Yoga is as old as civilisation and has been practised for thousands of years as a gentle, but powerful means of achieving strength, flexibility, stillness and balance in body and mind. Though it originated in the sub-continent of India thousands of years ago, it is as relevant and popular today as ever before, with more and more people turning to yoga as a way of dealing with the stresses and strains of modern living. The Spirit of Yoga is a beautiful, thorough and unique approach to yoga, perfect for beginners who want to know more, and inspiration for those who have already made it a part of their lives. It explains the difference between Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga and Kundalini Yoga, enabling the reader to make a considered choice between the various disciplines. The authoritative text wittily examines and demystifies today's yoga culture and explores how it can be applied appropriately to life in the West. The author uses her experience as a trained yoga teacher and Health and Beauty Director of British Vogue to guide us through the complete contemporary discipline - and industry - that yoga has become