The Art of Vinyasa

Awakening Body and Mind Through the Practice of Ashtanga Yoga

By: Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor

Narrated by: Erin Moon

Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

The Art of Vinyasa 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 - and particularly the vinyasa, or the breath-synchonized 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); and samadhi (harmony, insight) - and shows how to establish an internally rooted yoga practice.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2016 Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

What an exciting and informative book

Deepening the practice and explaining the poses to very high degree makes this book an essential part of any students Arsenal.

Shockingly profound and accessible

I had to pause my read and leave a review, it's that good. The writing is gorgeous and the narration is perfect.

I've been practicing yoga for almost 2 decades. Many of the concepts covered in this book, I'm familiar with. I'm sure that helped. Nonetheless, the depth to which the author reveals insight and wisdom is marvelous. It's going to take me a long time to finish this book because I frequently repeat sections just to allow myself to contemplate and visualize the information. While Richard Freeman is an Ashtanga yogi, this is a great complement to any style of yoga. If you teach, are interested in teaching, or simply want deep in your practice of yoga, definitely read this book

THE BEST OF THE BESTS I'VE EVER READ

ITS A MUST MUST MUST!!! I haven't found this information anywhere else. Specially if you want information (all about it) regarding mula bandha.

The Authors’ Voices Would Have Been Superior

This is a great book.

It is almost a great Audiobook, kept from greatness only by the disappointment that the narration was not done by Richard & Mary.

Richard Freeman has one of the most pleasant, mesmerizing voices in The Three Worlds. I wonder why he did not undertake to voice this audiobook?

Great book!

This book is so beautifully written! It gives insight on philosophy, techniques, a bit of history too! It's a book worth both reading and listening!

For serious Yogis.

Richard is one of the most important American yoga teachers. I highly recommend anything he has written if you are interested in getting deeper into your practice. He has done his time in India with the founding teachers, studied the Sanskrit and put in the time on the mat. His wife Mary is fantastic at translating and applying the esoteric concepts to daily life. Check them out on YT also.

good information

I ended up buying the book because I could not get past the narration. The book is great.

Codex by a living ashtanga master

Would you listen to The Art of Vinyasa again? Why?

I already have. Freeman's words flow densely and the weight of his experience allow one to hear, see, feel and listen to an ashtanga pioneer

What did you like best about this story?

The recitation of the chant

What about Erin Moon’s performance did you like?

Her voice is gorgeous. I even had a chuckle when she dropped her voice to say some Sanskrit words. Sounded like she was having fun

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

If you have considered a mature, respectful way to enter traditional yoga, ashtanga and Freeman are a force to be considered

Profound text - Perfunctory performance

Given author Richard Freeman's expert Sanskrit pronunciation, deep experiential wisdom and honeycomb hypnotic voice, the narrator of this audio book was always liable to comparison. Unfortunately, it sounds like a text-to-speech bot set to 1,5 speed. I really struggle to retain or process anything she says, honestly - the reading seems lifeless to me. Given my enormous respect for the authors and my dissapointment with this audiobook, I've decided to cancel my audible account and rather order the text instead.