A Beginner's Guide to the Roots of Yoga

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

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 of 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
Summary

Part 2: The foundations of yoga and a (very brief) history

1 – A brief timeline to the history of yoga
2 – The roots of yoga
3 – Significant literature in yoga
4 – Significant gurus of yoga
Summary

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 nehaviours
8 – Limb 2 – Niyamas – Self Ooservations
9 – Limb 3 – Asana – Physical postures
10 – Limb 4 – Pra?ayama – Regulation of breath
11 – Limb 5 – Pratyahara – The influence of our senses
12 – Limb 6 – Dharana – Concentration of the mind
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
3 – Resources

References
Acknowledgements
Index