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A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga


The modern practice of yoga in Western culture is often criticized for disconnecting from its cultural, historical, and spiritual roots. In many studios and gyms, yoga is reduced to a fitness routine—focused on stretching rather than its original purpose of enlightening the mind. In "A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga," celebrated practitioner Nikita Desai reconnects readers with yoga’s ancient Indian origins. Drawing on her Indian heritage, Desai explores the deeper meanings behind yoga’s forms, postures, and intentions, offering a rich historical and philosophical context for those seeking a more authentic practice.

Desai shares her personal journey of reclaiming yoga’s essence, inviting readers to do the same by integrating cultural awareness into their practice. Her tone is welcoming and nonjudgmental, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

Although I do not practice yoga, my meditation roots lie in Zen Buddhism. Through conversations with practitioners of color, I’ve learned how yoga has been whitewashed and commodified. Desai addresses this issue with grace, offering a compelling case for honoring yoga’s origins. Her book serves as both a cultural primer and a guide to meaningful engagement, highlighting the importance of Sanskrit, yogic texts, and Hindu worldviews for those who seek a deeper, more respectful understanding of yoga.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Los Angeles Book Review.

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