The Art of Vinyasa

<b>A radical presentation of the most rigorous form of contemporary yoga as meditation in motion</b><br><br><i>The Art of Vinyasa</i>&#160;takes a unique look at Ashtanga yoga as meditation in motion that produces profound inner change. 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&#151;and particularly the vinyasa or the breath-synchonized movements&#151;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.<br>&#160;<br>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.<br><br>Unlike other books on Ashtanga&#160;<i>The Art of Vinyasa</i> does not follow the linear pattern of the sequences of postures that are the hallmark of Ashtanga yoga. Instead it interlinks the eight limbs: <i>yama</i>&#160;and&#160;<i>niyama</i>&#160;(ethical practices) <i>asana</i>&#160;(postures) <i>pranayama</i>&#160;(breathing) <i>pratyahara</i>&#160;(nongrasping of the senses) <i>dharana</i>&#160;(concentration) <i>dhyana</i>&#160;(meditation) <i>samadhi</i>&#160;(harmony insight)&#151;and shows how to establish an internally rooted yoga practice.