Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 John,<br><br>The differences between Primary Series as taught by John Scott in his excellent book "Ashtanga Yoga" (approved by Guruji as the taditional method!) and the one as taught by David Swenson in his "Practice Manual"(not approved by Guruji!) are most striking.<br><br>Just some points:<br><br>1. John Scott presents Primary Series in the classical form of Full Vinyasa. Swenson doesn't mention even the possibility of doing Primary in Full Vinyasa with one word in his voluminous tome.<br><br>2. John Scott uses the traditional Sanskrit counting system to name the poses of Surya Namaskara A&B as well as of the viyasas. So, of course, you jump back into Chatvari (Jois style), not into 'Caturanga Dandasana'(Swenson style only).<br><br>3. In Swenson's book you will find such an important posture as Child's Pose nowhere in his Finishing Sequence. As a beginner in Ashtanga with still little experience, Swenson made me believe that in Ashtanga Yoga you are supposed to jump into vinyasa straight from Headstand. John Scott, of course, describes Child's Pose in every single detail and with an illustration too. How long do you hold Child's Pose? Swenson leaves you guessing. Scott's answer: Two minutes.<br><br>4. Before entering Shoulder Stand in the finishing sequence, you lie down on your back for five steady breaths. Scott teaches you that this is not a resting or relaxing pose, but, in essence it is Samasthitih, except that you are lying down. You also have to engage the bandhas and gaze at your nose (dristi). Where do you find all this in Swenson's fabulous book? Nowhere!<br><br>5. Swenson speedily enters Baddha Padmasana (1 exhalation),then, after 1 inhalation, he bends sraightforward into Yoga Mudra ("Baddha Padma continued"). Scott folds into Padmasana with 1 exhalation-1 inhalation, then he exhales performing Baddha Padmasana and holds it for 10 full breaths. Only then he bends forward into Yoga Mudra (10 breaths also)!<br><br>6. After Yoga Mudra, Scott enters a posture called Panmasana (10 breaths). Swenson leaves this pose out!<br><br>7. Scott introduces Dwi Pada Sirsasana B (5 breaths!) between Supta Kurmasana and Tittibhasana. Swenson relegates Dwi Pada Sirsasana B to his Intermediate Series only.<br><br>8. In his "Short Forms" Swenson mixes up full postures with modified ones. How many inhalations/exhalations to enter Matsyasana in simplified fashion with straight legs from Shoulder Stand? Keep guessing!<br><br>Swenson's "Practice Manual" never got Jois' approval. Rightly so!<br><br>One last point. If I am to review a book or if I am to post anything at all here, this is from my personal point of view as a dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practicioner only. I am not expecting my 'reviews' to be published in the Yoga Journal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 I agree with some of your criticisms of this book, as some important parts of the practice are left out. But I have to side with what others have said on this board, that a book should be used as a supplement, not substitute for classes with a qualified teacher. Will there EVER be a book or video that can fully convey all the subtle details of ashtanga so the beginner can pick up the practice in a way that is appropriate for him or her? I doubt it, but these resources are useful tools for providing additional information and another point of view. I think David's book has some very useful tips on jump-throughs and Chakrasana, for example. And from what you've said, even this new book may not be perfect, though, undoubtedly, still very helpful. For instance, I don't think that Pattabhi Jois recommends doing full vinyasa anymore (according to feedback from the Sydney leg of the tour). And should most people learn how to fold both legs behind their head before going into supta kurmasana from a practice manual? You should have a live person to help you with this stuff (ideally). So while the Scott book may be "more" correct, it's still just a book (although I'm hoping that Santa can find a copy of it for me in his magic sack). Anyway, thanks for sharing your opinion. I admire your enthusiasm for Ashtanga. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 rather than david swenon's book being a mess it appears to me as a beginner that this practice has a lot of variants. reading from this club i am lead to understand that folks feel very passionately about whatever they have chosen to practice for whatever reasons. <br><br>i still have read nothing here to lead me to believe that jois is necessarily the last word, or that his approval is the last word...just calling it "science" does not make it so. there's enough dogma out there without frosting my life with any more...<br><br>i hope that soon enough i'll have my own opinions, and my own passions about ashtanga. for now i am still exploring...and sadly finding that like any other practice there is heated discussion about what is acceptable as orthodox and who has the right to interpret the truth for me.<br><br>we'll see if santa can find the scott book as well...thanks.<br><br>yasar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 You have the right attitude !!!! Don't lose it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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