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Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy
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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
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Paperback, 320 pages
Published
August 28th 2007
by New World Library
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This a very good book on Ashtanga Yoga in general and an excellent reference on the primary series. It is essentially two books in one. The first half of the book is a guide through every single vinyasa of the primary series. The second half of the book is a lengthy translation of the yoga sutras of Patanjali with commentary.
The first half of the book can easily be compared with David Swenson's book on the same topic. The strengths of Swenson's book is that it is spiral bound, with one posture p ...more
The first half of the book can easily be compared with David Swenson's book on the same topic. The strengths of Swenson's book is that it is spiral bound, with one posture p ...more

Excelente libro que detalla a profundidad el método de Ashtanga Yoga. En particular, las minuciosas descripciones anatómicas de cada postura así como una erudita y profunda explicación del significado de cada uno de los Yoga sutras de Patanjali hacen a este libro una obra de refencia indispensable para cualquier practicante serio de Ashtanga yoga. Absolutamente recomendable y de lectura iluminadora.

A prime resource of mine in learning the Primary Series, that enabled me to begin that practice in a healthy state of mind, with safety. It is a complete overview of the primary series with detailed instruction of each vinyasa. There is instruction on bandhas, breathing, Drshti, vinyasa. With a german health practitioner's licence, Maehle is able to define how each asana can contribute to therapy as well as contributing to the third limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
The first half is dedicated to the prima ...more
The first half is dedicated to the prima ...more

After reading much review, I settled on this book as my first serious Yoga book and I don't think I could have done any better. This book is very thorough, covering all aspects of yoga, explaining in layman term all the what, who, why, how that you need to know about Ashtanga yoga.
The first section is a nice introduction into Ashtanga, covering eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga and how one achieves them through the seemingly strictly physical practice of asanas. I especially enjoy the sections on br ...more
The first section is a nice introduction into Ashtanga, covering eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga and how one achieves them through the seemingly strictly physical practice of asanas. I especially enjoy the sections on br ...more

In the western world, yoga is often viewed as a great way to exercise- perfect for flexibility and stress management. It is that. However, in our ignorance, we are only getting part of the benefits of this practice.
True yoga is not only about the physical positions it is also about the philosophy. Without the philosophy, the forms have no context or meaning. Moreover, without this balance, students may actually be causing themselves and their bodies harm.
Ashtanga Yoga is an important resource ...more
True yoga is not only about the physical positions it is also about the philosophy. Without the philosophy, the forms have no context or meaning. Moreover, without this balance, students may actually be causing themselves and their bodies harm.
Ashtanga Yoga is an important resource ...more

My favourite of my Ashtanga books. Very thorough, very well presented, very enjoyable reading. I really like the anatomical illustrations and explanations, as well as the small boxed texts and tips throughout the book. The photographs are very nice as well. The author does an excellent job of giving background and very helpful descriptions on the poses and movements-- how they should feel, how the body moves into or out of a pose or sequence, what to be aware of in terms of not injurying one's s
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This book has so much information in it! I know that as I grow in my practice, I will be using this as a reference time and again. I'll have to agree with the other reviewers when I say that this is a must read for any Ashtanga practitioner. The deeper I delve into my practice, the more this book makes sense.

Oct 02, 2008
Kristin
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
practitioners of Ashtanga
Shelves:
philosophy,
yoga
While David Swenson's book offers some great modifications, this book delves more into the anatomy and how-to of the Primary Series.
At the back of the book (in the version I have) is a translation of the Yoga Sutras.
At the back of the book (in the version I have) is a translation of the Yoga Sutras.

I have owned David Swenson's book (my favorite on the subject of yoga postures) for a long time, and didn't expect to buy another title on Ashtanga. But I was impressed by Maehle's "Pranayama", browsed through this volume, and felt I had to read it. I very much like Maehle's thorough research and scholarship within a practical orientation. Definitely an author to follow.
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“Vinyasa Three With the inhalation, lift the whole torso, attempting to concave or at least flatten out the low back while gazing up between the eyebrows. Unless one is extremely flexible, it is recommended to lift the hands off the floor and let only the fingertips keep contact with it. The legs work strongly, and the torso is buoyant, supported by the extensor muscles of the back. Keep the heart lifted, broaden the shoulders, draw the shoulder blades down the back, and press them on to the back. This positioning of the shoulders prepares them to take the weight of the body for the jump-back into Chaturanga Dandasana.”
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“FIGURE 6 DISC BULGE”
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