Ashtanga Yoga: The Primary Series
by Oliver Henry
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DVD details
Actor: Richard FreemanDirector: Oliver Henry
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 120 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-12-01
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sounds True
DVD Reviews of Ashtanga Yoga: The Primary Series
DVD Review: unparalleled instruction in Asthanga yoga at home
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok, I will freely admit that I get a little caught up in the external aspects of most yoga DVDs, relishing in the trippy music and gorgeous locations almost as much as the yoga and instruction, so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one. The production value is very pared-down compared with many of the other oyga DVDs out there, with just Richard solo amidst a lovely but simple background and there is no background music at all. What you DO get is a level of teaching and serenity that astounded me. You also get the absolute purity of the Primary Asthanga Series as it was taught by Pattabhi Jois. It took me a few minutes to adjust to Richard's energy, it's different, but he's very sweet, very grounded and with a very soft and soothing presence. This is someone who has been doing Asthanga for decades and still loves it so much, he's still very connected to the subtleties and magic of it all.
I've heard so many teachers working with the same exact postures and somehow he managed to gives cues, instructions and beautiful metaphors that enabled me to find a new depth and power in every single posture I did, opening to them in completely new ways. The magic is in the details, I often find, whether it's a film, a song or a good yoga class, and the way Richard can guide you through a very daunting series with such tranquility, encouragement, patience and meticulous detail without ever taking away from your own experience or where you are in your practice...well, it's stunning.
Personally, while I have done Hatha and Kundalini for over 15 years I'd found Asthanga series to be too intimidating and assumed I had to be in athletic condition to even begin to attempt this. The Primary Series is about 2 hours long in its entirety, and I'd say I can do about half right now on a good energy day. Then it gets into a level of stamina, flexibility and balance I have yet to experience, but with this DVD and his teaching I now have no doubt that daily practice will get me there, in my own time. And instead of the last hour seeming like an impossible dream, it inspires me. That's the magic of a truly great teacher.
The series itself is a wonderful combination of Sun Salutations (A & B), standing poses to stretch, open and build stamina and strength, and then the second hour is where the nitty gritty Asthanga kicks in with incredibly deep stretches, arm balances, a lengthy and lovely shoulder stand sequence and a few pretzel moments that I can only imagine must feel liberating and wonderful.
I've read and heard that being able to do the Primary Series and master it could take years, and I see why. But I feel even an advanced beginning yogi could benefit from this DVD. Even when I did just the first 30 minutes or so over the weekend I felt tremendous benefits and discovered new layers thanks to Richard's expertise. He glides through every movement as though he were weightless and partially made of rubber, it's really something to see. Such grace and poise can only come from dedication and absolute presence and respect for the work. I'm so glad I heeded the glowing reviews here and bought this DVD. This will be an instrumental tool in my growth as a yogi for years to come.
Description of Ashtanga Yoga: The Primary Series
THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESENT MOMENT. "Ashtanga Yoga allows the body itself to become the ground for enlightenment," teaches Richard Freeman. With Ashtanga Yoga, The Primary Series, you will learn the core practices of this challenging, fulfilling path - a precise union of breath, alignment, and flowing sequence of postures. On this acclaimed DVD, named by Yoga Journal as one of the top Yoga instructional programs available, Richard Freeman offers in-depth training on the potent Primary Series, a classical sequence of postures as taught by renowned teacher, K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Join him to: ·Follow a meditative thread through a specially designed sequence of postures ·Melt away knots and blocks so that your mind and breath can flow easily together in meditation. ·Learn ujjayi breathing, the Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas (the Root and the Flying Up Energy Seals, that form the foundation for both alignment and deeper states of awareness) ·Systematically increase strength and flexibility ·Learn proper and continuous alignment for healing injuries and strengthening joints. ·Learn how to proceed through both difficulty and success with intelligence. ·Work from your present condition while on your practice mat - and while off the mat in daily life.New Age Music CDs
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