Sharath Jois, the grandson of Pattabhi Jois and the lineage holder for Ashtanga yoga, has written a new book called Ashtanga Yoga Anusthana.
It is a simple, well put together, handbook for Primary Series and includes a succinct summary of the 8 limbs. It is a great reference book for anyone looking to understand correct vinyasa counts and a beginner exploration of the 8 limbs of yoga.
Important points from the book
Ashtanga Yoga does include the 8 limbs and is not just a physical practice-Sharath has spoken many times against people who put Ashtanga Yoga into a physical yoga category by calling it "Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga". The proliferation of this untruth has always baffled me because Asthanga literally means 8 limbs. Why would Pattabhi Jois have used the name if he didn't feel that the 8 limbs were important? It shows a lack of svadyaya, self study. It is particularly scary when so called Ashtanga teachers say this. It is an immediate sign to me that the person does not know what they are doing and I should steer clear of their classes. I feel very sorry for their students.
Break Down on Bramacharya-Bramacharya has always been broken down to mean "celibacy" but Sharath breaks it down into life stages that shed a new light on the meaning of the word.
Gives Students Permission To Not Be Perfect-Sharath shows compassion for those learning the practice understands that things like breathing with the Vinyasa count can be difficult
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