Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy is the first book of its kind, presenting a comprehensive guide to all eight limbs of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Join author Gregor Maehle, a seasoned yogi and compassionate teacher, as he guides you through the history and lineage of yoga; the fundamentals of breath, bandhas (energy locks within the body), drishti (the focal point of the gaze), and vinyasa (sequential movement); a detailed breakdown of the asanas of the Ashtanga Primary Series, following the traditional vinyasa count; a lively and authentic rendering of the complete Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, yoga’s ancient sacred text; and a glossary of yoga terminology.
In the asana section, Maehle describes each posture with clear, meticulous instructions, photographs, anatomical illustrations, and practical tips. Information on the mythological background and yogic context of specific postures brings further insight to the practice. In the philosophy section, Maehle illuminates the Yoga Sutra using the major ancient commentaries as well as his own insights.
This volume makes the entire path of Ashtanga Yoga accessible to modern practitioners. Both practical guide and spiritual treatise, Ashtanga Yoga is an excellent introduction to the eight limbs of yoga and an invaluable resource for any yoga teacher or practitioner.
Publisher : New World Library; 1st edition (August 28, 2007)
Language : English
Paperback : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 1577316061
ISBN-13 : 978-1577316060
Item Weight : 1.92 pounds
Dimensions : 8.25 x 0.75 x 10.75 inches
KellyAnne –
This book is an amazing resource.
This book was required reading for my 200-hour yoga teacher training. This book is an amazing resource. The book is effectively divided in half, providing detailed information on both the physical practice and philosophy of yoga in a single concise volume.The section on asana progresses through the Ashtanga Primary series and includes at minimum the sanskrit name, an English translation for the pose name, suggested drishti, a black and white photo of a practitioner in the pose and text describing how to achieve the pose and activate muscles and breath to maximize the benefits of the pose. There is an emphasis on safely achieving each pose; as appropriate, Maehle includes instructions on phases and indicators that the practitioner should pause before preceding deeper into the expression of a pose. This would be âenoughâ, but additional text boxes with anatomical figures and focus, yogic context, practical tips, and mythological background boxes add to learning each asana. The practical tip on lengthening the quadriceps is one Iâve employed on a daily basis and have seen benefit in my own practice.The Yoga Sutra translation and interpretation is good for new learners. I really appreciated that in addition to a simple translation, Maehle also provides interpretation that includes practical anecdotes and connections to concepts and cultural figures such as Hitler, Gandhi and Martin Luther King that a modern audience are likely able to recognize and associate with the sutra. Seeing connections such as sutra 1.7 (Pramana is made up of direct perception, inference and valid testimony) to somatosensory brain maps and the function of the optic nerve make a complex thought accessible and memorable.A thorough glossary, bibliography and index add to the value of this book as a reference.
Amber –
Not an Ashtangi and I Love this Book
I’ve been practicing yoga for 19 years and reading about it for longer. This is hands down one of the best yoga books I’ve ever read for both alignment and philosophy. It is rich with gems and I find new ones every time I read it. I have found new depth to my own asana practice (not even ashtanga, by the way). I love alignment and found many things in Maehle’s detailed posture descriptions that were new to me. Maehle’s commentary on the sutras is illuminating with stories and examples that bring them to life. This book is one that I am so glad to have found and I can not give it high enough recommendations. Because of it, I have read Gregor Maehle’s meditation book and pranayama book and found those equally insightful, practical and accessible. Even if you’re not a Mysore Ashtangi, this book belongs in your library if you are a yogi.
Bliss –
Outer Structure Inner Freedom
The perfection of an asana (posture) requires an all round attention to details, anatomy, drishti (gaze), breath and attention – the establishment of outer structure and inner freedom. This book is such a perfect asana. It provides a perfect blend of mythology, philosophy and the mechanics of asanas. The complexity has been reduced to the simplest possible syntax. No words need to be added, none need be subtracted. It opened up for me a whole new dimension for articulating the inner workings of asanas through anatomy and the subtle balance of antagonistic muscles. It provides important tips on how to achieve maximum results in each asana and how to protect oneself (knees for example). Moreover it establishes the practice within the context of a systematic method for enlightenment as outlined by Patanjali. Great inspiration for my self-practice. Highly recommended.
J. Wallace –
Excellent Ashtanga Manual and Reference
I can only get to an Ashtanga instructor a couple of times a year or less so I need a well written manual to refer to. I’ve found this book to be a great asana reference and guide. The detail for each pose is superb and there’s also good anatomical illustrations as well. This book also has a nice yoga philosophy section which has inspired me…an area I admit to not putting much effort into. I have only one thing I would suggest to the author and that is to include more progressive detail and pictures for all of us “non-flexible” types who need step by step recommendations for working our way toward getting into many of these poses. If you practice Astanga I highly recommend this book. Many thanks to Gregor Maehle for taking the time to write it.
Daniel Tan –
fast delivery
the delivery super fast and the book look nice!
Amazon Customer –
Superb introduction to ashtanga
There are many excellent books on Ashtanga, but this is the one I would recommend first. It is also the only book that gives the very best and clearest commentary on Patanjali’s sutras — which are the heart of ashtanga. While other books focus primarily on asanas (the sequence, sometimes with good pictures but relatively little explanation), Gregor gets into the essence of the series, with insightful instruction. I would strongly recommend this is a first and foremost reference, to be returned to again and again as your practice progresses.
Wood Rabbit –
Some New Things Learned
I have read other books on Ashtanga before, however Gregor has given myself new tips that the other books have not and I am grateful to have been given these tips. As far as his commentary on the Yoga Sutras are concerned, I kind of like BKS Iyengarâs commentary better. The extra assama tips make this a 5 star book however.
Jacquie –
Great interpretation of the Sutras
I have gone through the Sutras many times, and each time, I go through, I get something new, Gregor has a way of explaining that makes it simple and accessible, I have 5 other versions of Sutras translations but this is the one I always refer to in need of inspiration, ideas and stay on the mat. If you get a chance to study with Gregor personally, you can see that he walks his talk,
Rainio –
Mr Maehle writes very well and very practically.Recommended.
Francesca –
Libro molto completo, lâho apprezzato tantissimo! Adatto a chi si approccia al mondo dellâAshtanga Yoga e ai praticanti di livello fino ad intermedio che desiderano approfondire le loro conoscenze sullâargomento.
Bertrand –
Very good and instructive
Alejandra –
PodrÃa venir mejor empacado, porque llegó un poco maltratado, pero en general muy bien. El libro está súper interesante y completo, vienen las posturas de Ashtanga muy bien explicadas y está a excelente precio!
Chandra Hasan –
i whant Ashtanga Yoga: Practice & Philosophy (printed book) but order in Kindle Edition how to cancel,then give a book