Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy

This book was required reading for my 200-hour yoga teacher training. This book is an amazing resource. The book is effectively divided in half, providing detailed information on both the physical practice and philosophy of yoga in a single concise volume.The section on asana progresses through the Ashtanga Primary series and includes at minimum the sanskrit name, an English translation for the pose name, suggested drishti, a black and white photo of a practitioner in the pose and text describing how to achieve the pose and activate muscles and breath to maximize the benefits of the pose. There is an emphasis on safely achieving each pose; as appropriate, Maehle includes instructions on phases and indicators that the practitioner should pause before preceding deeper into the expression of a pose. This would be “enough”, but additional text boxes with anatomical figures and focus, yogic context, practical tips, and mythological background boxes add to learning each asana. The practical tip on lengthening the quadriceps is one I’ve employed on a daily basis and have seen benefit in my own practice.The Yoga Sutra translation and interpretation is good for new learners. I really appreciated that in addition to a simple translation, Maehle also provides interpretation that includes practical anecdotes and connections to concepts and cultural figures such as Hitler, Gandhi and Martin Luther King that a modern audience are likely able to recognize and associate with the sutra. Seeing connections such as sutra 1.7 (Pramana is made up of direct perception, inference and valid testimony) to somatosensory brain maps and the function of the optic nerve make a complex thought accessible and memorable.A thorough glossary, bibliography and index add to the value of this book as a reference.

I've been practicing yoga for 19 years and reading about it for longer. This is hands down one of the best yoga books I've ever read for both alignment and philosophy. It is rich with gems and I find new ones every time I read it. I have found new depth to my own asana practice (not even ashtanga, by the way). I love alignment and found many things in Maehle's detailed posture descriptions that were new to me. Maehle's commentary on the sutras is illuminating with stories and examples that bring them to life. This book is one that I am so glad to have found and I can not give it high enough recommendations. Because of it, I have read Gregor Maehle's meditation book and pranayama book and found those equally insightful, practical and accessible. Even if you're not a Mysore Ashtangi, this book belongs in your library if you are a yogi.

The perfection of an asana (posture) requires an all round attention to details, anatomy, drishti (gaze), breath and attention - the establishment of outer structure and inner freedom. This book is such a perfect asana. It provides a perfect blend of mythology, philosophy and the mechanics of asanas. The complexity has been reduced to the simplest possible syntax. No words need to be added, none need be subtracted. It opened up for me a whole new dimension for articulating the inner workings of asanas through anatomy and the subtle balance of antagonistic muscles. It provides important tips on how to achieve maximum results in each asana and how to protect oneself (knees for example). Moreover it establishes the practice within the context of a systematic method for enlightenment as outlined by Patanjali. Great inspiration for my self-practice. Highly recommended.

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.

I've been practicing yoga for several years but I've never really been in any course or studied the philosophy behind it all. This book was highly recommended in Amazon and I decided to order it in order to learn more about yoga and improve myself. It is well written, some editing would have been good, but overall it's a nice book about ashtanga and the asanas are explained really in detail.

I have read other books on Ashtanga before, however Gregor has given myself new tips that the other books have not and I am grateful to have been given these tips. As far as his commentary on the Yoga Sutras are concerned, I kind of like BKS Iyengar’s commentary better. The extra assama tips make this a 5 star book however.

A must for anyone interested in Ashtanga. Well written with clear explainations of the poses as well as the purpose of the poises. Adjustments are clear and precise for new parctitioners as well as precautions. If you dont have regular access to a formal Ashtanga class or want a deeper understanding this is the book for you.

Love this book! Not only does it talk about asanas but also the phylosophical parts.

Mr Maehle writes very well and very practically.Recommended.

Libro molto completo, l’ho apprezzato tantissimo! Adatto a chi si approccia al mondo dell’Ashtanga Yoga e ai praticanti di livello fino ad intermedio che desiderano approfondire le loro conoscenze sull’argomento.

Very good and instructive

Podría venir mejor empacado, porque llegó un poco maltratado, pero en general muy bien. El libro está súper interesante y completo, vienen las posturas de Ashtanga muy bien explicadas y está a excelente precio!