A radical presentation of the most rigorous form of contemporary yoga as meditation in motion
In The Art of Vinyasa, two of the most well-respected teachers of the Ashtanga style of yoga, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, explore this rigorous practice not as a gymnastic feat, but as a meditative form. They reveal that doing the practice—and particularly the vinyasa, or the breath-synchronized movements—in such a deep and focused way allows practitioners to experience a profound awakening of the body and mind. It also develops an adaptable, flexible practice that can last a lifetime.
Freeman and Taylor give an in-depth explanation of form, alignment, and anatomy, and how they work together in the practice. They also present a holistic approach to asana practice that includes an awareness of the subtle breath and seamlessly merges yoga philosophy with practical technique.
Unlike other books on Ashtanga, The Art of Vinyasa does not follow the linear pattern of the sequences of postures that are the hallmark of Ashtanga yoga. Instead, it interlinks the eight limbs: yama and niyama (ethical practices), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (nongrasping of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), samadhi (harmony, insight)—and shows how to establish an internally rooted yoga practice.
"There is no other manual to the subtle body so intimately connected to the practical application of yoga as The Art of Vinyasa. With equal parts of compassion and grace, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor ground the esoteric notions of the yoga tradition’s most sacred teachings—and impart that wisdom to the reader. More than just a book, this is a body of work that proves that yoga is a spiritual path, and that the body is not reducible to mere bones and muscles. I strongly recommend this book to all sincere students of yoga."—Kino MacGregor, author of The Power of Ashtanga Yoga
"The Art of Vinyasa is nothing short of miraculous. After working through the grosser levels of yoga, it is often confusing whether our perception, intuition, concepts, and practice are leading us in a direction of liberation and peace. Mary Taylor’s and Richard Freeman’s insights and explanations, which teach us from the inside out, are invaluable guides to us yogis. Without the advantage of living with an enlightened master (I can’t find one), this book is the next best teacher—and I for one am deeply indebted."—Rodney Yee, author of Moving Toward Balance
A radical presentation of the most rigorous form of contemporary yoga as meditation in motion
In The Art of Vinyasa, two of the most well-respected teachers of the Ashtanga style of yoga, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, explore this rigorous practice not as a gymnastic feat, but as a meditative form. They reveal that doing the practice—and particularly the vinyasa, or the breath-synchronized movements—in such a deep and focused way allows practitioners to experience a profound awakening of the body and mind. It also develops an adaptable, flexible practice that can last a lifetime.
Freeman and Taylor give an in-depth explanation of form, alignment, and anatomy, and how they work together in the practice. They also present a holistic approach to asana practice that includes an awareness of the subtle breath and seamlessly merges yoga philosophy with practical technique.
Unlike other books on Ashtanga, The Art of Vinyasa does not follow the linear pattern of the sequences of postures that are the hallmark of Ashtanga yoga. Instead, it interlinks the eight limbs: yama and niyama (ethical practices), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (nongrasping of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), samadhi (harmony, insight)—and shows how to establish an internally rooted yoga practice.
Praise
"There is no other manual to the subtle body so intimately connected to the practical application of yoga as The Art of Vinyasa. With equal parts of compassion and grace, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor ground the esoteric notions of the yoga tradition’s most sacred teachings—and impart that wisdom to the reader. More than just a book, this is a body of work that proves that yoga is a spiritual path, and that the body is not reducible to mere bones and muscles. I strongly recommend this book to all sincere students of yoga."—Kino MacGregor, author of The Power of Ashtanga Yoga
"The Art of Vinyasa is nothing short of miraculous. After working through the grosser levels of yoga, it is often confusing whether our perception, intuition, concepts, and practice are leading us in a direction of liberation and peace. Mary Taylor’s and Richard Freeman’s insights and explanations, which teach us from the inside out, are invaluable guides to us yogis. Without the advantage of living with an enlightened master (I can’t find one), this book is the next best teacher—and I for one am deeply indebted."—Rodney Yee, author of Moving Toward Balance
