I can't imagine a better book to recommend to a friend who is just starting to get interested in yoga but is confused by the multitude of different schools and their sometimes contradictory teachings. Furthermore, I find it hard to identify a book that I could recommend more highly to a yoga student looking to deepen their practice. The great gift of "The Heart of Yoga" lies not only in the depth of Desikachar's knowledge but also in the compassion, gentleness, practicality, and down-to-earth spirit that permeates the book.

Trained as a civil engineer, T. K. V. Desikachar lived and studied with his father until Krishnamacharya's death in 1989. He has dedicated his life to yoga education for people from all backgrounds and with all levels of ability, and he currently teaches at the school founded in memory of his father in Madras.