Per the author, this book is intended to be an “inspirational one that would encourage those who are interested in yoga to take it up, and … enrich the practice of those who have been doing it for years.” The book was published in 2002. It contains 3 sections: “Yoga Now”, “Practicing Yoga” and “Back to the Roots of Yoga”. The first section tries to address head-on the problem that the yoga practiced in the West (i.e. outside of India) often is prone to faddish popularity and exploited for profit. Implicit in the writing of this book, however, is the belief that yoga has more to offer than what Westerners often take from it. The second section describes some key asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation. The asana descriptions are not as detailed as some other books or what one could receive in a class from a good yoga instructor. However, in this book there is general background information, and some discussion of the purpose or benefits of the poses. It may not be essential to learning the poses, but it does increase the student's understanding of them. The chapters on pranayama and meditation are similar in that precise instruction is not attempted, but the subjects are explained in clear but general fashion, and achieve the “inspirational” effect the author intended. In the final section, a historical review of yoga is given. This is also very interesting. The book end with a bibliography for more in-depth reading, and a short list of Sanskrit terms.
The book format is like a “coffee table” book with many bright pictures on almost every other page. However, the author knows her subject well, and writes very well, so the book achieves much more that the average “coffee table” book. For anyone with an interest in yoga, and who hasn't yet read all the books listed in the bibliography, it is worth reading. ( )

Yoga is thousands of years old, but because of its current popularity, some people wrongly dismiss it as just another exercise fad made fashionable by celebrities. In fact, as author Kathy Phillips demonstrates in this large, beautifully illustrated book, yoga is a gentle but powerful means of achieving strength, flexibility, serenity, and a healthy balance between body and mind. Originating on the Indian subcontinent at the dawn of civilization, yoga is now accepted worldwide as an effective way to deal with physical and emotional stress. The Spirit of Yoga is a sensible introduction for beginners, and a source of inspiration for current practitioners who would like to learn more. It explains differences among the various yoga disciplines, enabling readers to make a considered choice that best fits their needs. The author uses her experience as a yoga teacher to describe exercises and postures—also shown in color photos—that can promote physical health and body flexibility while inducing emotional tranquility. Yoga positions are suggested as effective remedies for physical ailments and for discomforts produced by everyday stress. The author's witty approach to her subject demystifies today's yoga hype while offering readers sound guidance and emphasizing the entirely real benefits they can derive from this honorable discipline. The book's foreword is by the international fashion model Christy Turlington. Hundreds of color photos and illustrations.