ASHTANGA YOGA BOOKS
In Sanskrit, Ashtanga means eight-limbed and if you possess the natural vigor that many Ashtangis do, you’ll use all your limbs to read these Ashtanga yoga books simultaneously. Make a cup of tea, relax your bandhas, cozy up, and rejoice in Jois, Krishnamacharya, Brahmachari, and Vamana Rishi. (New books are added often — subscribe to stay updated!)
Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual
by David Swenson
“Each practice session is a journey. Endeavor to move with awareness and enjoy the experience. Allow it to unfold as a flower opens. There is no benefit in hurrying. Yoga grows with time.”
Yoga Mala: The Original Teachings of Ashtanga Yoga Master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath
“Guruji instructed countless thousands of people around the world, and guided many to become teachers as well. The method explained in this book is identical to the method taught at his institute in Mysore, the method we follow today. It was his hope that future generations will continue to do the same, and practice in order to preserve the traditional yogic knowledge.”
Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Primary Series Practice Manual
by Petri Raisanen
Clear, straightforward, and the photography is nothing short of stunning. An inspiring + GORGEOUS guide to the Primary Series.
Ashtanga Yoga – The Intermediate Series: Mythology, Anatomy, and Practice
by Gregor Maehle
“You will find ever present in this book T. Krishnamacharya’s emphasis on learning scripture, devotion, understanding Sanskrit, adapting the practice to the individual, and doing whatever is reasonable and beneficial to the student.”
Astanga Yoga As It Is
by Matthew Sweeney
A comprehensive practice guide covering Ashtanga Yoga’s first four sequences (Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, and Advanced B). While there are approximately 2,000 photos, this isn’t a glossy, gape-at-the-art book. The photos are small and intended to flow manual-style. Not how-to or alignment-focused. Perfectly suited to the dedicated practitioner looking for a no-muss, yet meticulous resource.
Guruji: A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Through the Eyes of His Students
by Guy Donahaye and Eddie Stern
“Like the words of the wandering sadhus in India, I believe the interviews collected here each contribute a piece of the expanding story of Pattabhi Jois and his teachings of ashtanga yoga. Each interview holds small gems of wisdom, new ways of looking at the yoga practice, and unknown perspective on Pattabhi Jois that expands our appreciation of his genius.”
Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga
by John C. Scott
“It is impossible in an introductory book such as this to bring fully to light the depth of practice necessary to achieve the union of mind, body, and soul. What can be done, however, and what this book presents, are the key principles and techniques of the method. . . . I hope that this text is an inspiration to you, encouraging you to take your first ‘Victorious Breath.'”
