The world-famous violinist Sir Yehudi Menuhin said about yoga that it is "a technique ideally suited to prevent physical and mental illness and to protect the body generally, developing an inevitable sense of self-reliance and assurance." Yoga did not make him a musical genius, but has given him energy, balance, and a sense of well-being for the past four decades, allowing him full expression of his great talent.

Yoga can do the same for anyone. Old or young. Male or female. Busy or super busy. In fact, yoga in one form or another is practiced by several million people today. It has been part of the kaleidoscope of our Western culture for over a century now and has proven incredibly effective in the maintenance of a sound body and mind and even the restoration of one's health. This is why several progressive insurance companies are now including yoga in their alternative therapies coverage.

Yoga is a tradition that looks back upon at least 5,000 years of experience and experimentation. Although it was created in India in a different cultural environment, the basic insights and laws on which it is based are valid anywhere in the world. Of course, there is much more to yoga than its potency as a system of health care. But this is for you to discover.

In this book, you will be gently but persuasively guided into the beginnings of yoga practice. The authors serve as knowledgeable and cheerful friends, motivating you all the way. Within these pages you will find no lack of encouragement, and everything is explained step by step. So, please, take the leap into what you will discover to be a rewarding and healing experience.

Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., M. Litt., is director of the Yoga Research Center; author of Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga and Shambhala Guide to Yoga; editor of the Yoga World newsletter; and a contributing editor of Yoga Journal.

Imagine waking up one morning to find that all stresses in your life have been replaced with total joy. Yes, joy—the kind of pure joy you felt as a child when it was summer and the sun was shining and you had nothing to do but explore the whole world. Now, imagine possessing a strong, flexible body over which you have complete control. To top that off (literally!), imagine a mind free of chaotic thought, confusion, and uncertainty. Imagine pure health, pure consciousness, and pure bliss. These are the goals of the yogi.

And that yogi is you! Even if you don't attain your goals tomorrow or the next day, you will soon be on an amazing journey. We have each traveled down our own paths a little way. We've looked ahead, peeked over the horizon of the next few hills, and now we'd like to give you some hints about how to make the most of what's in store for you on your journey into yourself. Yoga is a process of self-discovery, and everyone's discoveries will be different, but we hope to steer you toward the potential "you," the perfect "you," the "you" waiting to be set free.

It won't be difficult. Yoga is beautifully simple. In fact, we think you're gonna love it!