---
product_id: 7774834
title: "Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy"
price: "€ 71.99"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.hr/products/7774834-ashtanga-yoga-practice-and-philosophy
store_origin: HR
region: Croatia
---

# Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy

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## Description

Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy [Maehle, Gregor] on desertcart.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy

Review: This book is an amazing resource. - 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.
Review: Outer Structure Inner Freedom - 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.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #347,280 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #508 in Yoga (Books) |
| Book 1 of 2  | Ashtanga Yoga |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (412) |
| Dimensions  | 8.25 x 0.75 x 10.75 inches |
| Edition  | 1st |
| ISBN-10  | 1577316061 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-1577316060 |
| Item Weight  | 1.84 pounds |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 320 pages |
| Publication date  | August 28, 2007 |
| Publisher  | New World Library |

## Images

![Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71MOZa4DFgL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book is an amazing resource.
*by K***E on October 9, 2016*

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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outer Structure Inner Freedom
*by B***S on February 13, 2012*

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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not an Ashtangi and I Love this Book
*by A***R on March 12, 2016*

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.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy
- Functional Anatomy of Yoga: A Guide for Practitioners and Teachers
- The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice

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*Product available on Desertcart Croatia*
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*Last updated: 2026-03-05*