Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga (Paperback)

~ John C. Scott (Author), Shri K. Pattabhi Jois (Foreword) "Ashtanga Yoga is a science and a practice that has evolved over a period of thousands of years to deal with moral, physical, mental/emotional, and..." (more)
Key Phrases: bandha control, half vinyasa, internal energy harnessed, Downward-facing Dog, Surya Namaskara, Ashtanga Yoga (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

John Scott's Ashtanga Yoga draws on his expertise as a teacher of this most energetic form of yoga. An easy-to-use guide, it features color photographs and a series of step-by-step exercise sessions -- starting with a simple sequence designed for beginners that, once mastered, provides the foundation for moving to the next cycle.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (May 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609807862
• ISBN-13: 978-0609807866
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,969 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on Ashtanga practice and philosophy, October 8, 2004

By	James E. White (Oak Park, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Respectfully disagree with "reader from LA", January 19, 2003

By A Customer

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.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book on Ashtanga Yoga I have come across., February 20, 2001

By	Philippe Alexis (Mountain View, California) - See all my reviews

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!