The Power of Ashtanga Yoga II

Description

"Kino MacGregor’s The Power of Ashtanga Yoga II is a wonderful gift for anyone who wants to really make their yoga work. Her approach brings understanding, patience, courage, and technique to practice in a way that will allow us to actually evolve step-by-intelligent-step toward transforming not only our bodies, but our hearts and minds. Please study this book deeply and then practice and practice."—Richard Freeman "You could not ask for a better guide to the Ashtanga method than Kino MacGregor, whose expertise, patience, compassion, and skillful teaching are at the highest level and are all distilled in this book."—Jack Forem, author of Transcendental Meditation: The Essential Teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi "This book is inspiring. Readers will benefit from Kino’s unparalleled mastery of asanas and her thorough understanding of the wisdom contained in Ashtanga’s Intermediate Series."—David Robson, creator of "Learn to Float" In this follow-up to her popular first book, The Power of Ashtanga Yoga, Kino MacGregor presents and explains the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga practice. MacGregor, a disciple of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of the method, gives a basic introduction to Ashtanga Yoga philosophy; provides essential background information on the Intermediate Series; gives tips on how to know when you are ready to take on this next stage of practice; explains the purification aspects of the practice; and gives instructions for the pranayama techniques associated with the practice, along with other key points. She also describes and demonstrates the entire Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series in over 250 photographs. This solid, engaging entrée into intermediate-level practice is a wonderful resource for both practitioners and teachers. Acknowledgments PART ONE: PHILOSOPHY 1. An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga 2. The Inner Work of Yoga 3. The Sound of Sacred Space — Opening and Closing Prayers PART TWO: THE PRACTICE 4. Sun Salutations 5. Standing Postures 6. Courageous Backbends 7. Energy Rising, Hip Opening, Legs behind the Head 8. Be Strong: Dynamic Control of the Shoulders and Spine 9. The Seven Headstands 10. Backbends and Handstands 11. Closing Postures Appendix A: Intermediate Series Appendix B: Intermediate Series Vinyasa Count Resources About the Author