Customer Reviews

Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy

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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.

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

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

This book should be read by everyone who is doing Ashtanga yoga seriously. It includes wonderful details about the practice itself, that you won't find anywhere else.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most yoga books drive me crazy with intricate and woo-woo explanations, mysticism, or hype. And while there is still a lot of mystical fluff in here, there are also really solid step-by-step (or breath-by-breath) discussions of the poses in the Ashtanga series, as well as anatomical illustrations and good photos. Definitely a worthwhile book, regardless of the yoga style you might be interested in.

This book is excellent. It perfectly combines the physical aspects of yoga with the deeper philosophical purposes behind them. It's easy to read and very informative. I would recommend this to anyone who's looking to delve into the deeper aspects of yoga but also learn proper physcial alignment, muscle groups etc. Lots of useful pictures and diagrams too.