is the main reference text used by yoga teachers and students of Bihar Yoga/Satyananda Yoga within the International Yoga Fellowship Movement, and many other traditions as well.

This comprehensive text provides clear illustrations, step by step directions and details of chakra awareness. It guides the practitioner or teacher from the simplest to the most advanced practices of the hatha yoga system. A therapeutic index is included for use by doctors and yoga therapists incorporating recent information from research into yoga. This edition successfully brings the exposition of yoga practices to the standard of a university text.

Suitable for all teachers and practitioners.

About the Author:

Swami Satyananda is considered to be one of the major forces in bringing yoga to the West. He travelled the world tirelessly for over twenty years sharing the inspiration of yoga. During this time he wrote over 80 books on Yoga, Tantra and Spirituality. Swami Satyananda retired from public life in 1988 to work for mankind's upliftment in a more universal way. He moved to Rikhiapeeth, in a small village in Jharkhand in India, where he worked to support the local community and improve their quality of life.

After inspiring millions to live the divine life, Swami Satyananda took mahasamadhi at midnight on December 5th 2009 at Rikhiapeeth, leaving the present inspirers of the Satyananda Yoga tradition, Swami Niranjanananda and Swami Satyasangananda (popularly known as Swami Satsangi), to continue his work for humanity.

APMB has been recognised internationally as one of the most systematic yoga manuals available. This enlarged and revised edition provides clear illustrations, step-by-step instructions and details. It guides the practitioner or teacher easily through the practices from the simplest to the most advanced. A classic! ( )

APMB has been recognised internationally as one of the most systematic yoga manuals available. This enlarged and revised edition provides clear illustrations, step-by-step instructions and details. It guides the practitioner or teacher easily through the practices from the simplest to the most advanced. A classic! ( )

From the Bihar School of Yoga, a must-have primer on classical Hatha Yoga practiced as it should be.