Ashtanga Yoga Primer [Paperback]

Baba Hari Dass (Author), Karuna K. Ault (Editor), Steven Jones (Illustrator)

Product Details

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: Sri Rama Pub (October 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0918100046
• ISBN-13: 978-0918100047
• Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #319,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Baba Hari Dass was initiated in the Vairagi Vaishnava order in 1942 by Baba Raghubar Dassji Maharaj, a renunciate and Sanskrit scholar. Baba Hari Dass has practiced continual silence since 1952, and has developed a deep understanding and compassion for the human condition. Born in a village near Almora, India, he was classically trained in the authentic traditions of yoga that have been passed from guru to disciple over thousands of years. Babaji teaches through writing and by example. Babaji and his teachings have inspired several yoga centers and children's schools. Baba Hari Dass receives no money from the sale of his books; his publications are dedicated instead to the needy and homeless children of India.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ashtanga Yoga Primer, October 17, 2001

By 

urmila (Capitola, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga Primer (Paperback)

The Yoga Primer has served as an inspiration and light to my yoga practice for the past 20 years. It is a rare and precious offering from a true yoga master that goes to the pure heart of the essence of the 8 limbed path. As a shining example of karma yoga, all proceeds from the sale of this book (and all books by Baba Hari Dass) go to support an orphanage in India.This gem of a book offers teachings on many aspects of yoga practice. It has great photos and some of the best descriptions of asana benefits that I have read anywhere. It further teaches extensive practices that support asana practice such as shat karmas (internal cleansing) and mudras (exercises to raise the kundalini energy). The section on chakras clearly defines the path kundalini takes as it rises. One section is devoted to pranayamas which not only help with the ultimate aim of quieting the mind so it can rest in it's true nature of peace, but also reduce negative emotions and increase the prana (subltle air) which uplifts the mind and enrgizes the body. For the devotional types, there is a lovely description of arati and graceful hand mudras to enhance the worship aspect of your practice. All in all, a joy to have, a guide and companion on the path, and a great gift. My family and friends have enjoyed receiving it for a few generations now. Blessings on your way!om shanti om,Urmila

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book I have used in my yoga teaching for 14 year, March 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga Primer (Paperback)

Baba Hari Dass is a silent yogi who communicates via a chalk board. He is very straight forward and to the point and does not waste words. The book opens up flat so you can look at the wonderful pictures of the poses. It has a great introduction that includes all the limbs of Ashtanga (8 limbed) yoga. If it has a fault it is that Baba Hari Dass would hav you doing 2 to 3 hours of yoga practices a day if you followed his regimen, not very realistic for Americans.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic ashtanga yoga beginners manual, June 15, 2009

By 

Richard Buzzini "Mahesa" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga Primer (Paperback)

A beginner who follows the practices in this amazing book will have great rewards in physical health and inner peace. Some of the shat karma practices should be used with an experienced guide but most of the book is easily accessible to any who are motivated enough to practice. You can always make the journey to the Mount Madonna Center for group practice if you are in the neighborhood and want some personal assistance.

I particularly liked the hand mudras for use before and after meditation and found it easy to learn them from the book. Doing them gives me such a beautiful feeling of serenity. The basic pranayama exercises also are very helpful and can be done for a long time without ever needing to go looking for anything more 'advanced'

The sun salutation routine is well illustrated and easy to follow and makes a great daily practice for those with less time for hatha yoga or who want to spend more time doing pranayama and sitting quietly.