Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy

This is an excellent book for any Ashtanga Yoga practitioner, whether beginner or advanced. It breaks down each and every asana and vinyasa and gives specific information about the anatomy of each posture. Patanjali's yoga sutras are included in the back. This book was a required text for a college yoga class which was taught by a student of Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois.

ASHTANGA YOGA: PRACTICE AND PHILOSOPHY is the first of its kind covering all eight limbs of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, and comes from a yogi who describes its history, the basic movements, and posture using photos, written instruction and even anatomical illustrations. Details on myth and philosophy accompany insights on techniques and are accented with black and white photos throughout, making for an excellent pick for any new age collection.

This is not just another 'how to do yoga yourself' book, but a thorough study of both the postures and philosophy of Ashtanga yoga. At a time when almost every well-known teacher has their own 'brand' of yoga, Mr. Maehle goes back to the source to both explain the foundation of the practice and the philosophy that supports the physical practice. Almost all western practictioners come to yoga as a form of excerise and are unaware of the philosophy from which the physical practice developed. This book covers both in accessable language and explanation. Serious student will want to have this as a resource and serious Ashtangis will find it invaluable along with D. Swenson's Practice Manual. Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual: An Illustrated Guide to Personal Practice

In the western world, yoga is often viewed as a great way to exercise- perfect for flexibility and stress management. It is that. However, in our ignorance, we are only getting part of the benefits of this practice. True yoga is not only about the physical positions it is also about the philosophy. Without the philosophy, the forms have no context or meaning. Moreover, without this balance, students may actually be causing themselves and their bodies harm. Ashtanga Yoga is an important resource for anyone who wishes to practice yoga. It blends practice and philosophy together for fuller understanding. Some of the best extras in this book include photographs of each posture, colour illustrations of the muscle groups used in each movement, and line by line interpretation of the Yoga Sutra.

Astanga Yoga Practice and Philosophy by Gregor Maehle is the most thorough exploration of the various aspects of Ashtanga Yoga available today and a valuable resource for all yoga teachers and practitioners. In this book, Gregor extensively explains the fundamental techniques of breath, bandhas and drishti and makes a comprehensive study of each posture of the Primary Series, complemented by clear and informative anatomical illustrations, photos and descriptions.(Examples and links to excerpts appear below the buy button) He also shows how minor adjustments can make a big difference and how growth in one posture will benefit the execution of other postures. Additional information on the mythological background and yogic context of specific postures enhances and enlivens the text. The book does not stop there, however. Gregor shows how Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali are an organic whole by clearly detailing how the 8 limbs are practiced within the Ashtanga Vinyasa system. Included in the book are sections about the deep influence of Yogic philosophy on the development of human society and Gregor's own transmission of and insights into the Yoga Sutras, informed by his extensive consultation with ancient texts. This large format paperback book has 300 pages and weighs over 2 pounds. I am sure it will benefit all teachers and students of yoga who read it.