Table Of ContentPraise for Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy
“I love Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy. At last there is a book that is not just
on asana but coupled with that, the real beauty of asana and philosophy.”
— Frances Liotta, founder of Yogamat
“Gregor Maehle’s Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophyweaves philosophy and
integrated knowledge of anatomy into our yoga practice to keep us centered in
the heart of a profound tradition. He also gives us a brilliant translation and com-
mentary on the Yoga Sutra, revealing a deep philosophical and historical
context in which to ground and stimulate our entire lives.”
— Richard Freeman, founder of the Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado,
and author of The Yoga MatrixCD
“A much-needed new tool for practicing the method with greater safety in the
physical form and with much needed depth in the inner form of the practice.
I especially appreciate the comprehensive approach, which includes
philosophical perspectives, anatomy, vedic lore, a thorough description
of the physical method itself as well as a complete copy of Patanjala
Yoga Darshana. A valuable contribution to the evolving understanding
of this profound system and method of yoga.”
— Chuck Miller, Ashtanga yoga teacher,
senior student of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois since 1980
ii
ASHTANGA YOGA
Practice and Philosophy
ASHTANGA YOGA
Practice and Philosophy
A Comprehensive Description of the
Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga,
Following the Traditional Vinyasa Count,
and an Authentic Explanation of
the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali
Gregor Maehle
New World Library
Novato, California
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way
Novato, California 94949
Copyright © 2006 by Gregor Maehle
All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, or other without
written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in
a review.
The material in this book is intended for education. Please consult a qualified health care prac-
titioner before beginning any exercise program and learn yoga under personal supervision.
This book is not a substitute for medical advice or instruction from a qualified yoga teacher.
No expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of the use of the recommendations can be
given nor liability taken.
Every effort has been made to contact the holders of copyright of quoted material.
Originally published in Australia by Kaivalya Publications in 2006.
Text design and typography by Allan Watson
Photography by Adrian Kat
Illustrations by Steve Dance
Front cover photograph: Gregor Maehle and Monica Gauci performing Kaundinyasana, a
posture dedicated to the sage Kaundinya, author of the commentary on Lakulisha’s
Pashupata Sutra; back cover photograph: Gregor Maehle and Monica Gauci performing Yoga
Mudra.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Maehle, Gregor.
Ashtanga yoga : practice and philosophy : a comprehensive description of the primary series of
ashtanga yoga and an authentic explanation of the Yoga sutra of Patanjali / Gregor Maehle.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-57731-606-0 (pbk. : alk. paper)
1. Astanga yoga. 2. Patañjali. Yogasutra. I. Title.
RA781.68.M34 2007
613.7'046—dc22 2007022806
First New World Library edition, September 2007
ISBN-10: 1-57731-606-1
ISBN-13: 978-157731-606-0
Printed in Canada on partially recycled, acid-free paper
New World Library is a proud member of the Green Press Initiative.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
To the first and foremost of all teachers,
who has been known by various names,
such as the Brahman, the Tao, the Lord, and the Mother,
and who, after all names are left behind,
is still there as the incomprehensible, luminous,
vibrant, silent, vast emptiness in my heart.
Note
ItisimportanttolearnAshtangaYogabythetraditionalmethod,
accordingtowhichthenextpostureisaddedononlywhenthe
studenthasgainedproficiencyinthepreviousone.Inthisway
excessiveexertion,fatigue,andunwantedsideeffectsareavoided.
Proficiencyinaposturecanbeassessedonlybyaqualified
teacher.
The importance of learning the method from a qualified teacher
cannot be stressed enough. It is not possible to learn yoga from a
book or video, because these media cannot provide feedback
when the student engages in a posture poorly. If this should be
the case, little or no benefit would be gained from the practice; in
fact damage could be done.
CONTENTS
Invocation x
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xii
Introduction 1
PART 1 Fundamentals: Breath, Bandhas, Drishti, Vinyasa 7
PART 2 Asana: The Primary Series 17
PART 3 The History and Lineage of Yoga 131
PART 4 Philosophy: The Yoga Sutra 139
Glossary 293
Biographies of Yoga Masters and Rishis
Mentioned in the Text 297
Bibliography 298
Index 303
About the Author 307
