Yoga Studies in Five Minutes

Edited by Theo Wildcroft and Barbora Sojkova (Equinox, 2025)

Review by Agi Wittich

Yoga Studies in Five Minutes offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of yoga through a collection of concise yet insightful entries from leading scholars. This interdisciplinary volume bridges the gap between academic scholarship and the broader public’s fascination with yoga. It covers various topics, from defining yoga to examining its historical development and contemporary forms. With its breadth of topics and the expertise of its contributors, this remarkable achievement promises to enrich the reader’s understanding of yoga’s multifaceted nature.

Yoga Studies in Five Minutes, published as part of a series by Equinox Publishing, is not just a remarkable addition to the growing field of yoga studies. It’s a practical guide, edited by Theo Wildcroft and Barbora Sojkova, that aims to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and the broader public’s fascination with yoga. Through a series of concise yet insightful entries, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of yoga’s multifaceted nature, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this ancient practice and how to apply it in their lives.

Structured as a collection of questions that non-specialists might ask about yoga or Yoga Studies, this book covers various topics, from defining yoga and its goals to examining its historical development and contemporary forms. The editors have skilfully curated contributions from leading scholars and innovative researchers, each offering a brief yet informative response to questions such as “Who was the first teacher of yoga?”, “Is yoga Indian?”, “What are the goals of yoga?” and “Why do yogis hold their breath?”.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon diverse fields such as philology, sociology, anthropology, and art history. This multifaceted perspective, combined with the expertise of the contributors, allows for a nuanced exploration of yoga’s rich history, philosophical underpinnings, and cultural significance. The contributors’ deep knowledge and ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and engaging entries make the book an excellent resource for both independent study and classroom settings.

In conclusion, Yoga Studies in Five Minutes is a remarkable achievement, offering a comprehensive and accessible guide to the diverse and growing field of yoga research. Whether you are a yoga practitioner seeking deeper insights, a researcher exploring a new area, or a teacher needing reliable resources, this book is an excellent starting point. With its breadth of topics and the expertise of its contributors, it promises to enrich the reader’s understanding of yoga’s historical, social, and cultural significance.