Michael O ‘ Neill.On Yoga : The Architecture Of Peace by H H Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Eddie Stern

Yoga has come a long way in its journey from remote Himalayan monasteries to the bustling studios of London and New York City. Photographer Michael O’Neill, captivated by the world of yoga at this pivotal moment in its history, immersed himself in its practices and documented the experience. The result is a stunning photographic tribute to the ancient discipline, now a global phenomenon with millions of practitioners.

Renowned for his portraits of the famous, O’Neill initially set out to photograph influential yogis and individuals who have incorporated yoga into their high-profile lives. From legends like B. K. S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois to celebrities like Sting and Donna Karan, his aim was to honor the masters and merge his passion for photography with a newfound love for yoga and meditation.

However, as O’Neill deepened his own practice, he felt compelled to explore beyond personalities and poses. He embarked on a decade-long journey, venturing to secluded corners of the world to understand the roots of yoga. He meditated with monks in the Tibetan Plateau, lived with sadhus at the Kumbh Mela, and witnessed the lesser-known discipline of Mallakhamba in Kochi, where young boys practice yogic wrestling.

O’Neill explains, “My goal was to pay homage to yoga’s traditional lineage and capture this unique moment before it fades away.” For the first time, he brings together this exceptional body of work, which includes nearly 200 previously unseen photographs. Joining the conversation are meditation master Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Ashtanga guru Eddie Stern, who contribute essays on the role of yoga in contemporary culture, its history since Patanjali’s time, and the transformative power of what O’Neill calls “the architecture of peace” — the series of postures that connect practitioners to something greater.

This comprehensive compilation tells the extraordinary story of yoga, showcasing its global reach and timeless significance. With its striking visuals and profound insights, it captures the essence of this ancient practice in a way that has never been done before.