Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy [Paperback]

Gregor Maehle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2007

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Gregor Maehle’s Ashtanga Yoga weaves philosophy and integrated knowledge of anatomy into our yoga practice to keep us centered in the heart of a profound tradition.”
— Richard Freeman, founder of the Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado

“A much-needed new tool for practicing yoga with greater safety in the physical form and with much greater depth in the inner form of the practice. A valuable contribution to the evolving understanding of this profound system and method of yoga.”
— Chuck Miller, Ashtanga Yoga teacher, senior student of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois since 1980

“If you want to keep only one book on yoga in your shop, this is the one to have.”
— New Age Retailer

From the Back Cover

"Gregor Maehle's Ashtanga Yoga weaves philosophy and integrated knowledge of anatomy into our yoga practice to keep us centered in the heart of a profound tradition."
-- Richard Freeman, founder of the Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado

"A much-needed new tool for practicing yoga with greater safety in the physical form and with much greater depth in the inner form of the practice. A valuable contribution to the evolving understanding of this profound system and method of yoga."
-- Chuck Miller, Ashtanga Yoga teacher, senior student of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois since 1980

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; 1 edition (August 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577316061
• ISBN-13: 978-1577316060
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Notch Ashtanga Resource, November 19, 2006

By 

Bruce J. Weinstein - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga Practice and Philosophy (Paperback)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gem of a book, March 28, 2010

By 

ashtanga abhyasi (palo alto ca) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy (Paperback)

there are books that you read and other you treasure. This one is definitely in the latter category. Every time I read it, I get 100% of the "1% theory" aspect of my practice. This book has it all - the philosophy, the anatomy and of course, the practice. Thank you for a wonderful gift that will last a lifetime

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource tool for the yogi., December 13, 2007

By 

L. Galloway "Starshine" (Hawaii, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy (Paperback)

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