K. Pattabhi Jois (1915–2009)

This book is the heart of the Ashtanga yoga primary series; the historical documentation of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' curriculum for asana practice and his overview and explanation of the 8-limb path.

There are newer Ashtanga books written by some of Jois' long-time students that explore in greater detail different areas of the practice, but this book is considered the original source. If you are looking to incorporate Ashtanga yoga principles both on and off the mat, you will need, and want, to show more own this book and revisit it frequently.

The photos of the primary series postures are refreshing in that Guruji isn't inhumanly "perfect" in every one! What a lovely reminder that the practice is more than just the execution of a shape, with positioned limbs and flexed muscles, it's about the intention you bring to the mat and allow to develop with consistent attention.

"practice, and all is coming" :-) show less

the ethical themes in the preferatory discussions of yama, niyama, and pranayama r much needed in the contemporary yoga landscape, sapped as it is of spiritual vigor. its explanation of the import of "sun salutations" is insightful, and selection of additional asanas is incredibly clear

the most important aspect is def how the role of regular breathing, gazing, meditation, bandhas/locks and movement r emphasized for all asanas

but there is little else abt this book that is well done. no asana show more program is given, despite the emphasis on surya namaskara its vinyasas r poorly explained, while the discussion of pranayama is interesting there is little instruction given show less

One of the great yoga figures of our time, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois brought Ashtanga yoga to the West more than thirty years ago. Based on flowing, energetic movement coordinated with the breath, Ashtanga and the many forms of vinyasa yoga that grow directly out of it have become the most widespread and influential styles practiced today.

Yoga Mala—a "garland of yoga"—is Jois's authoritative guide to Ashtanga. In it, he outlines the ethical principles and philosophy underlying the discipline, show more explains important terms and concepts, and guides the reader through Ashtanga's Sun Salutations and the subsequent primary sequence of forty-two asanas, or poses, precisely describing how to execute each position and what benefits each provides. It is a foundational work on yoga by a true master.

To coincide with publication of Guruji: A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Through the Eyes of His Students by Guy Donahaye and Eddie Stern, this new edition of Yoga Mala includes a foreword by Jois's grandson Sharath Rangaswamy, currently co-director of the famous school Jois founded in Mysore, the Ashtanga Yoga Institute. show less

Pequeño libro escrito por Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, una de las grandes figuras del mundo del yoga de nuestra época, donde se describe la naturaleza atemporal de la práctica del ashtanga yoga. Esta disciplina, basada en vinyasa –el enlace de la respiración y el movimiento– es uno de los estilos más reconocidos y respetados dentro de la práctica actual del yoga.

Dentro de la tradición del ashtanga yoga, Yoga Mala constituye la guía escrita más importante. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois show more interpreta los principios éticos y filosóficos que sustentan el ashtanga yoga y define sus conceptos y términos. El autor nos guía, paso a paso, por los saludos al sol y las cuarenta y dos asanas de la primera serie. También describe al detalle cómo se realiza cada postura y los beneficios que otorga. Jois introdujo el ashtanga yoga en Occidente en 1964 y fue la fuerza motriz que condujo a su diseminación mundial. Tras estudiar veinticinco años con T. Krishnamacharya, supo traspasar su conocimiento a generaciones de practicantes en todo el mundo. show less