Ashtanga Yoga is a graceful, popular and athletic type of yoga developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, one of the great modern gurus. In this book, Kino MacGregor, one of Jois's disciples, explains Ashtanga’s history and tradition; the essential connection of breath, posture, and gaze that is the core of the practice; how Ashtanga philosophy manifests in dietary and lifestyle choices; and how Ashtanga is fundamentally a path of spiritual transformation and development. MacGregor draws from her own personal experiences to illuminate this fascinating practice. She also describes and demonstrates the entire Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series—including standing, seated, backbending, twisting, hip-opening, and finishing postures—in 125 photos.

 This book is appropriate for those who are new to Ashtanga Yoga and want a solid, engaging introduction to the practice, and for more experienced practitioners who will be inspired by MacGregor and interested in her expertise and her holistic view of the practice.

You will have the best results if you build your healing practice from the beginning to the end and allow yourself to become acclimated to each new movement and place careful emphasis on breathing deeply rather than on the perfection of physical form… The inner journey cannot be rushed, and one of yoga’s greatest lessons is that of patience and acceptance. If you are in extreme discomfort at any time, relax and back off a little, knowing that you have eternity to learn exactly what you need to learn.