The goal of yoga is attaining the truth of who we are through meditation. Getting to the point where we are ready for meditation can take as long as we want. Practising postures (asanas) and breathing (pranayama) improve our success but preferably alongside meditation rather than as a preparation. There is a risk that the preparation stage becomes an end in itself. Desikachar’s ‘Heart of Yoga’ gives a wonderfully clear, accessible instruction into what is yoga, and how we can practise it most beneficially for body, mind and spiritual fulfilment.