Breath of the Gods

In this beautiful film, several of the most revered personalities in modern yoga discuss—in conversational style—yoga's history, rationale, and practice, as revealed in the life and teachings of Indian yogi Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888–1989), who during the 1920s and '30s developed the practices that tens of millions follow today. German director Jan Schmidt-Garre explores the origins of traditional physical poses (asanas) through interviews with Krishnamacharya's children, including yoga luminary T.K.V. Desikachar, and star pupils Krishna Pattabhi Jois (filmed before he died in 2009) and B.K.S. Iyengar. They talk about studying with Krishnamacharya, as well as their own experiences as teachers during the early days of yoga in India—a time when yogis were mocked for integrating physical positions with their philosophy. These pioneers demonstrate asanas and breathing exercises in segments that are juxtaposed with archival footage of Krishnamacharya and others displaying astonishing flexibility and strength. Schmidt-Garre visits ongoing classes in places where Krishnamacharya taught, accompanies Desikachar to sites where the yogi's family lived, and studies old photographs of the master working with his disciples. The filmmaker takes lessons in the sun salutation from Jois, the headstand from Iyengar, and finally, from Desikachar, a combination of exercises that Krishnamacharya practiced throughout his life. The message Schmidt-Garre takes from this journey is that the poses are not yoga's be-all and end-all—rather, the benefit comes from combining asanas with focused breathing and concentration. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)