the book is introduced with a discussion of why yoga should be practised, the chakras (elements of the subtle body on which yoga is said to operate), pratyahara, dharana and dhyana (elements of patanjalis's yoga), and who "has the authority to practise yoga", which in krishnamacharya's view is "everyone". it discusses the elements of yoga, starting with yamas and niyamas, warning that "sleep, laziness and disease" are obstacles to becoming "an adept yogi". the book then describes where to practise yoga, recommending "a place with plenty of water, a fertile place, a place where there is a bank of a holy river, where there are no crowds, a clean solitary place — such places are superior." it gives a description of the purifications (which it calls shatkriyas) and seals (mudras). the bulk of the book (pages 51-151) is taken up with a description of 42 asanas.