Ashtanga Yoga: The Essential Step-By-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga

I like to think of this book as a cross between David Swenson's Ashtanga Practice Manual and Yoga Mala. Scott's book only cover's the primary series, while Swenson's book covers both the Primary and Intermediate Series. The big difference is the level of detail Scott offers with getting into and out of each pose. Swenson offers three to four variations of every posture displayed, while Scott only displays the "correct" version of each posture. While Swenson gives a great break down of each pose in the Sun Salutation A & B, Standing, Primary, Intermediate, and Finishing series, Scott gives explicit detail of how to get into and out of every pose. Swenson gives pictures (and pictures of modifications) of each pose in the Sun Salutation A & B, Standing, Primary, and Finishing series. Scott offers some philisophy and opening and closing prayers (similar but not as detailed as Yoga Mala). Scott also offers tremendous detail on sychronizing the breath with each movement. It is a more visual representation (but not quite as detailed version) of what a person would get reading Yoga Mala. In addition, Scott gives the Sanskrit count of each movement of the two Sun Salutation series. Overall, Scott offers a tremendous break down of the Primary Series, each pose is explained in enough detail to allow an advanced practioner to appreciate the subtleties of linking breath and movement, while being easy enough for a beginner (along with attending regular classes with an instrutor) to read and gain a deeper understanding of the Primary Series. The opening and closing prayers are good too (and not found in Swenson's book). I would suggest using Swenson's book to see each pose and find a modified version (if necessary) that suites your skill level, while using Scott's book after you feel confident in your practice to go deeper into the Primary Series. Again, this book is a great way to gain further understanding of the Primary Series and would probably make a great teacher's aid.

I disagree very much with the 1-star pan of "reader from Los Angeles". I am a beginner. I have both John Scott's book and David Swenson's. Both are wonderful but different. While doing (or trying to do!) ashtanga, I usually have BOTH books open in front of me. Yes, Swenson's has spiral binding and therefore stays flat easier, but the binding on Scott's book was no match for me and easily cracked, allowing it to lie flat on the floor, too. The main reason I have Scott's book open is because for each asana, he illustrates each step to reach it. E.g., the very first asana has about 8 "steps", each requiring an inhale or exhale. All 8 are shown on the same two facing pages, so I can see each. Swenson's book does not have this. However, Swenson's book shows not only the ultimate pose, but also two or three variations for the "asana-challenged." Scott's book does not illustrate any variations, so this is a big plus for the Swenson book. Both are excellent for differing reasons. Make it a two-fer:) Namaste.

Complete and admirable presentation of Ashtanga Yoga foundamentals and the whole first series.More so than the David Swenson book,stays true to the way PK Jois teaches the first series.John Scott is an amazing practitioner and a great teacher in his own right, and that shows clearly in this book.Highly recommended for all Ashtanga practitioners and for beginners that have a teacher.

I recently began taking Ashtanga Yoga classes and I firmly believe, after only a few sessions, that Ashtanga Yoga is Very Beneficial to the Body and the mind. After one session, your body begins to tighten-up. After two sessions, you feel Great!I am only a beginner, but I intend to pursue this form of Yoga for the rest of my life. This form of Yoga makes you feel Wonderful and puts you in-tune with your body, very quickly. However, it is rather Complicated & this Instructional Book is Perfect for anyone involved in this practice. In fact, one of the students in my class brought the book and the teacher used the pictures for demonstration purposes. She is a Professional and she recommends this book.The positions are all layed-out in-detail, via sketches and (mostly) Pictures. This is an elegant book and it is Very Reasonably priced!I would strongly suggest taking a few classes to begin and learn the techniques properly, but this book will help you immensely in your studies ! If you cannot afford classes or you live in a small town, this book, in combination with a quick Search of the Web, for "Ashtanga Yoga" will get you going (just make-sure to read all the safety issues and proper practices, first).

John Scott goes into great detail to talk about yoga theory, especially the Ahstanga breath, and the internal locks used through the practice. It is the first book I have seen which explains the difficult vinyasa transitions is such a lucid manner, using full color photographs to illustrate each subtlety. Another outstanding feature is that John takes you through how to enter and exit each posture step by step, breath by breath. I have been doing Ashtanga yoga for five years, and this book has helped me greatly in my own practice and as a teacher. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to students of all levels. Thank you for this beautiful work John Scott!