I have picked up this book more times than I can remember, only to put it down 15 minutes later in frustration. The author is a poor writer, making it read like a fragmented encyclopedia and there are far too many (new) sanskrit words to learn, making comprehension of the dry text an additional challenge. There is alot of good information in here, but in many cases (asanas, mantras, kundalini) the topics are given enough attention to confuse the reader, but not enough to provide a complete picture of how and why. For those who find reading an encylopedia cover to cover interesting this may be the book for you ... I picked up "The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga" (can't remember the author right now) and read it straight through ... far easier to comprehend and relate to my life.

Do you meditate? Then read this book. Do you have a rich inner life? This book can show you how. The Yoga Book is a clearly and concisely written treatise on deep yogic truths and time-honored methods for discovering the spiritual path within your own being, and your own spine. I found helpful the information on pranayama, diet, and Godly attitudes, to name a few. Stephen Sturgess has written about a delicate subject with even greater delicacy and clarity. It answered many of my unasked questions on the ancient teaching of yoga. I applaud his well-spent efforts! But don't take my word for it; take the book.