Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy

by Gregor Maehle

Ashtanga 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Philosophy, Spirituality, Fitness, Reference, Self Help

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2007

Reviews

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 per page so that you can easily practice along with it it. You cannot do that with this book. Maehle's book is more of a reference, where you might get a picture and discussion of a posture on one page, half a page, or on several pages. Also, the book is not spiral bound, so it will not lay flat. This is not a book to practice along with. Swenson's book also gives several modifications to each posture, Maehle's does not. Each photograph, of each posture is the apex of the pose. No modifications are given. The strengths of Maehle's book is the in-depth discussion of each individual posture. There are many anatomical notes dispersed and intertwined with the discussions on each asanas. Discussions center on the skeletal structure, muscle groups, and areas of concern for injury are given throughout.

The second half of the book covers the yoga sutras. I don't have as much to say about the second half, only that it wasn't my favorite translation of the sutras that I have read. It wasn't my least favorite translation either though. It was somewhere in the middle. It was a bit different than I expected in some places, which is good. It is nice to read several different points of view to compare. Props to Mr. Maehle that he has taken the time to translate and provide commentary on the sutras. No easy feat. It is obvious that he cares as deeply about the philosophy as he does about the asanas.

The one major gripe that I have about the book is that it really is two books pasted together. One book in the front, and the other book pasted behind it. Save for a few brief paragraphs in the introduction, there really wasn't much discussion on blending the two topics, practice & philosophy together. You got practice, and then you got philosophy. Which, don't get me wrong, both parts were nicely done. However, with someone who has spent a considerable amount of time in both of these areas, which Mr. Maehle obviously has, I would like to have seen more overlap in the two topics of practice & philosophy. How does someone bring the deeper aspects of the philosophy into their practice? I could for-see another book written by Mr. Maehle in the future on where he could discuss that very thing. I hope he does.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most in-depth explanation of Ashtanga that i've come across. A visual stunner, too.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Yahaira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like how he explains and guides you through the poses, but his translation of the yoga sutras is too off and long-winded for me.

[Johnida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like idea of combining the asanas with the sutras into a single book. Overall, a well-rounded collection. However, I prefer Iyengar's translations of the sutras to the ones included here.

[Annie Vu · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 breath work, bandha, and strength vs. flexibility, a nice reminder come very timely to those that too often focus on how asanas look, and forget that 70% of the work is happening inside. The asanas themselves have very in depth instruction, picture, anatomy notes etc. I have not gone through part 2 of the book on various sutras so cannot comment on those. I couldn't be happier with this book as supplement to my practice.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 for anyone who wishes to practice yoga. It blends practice and philosophy together for fuller understanding. Some of the best extras in this book include photographs of each posture, colour illustrations of the muscle groups used in each movement, and line by line interpretation of the Yoga Sutra

[JPM · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 self. I also really like the inclusion of the Sutras for the last part of the book.

[Hannah Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough yet accessible explanation of not only the physical practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, but the history and philosophy as well. The second main section, a commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, was interesting. Recommended reading for all serious yoga practitioners, especially Ashtangis.

[Gabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent all-around overview of the primary series and the 8 limbs in general. His passion and detail in each aspect of this book is refreshing.

[Amberjack · Rating 4 out of 5]

-really in-depth descriptions of how to get into the poses, and what you should be focusing on. Also has good tips for exercises to work on if you can't do the full pose.

[Alexis Weltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photos, instruction, history, philosophy and the Yoga Sutra.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Edmundo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed particulary the second part with the interpretation of the sutras

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to follow instructions for the ashtanga practice.

[Brankica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for every Ashtangi. :)

[Goncalo]

reading for reference

[Alex Boon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb except for the irritating assertions about the existence of God. I have read better interpretations of the Sutras but otherwise an excellent reference manual for the asana particularly.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is kind of like the Bible. It's not something you might sit down and read hoping to learn something without an experienced guide or teacher. The "Note" at the beginning of the book even states, "It is not possible to learn yoga from book or video, because these media cannot provide feedback when the student engages in a posture poorly...." For me, this begs the question, why write the book?

I appreciated the "ethical precepts" mentioned on page 2: not to harm others, not to steal, to be truthful, etc., and I enjoyed leafing through the photos and illustrations.

[Dani Cadenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book ! I hadn’t been able to find a text that explains so well the philosophy and the anatomy of yoga as a whole. Great discovery!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Vova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Про аштангу исчерпывающе.

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will have to read it...no other comment will bring any value to it.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashtanga yoga manifesto.
Section 4 : I will have to reread.
Not ready now.

[Vince Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read....the use of modern scientific knowledge and examples as a way to delve into the yoga sutras is pure genius.

[Yuni Amir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for an in-depth Ashtanga Primary practice. I noticed the teacher included an intermediate series i.e. advanced Primary practice, but not Ashtanga Intermediate to help practitioners prepare for Intermediate series.

Since I'm a traditionalist, I will stick with my current traditional practice. Good to know about variations in the practice and those advanced explanation on muscles and bones in an asana.

[Makeba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most comprehensive books on Ashtanga Yoga I've encountered thus far. What I've learned through practicing, however, is that you learn through practicing under the guidance of your teacher, as so much of this lineage is passed down through contact. Expect to receive corrections on sequence order and form when you practice in a shala.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very complete book, that explains the primary series of ashtanga yoga and the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.