A Beginner's Guide to the Roots of Yoga

'Crucial and timely' - VEX KING
SHORTLISTED FOR THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARDS 2025 - BEST WELLBEING BOOK
GOLD AWARD WINNER AT THE LIVING NOW AWARDS 2025 - EXERCISE, FITNESS AND YOGA BOOK
Learn how to incorporate traditional yoga into your modern practice - and feel the benefits.
Yoga in its authentic form is focused on inclusivity, inner work and peace. But the yoga that is practised in the Western world has got a little lost along the way...
Join Nikita Desai on her mission to help us understand yoga beyond the physical poses and pricey outfits that we're so familiar with today. Drawing on research and teachings from ancient sources, Desai helps us navigate this complex practice as we learn how to:
- Unpick the problems in modern yoga
- Understand the fundamentals of what yoga is in its truest form
- Explore key yogic texts and gurus to support our learning
- Add in practical elements of traditional yoga to our current practice, both on and off the mat.
A Beginner's Guide to the Roots of Yoga is the essential companion for anyone who wants to practise yoga respectfully and fully.
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What readers are saying:
'This was exactly what I never knew I needed to assess my foundation of knowledge'
'An outstanding book for yoga lovers and learners everywhere'
'If you are new to yoga practices and you are looking to gain some insight and deepen your connection, jump in, practise, read this book and enjoy the journey'

Nikita Desai is a highly sought-after yoga practitioner and educator who is passionate about promoting the traditions and benefits of authentic yoga to the modern yoga space. As a leading voice on this topic, Desai has worked with companies from ITV to TikTok HQ to spread her message. Desai regularly runs workshops, both online and at festivals, and she is the owner of the online studio Arya Yoga @nikyyoga

Foreword by Vex King
Introduction
How to use this book
A note on Sanskrit
Part 1: Why we should aim for an authentic yoga practice
1 - Problem 1: The emphasis on physicality in modern yoga
2 - Problem 2: Cultural appropriation in modern yoga
3 - Problem 3: Commercialisation in modern yoga
4 - Problem 4: The lack of diversity in modern yoga
Part 2: The foundations of yoga and a very brief history
1 - A brief timeline of the history of yoga
2 - The roots of yoga
3 - Significant literature in yoga
4 - Significant gurus of yoga
Part 3: Integrating authenticity into your practice
1 - Three key yogic teachings
2 - Types or styles of yoga
3 - Traditional yoga: The four key margas
4 - Traditional yoga: Hatha yoga
5 - A note on chakras
6 - Traditional yoga: Ashtanga yoga
7 - Limb 1 - Yamas (our behaviours)
8 - Limb 2 - Niyamas (self-observations)
9 - Limb 3 - Asana (physical postures)
10 - Limb 4 - Pranayama (regulation of breath)
11 - Limb 5 - Pratyahara (the influence of our senses)
12 - Limb 6 - Dharana (concentration)
13 - Limb 7 - Dhyana (meditation)
14 - Limb 8 - Samadhi (pure awareness)
15 - Yoga Nidra: a practice for deep relaxation
16 - Studying yogic texts/scriptures

Part 4: Continuing your journey
1 - 10 next steps
2 - My hope for the future
Resources
References
Acknowledgements
Index