If you’re curious about the roots of Ashtanga Yoga, there’s no better place to start than with Yoga Mala, the seminal text written by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois—the founder of the Ashtanga method. First published in 1962 in India (and later translated into English), Yoga Mala is both a philosophical guide and a practical manual for practitioners seeking to understand the deeper purpose of yoga beyond the poses.
The book outlines the traditional vinyasa system, detailing the first series (Yoga Chikitsa), and offers step-by-step instructions for each asana, including breath counts, gazing points (drishti), and bandhas (energetic locks). But Yoga Malais much more than a technical manual—it’s a spiritual work grounded in the teachings of the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita.
What makes Yoga Mala unique is the voice of Pattabhi Jois himself. His devotion to the practice and its healing power is clear on every page. He reminds us again and again that the purpose of yoga is not just physical fitness, but purification of the body and mind, leading to self-realization.
For longtime practitioners and new students alike, Yoga Mala is a touchstone—a reminder that Ashtanga Yoga is a discipline of the heart, meant to be practiced with humility, patience, and dedication.
Whether you practice Mysore-style daily or are simply exploring yoga’s deeper dimensions, Yoga Mala offers timeless guidance and inspiration.
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