What is yoga? Ancient spiritual practice or modern exercise regime? Or both? Ranju Roy answers these questions by weaving together ancient texts with stories and experiences from his own life. Drawing on thirty years of teaching, studying and practising, he sets out his vision of yoga in a series of modern-day sūtras, illuminated by Samkhya philosophy and inspired by Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras. This is then followed by the 'pilgrimage' itself: an inward journey of increasing subtlety. Featuring original paintings by the author, Yoga as Pilgrimage is a wonderful blend of guidebook, fellow-traveller and map across this endlessly fascinating terrain.

“Yoga as Pilgrimage is a sacred gift that will touch you deeply. The concepts discussed are so simple, yet practical and life affirming. This will be a book that I will read again and again, and recommend to all of my students.” Dr Amy Wheeler, Former President of the Board for the International Association of Yoga Therapist; “An insightful and inspiring guide to the yogic journey.” Daniel Simpson, author of The Truth of Yoga; “Ranju Roy’s new book is a profound personal testimony of a life in yoga, and a brilliant exploration of yoga’s practical wisdom and deeper meanings. Clear as a bell, insightful and wise.” Mark Singleton, author of Yoga Body; “I was constantly surprised and delighted by the connections that Ranju makes of the various aspects of yoga with art, nature, body, breath, voice and personal experience. The journey was one of exploration and, as with the best explorations, there was the discovery of new ways of seeing and understanding. A fun and stimulating read.” Sheela Shankar, Yoga Nidhi; “Yoga as Pilgrimage gives words to experiences that many find difficult to share. Ranju Roy provides analysis and reflections that are personal, nuanced, rooted in the texts, and full of insight. Truly a gift for anyone who is passionate about a deeper inquiry into yoga.” J. Brown, Yoga Talks Podcast

Ranju Roy is a yoga teacher based in southwest England. Of mixed English and Bengali heritage, he was born in India but grew up in the UK and his life has been shaped and enriched by a confluence of those two cultures. Ranju worked as an art therapist and family therapist before leaving the NHS to teach yoga full time. In 2004, he and David Charlton together founded Sādhana Mālā, an organisation specialising in teacher training, study courses and retreats. The two went on to write and publish the critically acclaimed book, Embodying the Yoga Sūtra: Support, Direction, Space in 2019. Ranju lives in Wellington, Somerset, where he runs his own studio,Yoga Mālā. Yoga as Pilgrimage is his first solo publication.