Some Selected Yoga Videos
Compiled by Terry Slade
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is priceless.
Categories On This Page:
Documentaries About Yoga
Instructional Videos - Ashtanga & Related
Instructional Videos - Anatomy, General Theory
Instructional Videos - Yin Yoga
Instructional Videos - Other Yoga
Some Sources for Yoga Videos
Some Documentary Films About Yoga
Yoga Unveiled (2004 - 145min) Gita Desai
Subtitled: The Evolution and Essence of a Spiritual Tradition
Official Site: www.yogaunveiled.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1192479/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B002B8YORE
Extensive two and a half hour documentary covering the whole subject of yoga.
This is totally the definitive film on yoga. Very cool. Highest recommendation.
Get this DVD! This is a 2-disc set. Disc one is the 145-minute documentary.
Disc 2 is an additional one-hour film about yoga from a medical viewpoint.
Breath of the Gods (2011 - 105min) Jan Schmidt-Garre
Subtitled: A Journey to the Origins of Modern Yoga
Official Site: www.breathofthegods.com
Official Site (German): www.deratmendegott.de
AliveMind: www.alivemindcinema.com/breathofthegods/
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breath_of_the_Gods
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt2357007/
Amazon (DVD 07/08/14 AliveMind): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00K1KBHE/
Amazon.de (German PAL DVD 2-disc 09/25/12): www.amazon.de/o/ASIN/B0082LTUNW/
RottenTomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com/m/breath_of_the_gods_2013/
Lengthy and Detailed Review: grimmly2007.blogspot.com/2013/02/krishnamacharyas-movie-breath-of-god.html
About Krishnamacharya. Found out about this NOV 2012. AliveMind acquired
rights for US distribution, released June 2014 as single disc DVD. There are
German and British editions available.
Enlighten Up! (2008 - 82min) Kate Churchill
Subtitled: A Skeptics Journey Into The World of Yoga
Official Site: www.enlightenupthefilm.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B002MFTZY8
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1306972/
RottenTomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com/m/enlighten_up/
Review at Killer Film: www.killerfilm.com/film_reviews/read/enlighten-up-dvd-review-17201
Interview with Kate at Killer Film: www.killerfilm.com/spotlight/read/interview-kate-churchill-17565
Extensive Review: yogacritiques.org/reviews/enlighten-up-yoga-sceptic-thoughts-on-film/
Using a kind of silly device similar to Supersize Me, the director chooses a
subject and sends him all around (NYC, LA, Hawaii, India) to try out different
types of yoga to see what the effect on him will be. While that results in
some odd presentation, we do get to hear from a lot of top people in
modern yoga, mainly including Dharma Mittra, David Life, Sharon Gannon,
Shyamdas, Norman Allen, Pattabhi Jois, BKS Iyengar, and Gurusharananda.
Also visits with Diamond Dallas Page (ex-pro wrestler, inventor of "yoga for
regular guys", featuring "T&A as well as namaste"!), Ravi Singh, Anna Brecht,
Alan Finger, Cindi Lee and a Bikram class. And ... a visit with the
laughing club.
The special features include some extra time with Norman Allen
(first westerner to learn Ashtanga yoga), BKS Iyengar, and Gurusharananda.
Very fun, very interesting, very inspiring, recommended for sure.
(Netflix has this).
Yoga, Inc. (2006 - 58min) John Philp
Official Site: www.baddogtales.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0967962/
Very thorough exploration of the commercialization of yoga in the US.
An amazing amount of people, information and ideas are packed into this fun
one-hour film. Covers the history of yoga in the US. Looks at Bikram's
legal battle to copyright his sequence of postures and also at his yoga
competitions. (He has been pushing to get yoga into the Olympics).
Some of the people in the film: Bikram Choudhury, Baron Baptiste,
Amrit Desai, Alan Finger, John Friend, Esak Garcia (competitive yogi),
Jimmy Barkan, Cyndi Lee, David Life, Sharon Gannon, Trisha Lamb, Rodney Yee,
George Lichter and Rob Wrubel (founders of Yoga Works chain), Barnaby Harris
(creator of Fuck Yoga t-shirts). There is a tiny clip from an Elvis Presley
film, which caused me to research that a bit. "I don't know anything
about yoga." "Who does?" It is from Easy Come Easy Go, made in 1967.
In the Elvis film (I watched it!), the yoga scene is about 10 minutes or so,
mainly consisting of a musical number, "Yoga Is As Yoga Does" - which
is totally hilarious. (you can find the clip on Youtube) Yoga, Inc. is a
very well-made and enjoyable film, which provides a lot of
food for thought. Recommended. (Currently available as burned DVD-R).
Living Yoga (2008 - 62min) Shiva Kumar
Subtitled: The Life and Teachings of Swami Satchidananda
Official Site: www.livingyogamovie.org
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B002JGVMXW
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Satchidananda
Swami Satchidananda was one of the first India yogis to come to the west,
arriving in America in 1966. He spoke at Woodstock. His book
Integral Yoga Hatha is an early classic in the modern literature
on yoga asana practice. He was the guru of artist Peter Max and musician
Alice Coltrane. Satchidananda continued to be influential throughout his life.
He passed away in 2002. Although this is meant to be a thorough look at
Satchidananda (which it is), there is much focus on the place of yoga in
the modern world as a way of healing for individuals and society. Lots
on integrative medicine. And we get to see
Bhagavan_"Doc"_Antle
with some big tigers. Excellent film, covers a lot in an hour, recommended.
"Be easeful, be peaceful, be useful." - Swami Satchidananda
The Yoga Industry: A Spritual Extinction (2018)
Official Site: www.motionhouse.org/yoga
Upcoming film (announced in 2018) will explore "the conveyor belt of teacher
training courses, social media's impact on yoga, the fitness industry's
adoption of yoga, #metoo in yoga, and cultural appropriation".
Awake: The Life of Yogananda (2014 - 87min) Paolo de Florio, Lisa Leeman
Official Site: www.awaketheyoganandamovie.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt3741860/
RottenTomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com/m/awake_the_life_of_yogananda/
What is Yoga? (1998 - 56min) - Mary Bosakowski
Official Site: www.JivamuktiYoga.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0197095/
Features conversations about yoga with David Life, Sharon Gannon,
Willem Dafoe, and Bhagavan Das. Lots of footage of Ashtanga yoga asana
practice (at Jivamukti Yoga in NYC), including group scenes and solo
practices of David and Sharon. Also footage of Nirmalananda, Brahmananda
and Pattabhi Jois. Interesting and magical. I like this video a lot.
This was out of print on VHS for a long time and finally made it to DVD.
Y Yoga Movie (2008 - 88min) Arthur Klein
Official Site: www.yyogamovie.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1337579/
Lots of short segments with lots of yoga teachers talking about yoga.
Might seem kind of fast-paced. Lots of cool stuff in here. Didn't quite grab
me the first time I watched it, but on watching it again, I like it alot.
Very inspirational. (Netflix has this).
Yogawoman (2011 - 84min) Kate McIntyre, Saraswati Ciere
Subtitled: Never Underestimate the Power of Inner Peace
Official Site: www.yogawoman.tv
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt2022594/
Narrated by Annette Bening. Features Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Sharon Gannon,
Patricia Walden, Cyndi Lee, Angela Farmer, Judith Lasater, Donna Farhi,
Desiree Rumbaugh, Elena Brower, Colleen Saidman. Includes subtitles in
Spanish, German, French Italian, and Japanese.
The Fire of Yoga (2003 - 41min) David Conway
Official Site: www.samudrapictures.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001MYD9J2
Yoga Journal Review: www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1485
Three short segments - Miguel Gonzales (Bronx, NY) - incarcerated from
ages 15-19. Became a teacher of yoga and meditation through working with
The Lineage Project, which teaches yoga and meditation to incarcerated youths.
Susan Mason (Jackson, Mississippi), - southern Baptist Christian, discovered
yoga after being diagnosed with cancer. She became a teacher after working
with Rebecca Laney of the Center for Yoga and Health in Clinton, Miss.
Frank White (Los Angeles, CA) - former overweight chain-smoking alcoholic
who became a yoga teacher at age 68. Still teaching yoga at the time
of this filming at age 81. Frank passed away in 2005 at the age of 85.
Narrated by Ali Macgraw. Special features include brief talks with
George Feurstein (2min) and Eric Schiffman (4min).
The Lineage Project: www.lineageproject.org
Interesting document on Susan Mason and Christian Yoga: www.christianresearchservice.com/CRSFactSheetYoga.htm
More about Frank White from a former student: www.jpmorrison.com/yogastory.html
Yoga Is (2011 - 62min) Suzanne Bryant
Subtitled: A Film About the Transformational Power of Yoga
Official Site: www.yogais.com
Director's Website: www.suzannebryant.com
Chopped up interviews with lots of top names in modern yoga (I'll
list them out here). The filmmaker had a crisis which prompted a
"spiritual journey" including a trip to India. Seems to pound on the message
that yoga is not just about asana practice. So the interview clips are
mainly just talking about how yoga will change your life, etc. No serious
discussion of asana. If you are looking to yoga for scientific physical
healing and are getting tired of yoga teachers emphasizing chanting, gurus,
new age philosophy, etc, while providing no real help for your bad knees
and back, you might not like this. Or it might be inspirational.
The interviewed: Russell Simmons, Christy Turlington Burns, Michael Franti,
Sharon Gannon, David Life, Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Alan Finger, Ana Forest,
Baron Baptiste, Cyndi Lee, Shri Dharma Mittra, Eddie Modestini,
Elise Brown Miller, Erich Schiffmann, Gurmukh, Krishna Das, Nicki Doane,
Robert Thurman, Saul David Raye, Shyam Das.
Mysore Yoga Traditions (2016)
Official Site: www.mysoreyogatraditions.com
Upcoming film by some Oklahoma Ashtangis. Originally meant to be about
BNS Iyengar, due to his refusal to be the subject of a documentary, the film
will explore the roots of the yoga traditions arising from Mysore, India,
which trace to Krishnamacharya, and include BNS Iyengar, BKS Iyengar, and
Pattabhi Jois.
Part & Parcel (2014 - 60min) Diego Barraza
Subtitled: A Yoga Documentary Satsang
Official Site: www.partandparcelfilm.com
Amazon (DVD 09/13/16 SaGuarda Studios): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B01LX7MLJF/
Ashtanga, NY - A Yoga Documentary (2003 - 40min) Caroline Laskow, Mary Wigmore
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0366189/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0002J4ZT6
Filmed during Pattabhi Jois' month-long visit to NYC in September of 2001.
Scenes from workshop classes. Chats with Pattabhi Jois, Sharath, various
students, Willem Dafoe, Gwyneth. Manju and Saraswati shown briefly.
The workshop continues through and after 9/11, incuding some special prayers.
Nice film. (Netflix has this).
Guru (2006 - 28min) Robert Wilkins
Official Site: www.guruthemovie.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0818677/
Filmed in Mysore on the occasion of Pattabhi Jois' 90th birthday celebration
in July of 2005.
Yoga: The Ultimate Freedom (2012) Stephane Haskell
YogaDork article: www.yogadork.com/news/yoga-the-ultimate-freedom-documentary-teaser-and-1976-bks-iyengar-original/
Leap of Faith (72min)
About BKS Iyengar.
1938 Practice Video - BKS Iyengar, T Krishnamacharya
45 minutes of black and white, silent film footage from 1938, showing
BKS Iyengar, Krishnamacharya, a couple of women and a couple of small
children demonstrating some very advanced asana practice. Very interesting.
Available on VHS for $34.00 from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco
(12/2009). www.iyisf.org
(look on the bookstore page)
Also available in PAL format from Iyengar Yoga Institute in London:
www.iyi.org.uk
I think most or all of this might be found on youtube, google video, etc.
The Ultimate Freedom: Yoga with BKS Iyengar (1976 - 59min, Black and White)
Can Purchase Here: www.yogaware.com/video.html
can watch at youtube or vimeo.
Mysore, India - A Day in the Life of a Yoga Student (1988 - 58min) Tom Sewell
Sewell Archives: www.mauiyoga.com
Filmed over 20 years ago. Starts out at Pattabhi Jois' shala (the old one),
then looks around Mysore a bit. Richard Freeman and Derek Ireland are among
the students shown practicing.
Asana Travelogue (2012 - 105min) Jan Schmidt-Garre
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt2102302/
Sadhaka: The Yoga of BKS Iyengar (2015 - 85min) Jake Clennell
Official Site: www.sadhakafilm.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt2905856/
As far as I can tell, as of april 2018, this film is not yet released.
Addiction, Recovery and Yoga (2009 - 85min) Lindsey Clennell
Official Site: www.adyo.org
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1549706/
I have not yet seen. DVD is available here: iynaus.org
Yoga and Me (2010 - 90min) Robbie Baldwin
Official Site: www.yogaandme.com
Have not yet seen. DVD is PAL format (from Australia).
Anusara Yoga The Heart of Transformation (2010 - 50min) Saraswati Clere, Kate Clere
Official Site: www.anusarayogatheheartoftransformation.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/061535940X
Have not yet seen.
The Yoga Gurus (2009 - 75min) John Braeley
Official Site: www.emptymindfilms.com/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0027U9KLG
Have not yet seen.
Origins of Yoga: Quest for the Spiritual (2005 - 50min) Paula Fouce
Official Site: www.originsofyoga.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000BX4X3G
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1077390/
Have not yet seen.
The Fire Yogi (2004 - 47min) Mike Vassan
Official Site: www.3dmaxmedia.com/fireyogi.htm
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0007G9IRS
Yoga Journal Review: www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/2674
A look at Yogi Rambhauswami, who has consumed only one or two bananas and a
glass of milk each day for many years. He has mastered a breathing technique
which enables him to achieve a union with fire. Have not yet seen.
The Yogis of Tibet (2003 - 77min) Jeffrey M. Pill
Official Site: www.theyogisoftibet.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1429400/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0000BWVM5
Exellent film. Out of print and hard to find. Can watch on youtube.
As of 2013, Netflix has on DVD.
Shortcut to Nirvanva (2004 - 85min) Maurizio Benazzo, Nick Day
Official Site: ShortcutToNirvanva.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000ARG2R8
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0420723/
Documentary about Kumbh Mela.
Naked in Ashes (2005 - 103min) Paula Fouce
Official Site: www.nakedinashes.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0481589/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000K2UDAK
Georg Feuerstein Review: www.traditionalyogastudies.com/reviews_yoga_nakedashes.html
Looks at the wandering holy men of India, also known as sadhus or naga babas.
The film states that there are 13 million holy men among the 1 billion people
of India. These guys practice various forms of asceticism and usually don't
own much or anything, including clothes. Follows several sadhus around,
including their visit to the 2004 Kumbh Mela at Ujjain. We see Shiv Raj Giri
pull a truck down the street with his penis. Very interesting.
Kumbh Mela - Songs of the River (2004 - 55min) Nadeem Uddin
Official Site: www.kmp2001.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0476563/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0007ZAEB8
Covers 2001 Kumbh Mela at Allahabad, India, which had an estimated 70
million visitors over 44 days. Gives a good feel for the atmosphere -
lots of noise, music, dust, lights in the night, colors in the day. We
see Yogamata Keiko being buried in a 9'x9' pit for 72 hours. Dr. Andrew
Weil talks to Pilot Baba about this. We see lots of naga babas, some fire
pits, and a visit from the Dalai Lama.
Kumbh Mela - The Greatest Show On Earth (2001 - 78min) Graham Day
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0480782/
Covers 2001 Kumbh Mela at Allahabad, India. Made for British TV. May
be available from Gaiam: www.gaiam.com.
Have not seen.
Kumbha Mela - The World's Largest Act of Faith (30min) Isaiah Sireisand, Swami Narasingha
Official Site: www.devavision.org
(Can order for $15 or download free at above site).
Covers 2001 Kumbh Mela at Allahabad, India.
Asana - Sacred Dance of the Yogis (1998 - 30min) James Carman
Official Site: www.JivamuktiYoga.com
This is Sharon Gannon and David Life (Jivamukti Yoga founders) doing three
different dance performances which are very much asana-based (and very "arty").
You might describe some of this as free form asana practice, though it is
all carefully choreographed. Some text from the box:
"Asana = Steady Seat, Dance = Moving Feet."
"The enlightened mind realizes that movement and stillness are born of
the same source. For thousands of years, the practice of yoga has been
performed publicly. It is said: To witness archetypal forms, such as yoga
asanas, awakens innate spiritual knowledge from previous lifetimes."
Swaha: The Fire Ceremony of 1001 Yogis (2009 - 78min) Ashaa Siewkumar
Official Site: www.swahathemovie.com
India Trip (2010 - 89min) Lev Viktorov
Official Site (in Russian): www.levviktorov.com.ru/india-trip.htm
Link about not working (04/11), video has been posted to Youtube in pieces,
parts of it are blocked due to copyright issues. (There might be a torrent
at Demonoid).
Titans of Yoga (2010 - 70min) Johannes R. Fisslinger
Official Site: www.yogamonth.org
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1740705/
have not yet seen
Thread of Yoga (2005 - 88min) Eric Wils
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1541938/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000TB1X6K
Yoga Uncoiled (2007 - 80min) Caryl Matrisciana
Director's Website: www.carylmatrisciana.com/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001RE1X36/
I am not recommending this video, just listing it here in the interest of
completeness. Purports to show that yoga is not compatible with Christianity.
Basically a fear-mongering warning to Christians that you can't practice yoga
without being involved in the philosophy of Hinduism, "which teaches that man
and nature are one with divinity". have not seen.
Instructional Videos - Anatomy, Theory, etc.
Yoganatomy Volume 1 (2008 - 133min) David Keil
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0019FM5YE
Yoganatomy Volume 2 (2009 - 115min) David Keil
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001R4SM3U
Official Site: www.yoganatomy.com
Super cool. David is an Authorized teacher of Ashtanga yoga. The material
presented here is meant for any student of yoga. Highly recommended.
Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley
Pranamaya: www.pranamaya.com
Paul Grilley: PaulGrilley.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000A1GEUE
The first DVD from Pranamaya,
who have since issued many special yoga videos.
Paul Grilley is the creator of Yin Yoga. This DVD mainly consists of
a 4-hour lecture. Definitely recommended for yoga teachers (and students).
I decided to make a separate page to discuss this DVD a bit more:
http://www.ionet.net/~tslade/grilley.htm
Chakra Theory and Meditation with Paul Grilley (2007 - 333min) Ian Albert, Mark Holmes
Pranamaya: www.pranamaya.com
Paul Grilley: PaulGrilley.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000O7IJ16
Yoga From a Western Perspective Sam Dworkis
Official Site:: extensionyoga.com
This video should be of interest to all students and teachers of physical yoga.
This is a 90-minute lecture given during a workshop seminar. Sam presents
his basic concepts on the practice of physical yoga. These ideas are also
covered on his website, www.extensionyoga.com,
but it is probably more effective for most people to get these
ideas from the video. I have read both of his books, ExTension and
Recovery Yoga and have spent a lot of time on his website, but the
concepts "sank in" a lot better from watching his lecture. He has some
very important and very interesting messages. I hope he will someday produce
videos to teach his ExTension yoga and Recovery yoga.
This video can be ordered directly from him through his
website: extensionyoga.com
Instructional Videos - Ashtanga Yoga
Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009 - originator of Ashtanga Yoga)
Ashtanga Yoga First Series with K. Pattabhi Jois (1993 - 78min)
Ashtanga Yoga Second Series with K. Pattabhi Jois (1993 - 76min)
Pattabhi Jois leads a group of advanced students (teachers) through
primary and second series, filmed in Los Angeles, California
in November of 1993. The students are Maty Ezraty, Richard Freeman,
Karen Haberman, Chuck Miller, Tim Miller, and Eddie Stern.
These are demonstration videos meant to illustrate the correct form
of the postures. Good to practice along with or excellent for reference.
These were produced by the origianl Yoga Works studio in Santa Monica and
were once available on VHS. The Yoga Works studio was sold a long time ago and
these videos have been out of print for a while. Sharath has the master
tapes and the rights to reissue them.
Until such time as they may be officially reissued on DVD, copies
are available on a donation basis from this website:
www.kpjashtanga.com
(These are DVD-R copies taken from the original VHS tapes).
World Tour 2000 - K. Pattabhi Jois - Ashtanga Intensive - 1st Series - Maui (2000 - 98min)
Sewell Archives: www.mauiyoga.com
This is a very cool video. Pattabhi Jois leads 120 students through primary
series, assisted by Sharath. KPJ's voice fills the large room (without a
microphone) as he continuosly calls out every move and counts every breath.
At the same time he moves throughout the group, adjusting, correcting.
His intensity and humor are well-captured. This could be a good one for
practicing along with. Can also serve as a recent document of primary series
Ashtanga yoga as taught by Pattabhi Jois. (Though it should be pointed out
that his usual teaching style in Mysore, known as Mysore style, involves
teaching each student individually, in small groups).
Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series (1998 - 60min) Yoga Moves
A demo with Pattabhi Jois and his grandson, Sharath Rangaswamy. Filmed in
Australia in 1998.
Sharath Rangaswamy (Grandson of Pattabhi Jois, Certified teacher)
www.rsharath.com
Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series With R. Sharath (2005)
Official Site: www.ashtangaproductions.com
Ashtanga Yoga 3rd Series - Yoga Shala - Chile
Info at Yoga Shala, Chile
I think this would be Advanced-A. Might be VHS only. Probably can only get
through above website.
Manju Jois (son of Pattabhi Jois, Certified teacher) www.manjujois.com
Ashtanga Yoga Workshop with Manju Jois (2006 - 90min)
Manju Jois website: www.manjujois.com
Can order from: www.ashtanga.com
Primary Series
John Scott (Certified by Pattabhi Jois) www.stillpointyoga.co.nz
Yoga Ashtanga - Primary Series
John Scott's website: www.stillpointyoga.co.nz
This video is specifically designed for the DVD format. Can select from
2 different camera angles. Can switch the voiceover on or off, can switch
the music on or off. Select different skill levels. Pace might seem a bit quick.
Also see review in Yoga Journal JUN 2003 p195-196.
Richard Freeman (Certified by Pattabhi Jois) www.yogaworkshop.com
Ashtanga Yoga - The Primary Series(120min)
Richard Freeman's website: www.yogaworkshop.com
Sounds True:www.soundstrue.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000NIVNKK
Begins with some introductory
explanation and then presents primary series so that it can be practiced
along with. I am assuming that this is the same video that was once on VHS
(issued in 1993), and which came with a 96-page book describing each posture.
Not sure if the book is included with this DVD.
Ashtanga Yoga - The Intermediate Series(94min)
Richard Freeman's website: www.yogaworkshop.com
Sounds True:www.soundstrue.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000NIVNKA
An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga(75min)
Richard Freeman's website: www.yogaworkshop.com
Sounds True:www.soundstrue.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000NIVNKU
(This was called Yoga Breathing and Relaxaton with Richard Freeman
when it was originally issued on VHS).
David Swenson (Certified by Pattabhi Jois) www.ashtanga.net
The Practice - First Series(2 hours)
David Swenson's website: www.ashtanga.net
Excellent instructional video on primary series Ashtanga yoga.
(Pace may be a bit quick for some).
The Practice - Second and Third Series(1 hour 40min)
David Swenson's website: www.ashtanga.net
Ashtanga Yoga - The Practice - The Advanced A & B Series (2002 - 90min)
David Swenson's website: www.ashtanga.net
Filmed on Maui, performed by David Swenson, Helena Berg, Robert Boustany,
Lucy Martorella, and David Williams. This DVD reissues the original
1997 VHS tape, titled Ashtanga Yoga - The Advanced Series.
The Practice - Short Forms (2 hours)
David Swenson's website: www.ashtanga.net
3 short routines
Sarah Powers
Ashtanga Yoga with Sarah Powers - Series 1 (116min)
Original VHS title: Yoga on Maui - Ashtanga Intensive with Sarah Powers (120min)
Sewell Archives: www.mauiyoga.com
CreateSpace (DVD-R 2004): www.createspace.com/206288
Sarah Powers' website: www.sarahpowers.com
One of my favorite Ashtanga videos. Sarah leads a class through primary
series. The pace is not rushed. She says to aim for 5 seconds for each
inhale and each exhale. She carries on a continous monologue, imparting lots
of information. This documents a class that Sarah gave at Nancy Gilgoff's
House of Yoga and Zen in Maui, Hawaii, sometime in the 1990's. More details
on this video here.
Sarah later became a teacher of Yin Yoga (see Yin Yoga section below) and
developed her own style of yoga, Insight Yoga, which blends Ashtanga,
Yin Yoga, Vippasana meditation, and Buddhism.
Sarah Powers' website: www.sarahpowers.com
Tim Miller (Certified by Pattabhi Jois)
Yoga on Maui - Ashtanga Intensive with Tim Miller (106min)
Sewell Archives: www.mauiyoga.com
Primary series.
David Life (formerly Certified by Pattabhi Jois)
Jivamukti on Maui - Liberation: A Yoga Intensive with David Life (2000 - 115min)
Sewell Archives: www.mauiyoga.com
This is a really cool video of David Life leading a class in his own style
of yoga (Jivamukti Yoga). Very similar to Ashtanga (which David is
a student and teacher of), but a bit different and with lots of interesting
variations that I have never seen elsewhere. The class is preceded by some
interesting lecture and some chanting.
See also the What is Yoga? documentary listed above.
Lino Miele (Certified by Pattabhi Jois)
Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series With Lino Miele (2008 - 80min) Angelo Bozzolini
Lino's website: www.astanga.it
Available from: www.ashtanga.com
DVD is PAL format (plays in European DVD players and maybe newer American ones).
Astanga Yoga Primary Series Full Vinyasa (114min)
Lino's website: www.astanga.it
This is an older video, now out of print. have not seen.
There is a review of this video at
Yoga Chicago
DVD is PAL format (plays in European DVD players and maybe newer American ones).
Kino MacGregor (Certified by Pattabhi Jois) www.kinoyoga.com
Ashtanga Yoga: Primary Series (2008 - 90min) ($25.00)
Kino's website: www.kinoyoga.com
Also available from: www.ashtanga.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001XRTS9S
Ashtanga Yoga: Intermediate Series (2009 - 147min) ($30.00)
Kino's website: www.kinoyoga.com
Also available from: www.ashtanga.com
Covers second series, properly called Intermediate series, or Nadi Shodhana.
This is a 2-disc set. Disc 1 is the practice, disc 2 has tips and pointers
for some of the challenging asanas.
A Journey: A Workshop ($22.00)
Kino's website: www.kinoyoga.com
Also available from: www.ashtanga.com
Melanie Fawer (Certified by Pattabhi Jois)
Mysore Style Astanga Yoga (2004)
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00078S6A6
Covers primary series. This is a 2-disc set, one is an instructional video
and the other is a practice video.
Nicki Doane (authorized by Pattabhi Jois) www.mayayoga.com
Ashtanga Yoga: Introductory Poses (2003)
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0000A2ZOK
Ashtanga Yoga: Beginner's Practice (2003)
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0000A2ZOL
Ilpo Koponen, Jarkko Tormanen
Primary Series (2001)
This video is in Finnish. These guys made this video since Ashtanga
yoga is very popular in Finland and there were no videos available in Finnish.
Have not seen. Not sure if it is still available.
Jungle Yoga - Larry Schultz
Its Yoga: www.itsyoga.net
Ashtanga Yoga modified primary series led by Larry Shultz.
Meant for beginners to practice along with.
Ashtanga Yoga: Intermediate Series Demonstration (2008 - 70min) Theo Mazur
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0015KJG2W
A demo of second series shot at Backbay Yoga in Boston. Available only as DVD-R.
Instructional Videos - Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga - Paul Grilley (2005 - 338min)
Pranamaya: www.pranamaya.com
Paul Grilley: PaulGrilley.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000B5871I
2-disc set. One disc is a 2-hour lecture explaining the concepts of Yin Yoga.
The other disc includes several practice sessions.
Grilley is the originator of Yin Yoga (we should also credit his teacher,
Paulie Zink). In my opinion, Yin Yoga has arisen
as a response to Ashtanga, which is a very yang practice. It is a teaching
of Yin Yoga that yin and yang practices are both important. Yin Yoga
practice mainly consists of seated postures, which are held for 3-5 minutes.
Yin Yoga is described as working with coolness, stillness, and with
connective tissue (fascia, ligaments), while yang yoga is working with
heat, movement, and with muscles. Grilley even speaks of working
with the bones.
Insight Yoga - Sarah Powers (2005 - 252min) Ian Albert, Mark Holmes
Pranamaya: www.pranamaya.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000KI5T9Y
Sarah Powers' website: www.sarahpowers.com
Sarah Powers was one of the first to learn Yin Yoga with Grilley. I first
heard of yin yoga in an article about Sarah Powers in Yoga Journal. At
that time she was a top teacher of Ashtanga yoga. I think she now
teaches a combination of yin and yang yoga, as well as insight meditation.
Yin and Vinyasa Yoga - Sarah Powers
Sarah Powers' website: www.sarahpowers.com
Notice Your Experience - A Guide to Finding Balance - Noel Schroeder (2006 - 63min)
Official Site: www.yinward.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000OXEP0Y
Covers 8 postures, starting with child's pose. VERY gentle. Recommended for
anyone wanting or needing an extra-gentle approach to yoga. I have seen MANY
people respond well to this video.
Here is Noel's introduction:
"This program is a guide to help people create and maintain
a balanced lifestyle through deep passive stretching called yin yoga.
It may have a profound effect on your ability to relax, to reduce
stress, to clear your mind, and improve your overall mind/body health.
In the end, it may help you find balance in your life. In just five
minutes you will feel the benefits of this practice. You don't have
to be flexible, you don't have to wear any particular kind of clothing,
you don't need to be in a quiet, candle-lit room. All you need is your
living room or any room that's comfortable for you. Blankets, pillows,
warm comfortable clothing, and your family and your pets can be around you
distracting you, its OK. You can do one pose at a time or do the entire
series in one sitting. The poses are so simple you'll be able to do
them anywhere once you are familiar with them, in your office, when you
are travelling or even in front of the television if that's what
helps you do them. We call yoga a practice for a reason. Its a practice
for life. There is no recital. So enjoy..."
These are the postures:
1. Child's Pose (Extended Child's Pose) - 5min
2. Sphinx (or Seal or Supported Bridge) - 7min
3. Runner's Lunge - 8min
4. Reclined Twist - 10min
5. Pigeon/Eye Of The Needle - 12min
6. Butterfly - 6min
7. Legs Up The Wall - 5min
8. Savasana - 6min
Yin Yoga - Jennifer Kries (2007 - 75min)
Official Site: www.jenniferkries.com
Jennifer Kries has produced many fitness videos, including a series on Pilates.
So she comes from a background of dance/fitness etc, rather than yoga.
This DVD presents her interpretation of yin yoga with 3 increasing practice
levels. She says that the asana stretches in yin yoga are actually stretching
the meridians, a form of needleless acupuncture. Whereas most of the other
yin yoga videos prescribe holding postures for 3-5 minutes, she says postures
are held for 10 breaths up to 10 minutes.
Some Other Instructional Yoga Videos
Viniyoga Therapy for the Low Back, Sacrum and Hips - Gary Kraftsow
Viniyoga Therapy for the Upper Back, Neck and Shoulders - Gary Kraftsow
Pranamaya: www.pranamaya.com
Kraftsow is a teacher of Vini-Yoga.
YogaLink - Core Integration - Jill Miller
YogaLink - Shoulder Shape-Up - Jill Miller
Pranamaya: www.pranamaya.com
Jill Miller's website: www.jillmiller.com
Strong Knees - Chantal Donnelly (2008 - 50min)
Chantal Donnelly's website: www.bodyinsight101.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001D261TS
Monkey Kung Fu - VOL 7 - Fundamentals of Taoist Yoga - Paulie Zink
(previous title - Taoist Yoga (Chi Kung)
Paulie Zink's website: www.pauliezink.com
Yin Yoga Institute: www.yinyogainstitue.com
Wow! This is an unusual video. Paulie Zink is a master of Monkey Kung Fu.
I first heard of this guy when I read that he was
Michael Hedges' yoga teacher.
Later I read about Paul Grilley and Yin Yoga
(see Yoga Books Page) - he was also a
student of Zink. This is a very interesting video. It is very similar in
some ways to Ashtanga yoga, but completely different. Lots of squatting
and walking around in a squatting position. Could be hard on the knees.
Later I found one of his Monkey Kung Fu videos on eBay - also amazing.
OK - in updating this page in early 2010, I have found that Paulie now has
a set of 5 DVDs on Taoist Yoga. I have not yet seen them and there is very
little info on them on his website. I am assuming that VOL 1 is the same
as the older VOL 7 VHS. Also not seeing any mention of his Monkey Kung Fu
videos. Also removed the link I had here to monkeyfungfu.com, which I think
used to have Zink's videos, now has Monkey Kung Fu videos of Michael Matsuda.
Some Sources for Yoga Videos:
Since I probably will not ever be able to have a comprehensive listing
here (so many videos, so little time), I suggest checking out the following
links for more info on yoga videos:
www.ashtanga.com
Ashtanga.com maintains a good selection of DVDs on Ashtanga Yoga,
including most of the Ashtanga-related videos listed here.
www.pranamaya.com
Pranamaya produces a very special collection of high-quality yoga DVDs
from a variety of teachers.
www.mauiyoga.com
Sewell Archives (mauiyoga.com) has a collection of videos mainly
produced in Hawaii, and mainly covering Ashtanga yoga.
www.myyogavideo.com
A collection of yoga classes on DVD.
www.yogalifestyle.com
Distributes lots of yoga DVDs and other yoga resources, supplies, etc.
www.yogamatters.com
European distributor of yoga stuff.
Asana Junkie Page - Rare Hatha Yoga Movies (mainly DVD-PAL format) -
www.asanajunkie.narod.ru
This Russian site has lots of interesting stuff.
I list Yoga Books on a separate page here.
Amazon links provided for reference and convenience. I'm not in their referral
program (I might change my mind someday). More info on Amazon links
here.
Back to Slade's Home Page
Back to Slade's Yoga Page
Revised 04/16/18.
(Major revision 12/15/09 after many years of neglect)
All links checked 12/18/09