Books

Half of my order came in! Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy by Gregor Maehle.

Here is my edited description of Light on Yoga: "If you are serious about the physical postures you will love this book. If you are just curious about the range of what is possible this book is where you will find it. In over 600 photos, Iyengar demonstrates all the common poses with a variety of variations and provides detailed instructions for getting into the poses, getting out of the poses, what to expect while in the poses and more. He details the benefits of each pose and suggests what poses are curative for what ailments. The book also offers helpful chapters on pranayama, bhandas and kriyas, and explanations of mudras."

I highly recommend Maehle's Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy to any beginner yoga practitioner who is interested in Ashtange yoga and to experienced students as a valuable resource. Not only does it provide the Primary Series asanas with wonderful explanation, it integrates the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and demonstrates how the eight limbs are practiced within what Maehle calls "the Ashtanga Vinyasa system."

More from the product description (which is accurate): "An extensive explanation of the fundamental techniques of breath, bandhas and drishti is followed by a detailed and comprehensive study of each posture of the Primary Series, following the traditional vinyasa count, complemented by clear and informative anatomical illustrations and descriptions. Additional information on the mythological background and yogic context of specific postures enhances and brings further insight to the practice. Practical tips are also offered. In a discussion of the history of yoga, Gregor Maehle shows how the five-stage unfoldment of mind described in the Yoga Sutra was the key factor in the development of human society during the last five millennia. In a final section of the book, a lively, authentic and practical rendering of the Yoga Sutra, for which the major ancient commentaries have been consulted, lucidly describes the entire path of Ashtanga Yoga and presents it as a realistic path for modern practitioners."