Description

Astanga Yoga Practice and Philosophy by Gregor Maehle is the most thorough exploration of the various aspects of Ashtanga Yoga available today and a valuable resource for all yoga teachers and practitioners. In this book, Gregor extensively explains the fundamental techniques of breath, bandhas and drishti and makes a comprehensive study of each posture of the Primary Series, complemented by clear and informative anatomical illustrations, photos and descriptions.(Examples and links to excerpts appear below the buy button) He also shows how minor adjustments can make a big difference and how growth in one posture will benefit the execution of other postures. Additional information on the mythological background and yogic context of specific postures enhances and enlivens the text. The book does not stop there, however.
Gregor shows how Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali are an organic whole by clearly detailing how the 8 limbs are practiced within the Ashtanga Vinyasa system. Included in the book are sections about the deep influence of Yogic philosophy on the development of human society and Gregor’s own transmission of and insights into the Yoga Sutras, informed by his extensive consultation with ancient texts.
This large format paperback book has 300 pages and weighs over 2 pounds. I am sure it will benefit all teachers and students of yoga who read it.

About Gregor Maehle:

A student of history, philosophy and comparative religion, Gregor Maehle undertook yearly trips to India from 1984 on to study yoga, meditation and philosophy with various masters. During that time he gained anatomical understanding through completing the requirements for a German health practitioner (Heilpraktiker) licence. Since 1990 Ashtanga Yoga has been his main form of yoga practice. In 1997 he was authorized by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach. His passion is the study of Sanskrit. He is co-founder and director of 8limbs Ashtanga Yoga in Perth, Australia.

One inset from the book and links to pdf excerpts from the book follow:

* Preface xi
* Acknowledgements xii
* Introduction 1
* Part 1: Fundamentals 7
* Part 2: Asana: The Primary Series 17
* Part 3: The History and Lineage of Yoga 129
* Part 4: Philosophy: The Yoga Sutra 137
* Glossary 291
* Biographies 295
* Bibliography 296
* Index 301