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Media and Customer Reviews |
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Scroll down to see reviews of our other teachers and projects. You can also click on Edward Clark, Sri Dharma Mittra, Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, Andrey Lappa or David Newman to jump to their specific reviews.
“Viniyoga master Gary Kraftsow developed protocols for a recent National Institutes of Health-sponsored study of treatment for back pain. This excellent two-DVD series is based on this work and on his 30 years of experience as a yoga therapist. Each video includes short but valuable explanations of the types and causes of back pain, as well as the goals of yoga therapy and a techniques workshop.
One DVD focuses on the upper back, neck, and shoulders; the other, on the low back, sacrum, and hips. The detailed instruction, gentle repetitive movements, and focus on moving with awareness and the breath make these ideal practices for a wide range of people, including those who may not have pain but can benefit from strengthening and stabilizing their backs.”
Sandra Anderson, Yoga+Joyful Living, Nov-Dec. 2007
“Gary Kraftsow... elevates the genre of yoga DVDs to a whole new level... Whether you endure back pain or not, these are some of the best yoga DVDs on the market.”
FitYoga Magazine
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“For the past 15 years [Tripsichore] has used asana as a “theatrical vocabulary” to compose stunning
dance-like productions, while developing its own unique brand of asana...the practices are a joy to watch and, along with the workshops, a treasure trove of intriguing ideas.”
Richard Rosen, Yoga Journal--
“Thanks to this challenging and compellingly creative instructional DVD, advanced yoginis can finally skip a class or a self-practice. In the two-disc set, Edward Clark, a student of yoga since 1978 and founder of the UK-based Tripsichore performance group (www.tripsichore.com), reveals to the public for the first time the Tripsichore Yoga techniques that have dazzled onlookers for decades.”
Sara Avant Stover, FitYoga Magazine--
“The members of Tripsichore Yoga Theatre based in England, perform a strong and graceful combination of Yoga asana (posture) and dance. Their name fittingly invokes Terpsichore, the Greek muse of dance.
“The DVD set highlighting their performance and practice aptly transfers this inspiration to the small screen. Even when they are linking together spectacular poses, such as lifting from wheel in handstand to arching variations of handstand to wheel again, or in more simple movements, it is the smooth and watery transitions that create beauty.”
Felicia M. Tomasko, LA Yoga Magazine-----
“...Edward Clark makes magic and entertains... The awe-inspiring virtuoso on the first disc could absorb anyone... Clark is like the jazz musician of Surya Namaskar, always mixing up the notes, revivifying those who are ready for the challenge.”
Molly Roemer, Yogi Times---
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“This is indeed a great practice, not only in length but also in information... As the first generation of American yoga teachers ages and passes on, it’s essential to preserve a record of yoga’s legacy worldwide to remind future generations of their roots. This DVD is important not only for its instruction but for its historical value as well.”
Richard Rosen, Yoga Journal--
“These two DVDs are the first instructional videos ever presented by Dharma Mittra, who runs the Dharma Yoga Center in New York City and is famous for his Master Yoga Chart of 908 asanas. In these well-produced videos, each four hours in length, Dharma (born in 1939 in Brazil) shares the knowledge and insight gathered from more than 50 years of yoga practice. Those years include 11 as a bramacharya, a celibate religious student, devoted to his guru, Swami Kailashananda (Yogi Gupta).
The richness of information on these DVDs makes them a valuable resource for students at all levels and from all schools of yoga. The best part for me, though, is just watching Dharma practice and hearing him talk. The deep devotion with which he does the asana, pranayama and meditation practices is truly inspiring. And the charming humor, wisdom and love with which he speaks reveal a being who has realized his divine nature and shares it with us here.”
Tim Noworyta, Yoga Chicago-
“If you are serious about beginning a study of yoga, a good place to start is Sri Dharma Mittra’s Maha Sadhana [Level I]. A student of yoga since 1958, Mittra shares his arsenal of knowledge with anyone who takes the time to seek him, and this DVD is the product of his accessibility, humility, and dedication.
Mittra is considered the teacher’s teacher, and it is easy to understand why in this rich DVD. It includes more than four hours of original and detailed material. Asana practice, the active part which stimulates the body, has adjustable times so you can practice longer when you feel ready. Each asana also includes a pranayama, or breathing exercise. Both are suitable for all levels. When you are ready, you can advance to the intermediate asana practice. Mittra stresses concentration on the breath, which is one of the hardest things for beginners.
The production of the DVD is quite spectacular, going above and beyond most beginning yoga guides on the market. It includes many special features, including seven discussions on the spiritual aspect of yoga, which in itself makes the entire DVD worthwhile. Maha Sadhana also includes classical guidelines for beginning a yoga practice, the option to change (or remove) the music...
Mittra gifts us with an authentic yoga experience through his long study and mastery of techniques. Recommend this DVD to customers frustrated with the myriad of yoga aids which only focus on the body, and to those dedicated to beginning a serious study of yoga.”
Jamie Freeman, New Age Retailer
“Beloved by the likes of Krishna Das and Lilias Folan, yoga master Sri Dharma Mittra has committed his fifty years of yoga practice and instruction to film in the form of the latest release from Pranamaya, Maha Sadhana. Meaning great practice, Maha Sadhana is one of the more inclusive yoga instruction releases on the market. Far more than a straight asana practice, this DVD contains over four hours of in depth material that covers everything from meditation and asana to ethics and spiritual study. The materials on the DVD are designed to be accessible and challenging to a wide variety of practitioners from beginners to more advanced, experienced practitioners. Containing both beginning and intermediate asana sequences, Dharma takes the practice even further by presenting guided pranayama and meditation practices that provide a balanced and satisfying experience. Dharma has an engaging personality and an enjoyable sense of fun and lightness that draws the viewer in and counteracts the staleness that can sometimes accompany the fitness video experience. The sections in which he discusses spirituality and the yogic vision of how to live life in balance and harmony contains a wealth of practical advice and great tips [for] people who are seeking the spiritual path. Of course, this DVD also works for those who are just looking to get a good workout. The beauty of this selection is in its versatility. The asana sequences can be adjusted from short practices to longer, deeper ones.There is definitely something for everyone here. It is also a wonderful record of the wisdom of one of the great yoga masters we have the privilege to be exposed to in the West. Also available from Pranamaya: Maha Sadhana Level 2.”
Adam Martin, Yogi Times
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“Powers is an excellent vinyasa teacher, but where she really shines is in the two Yin practices. What she offers is a broad education that links the poses to traditional Buddhism, Western anatomy and physiology, and Chinese medicine. Her explanations of how the shapes of the poses activate certain organs and subtle energy channels are especially illuminating. Holding a yoga pose for five minutes can be a challenge, but Powers's soothing voice and powerful integrative vision turn the stay into a transformative experience.
Insight Yoga is one of the most complete yoga training DVDs you'll find anywhere.”
Richard Rosen, Yoga Journal
“Here is a DVD that successfully cultivates a strong inner focus and foundation for a personalized home practice. Drawing from Sarah and Ty Powers' studies in Buddhism and yoga, Insight Yoga delivers an integrated approach to practice and fills a void in the present market.With over four hours of instruction, this DVD offers a medley of yin yoga, vinyasa yoga, insight meditation, and guided Savasana. These can be experienced in a "pick-and-choose" style, by constructing one's own unique sequence, or through any of the 10 intelligently designed practices that aim to create particular effects, such as banishing fear or quieting excess mental stimulation.With her trademark softness and depth of personal practice, Sarah's instructions reveal a pertinent fusion of Dharma, Taoism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian yoga traditions, and personal anecdotes.The result is not a cacophony of information, but rather a slow and deliberate guidance to a deeper place within. A single practice of Insight Yoga gives one the opportunity to become still, enlivened, selfreflective, and bathed in meditative breath awareness throughout.”
Sara Stover, FitYoga Magazine
“Throughout [Insight Yoga], Sarah’s lovely voice and gentle presence flow like a soft summer breeze that carries you deep into the practice. If you’ve never tried yin yoga, you’ll find this DVD both a great introduction and an excellent practice guide. And if you’re looking for a holistic practice that works on all levels of the body and mind, here it is.”
Tim Noworyta, Yoga Chicago Magazine-------read entire review
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Paul Grilley • Chakra Theory and Meditation |
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“At some point, we may feel stuck in the wheel of samsara, the cycle of suffering, reliving our samskara, defined by Paul Grilley as 'habits of action, of want and longing that manifest in certain ways.'
There is a way out. In the lectures and practices on his new DVD Chakra Theory and Meditation, Grilley convinced me that one method of escaping the aforementioned fate involves awakening the chakras through meditation. The practices Grilley teaches illuminate what needs to be examined in our lives in order to transcend the physical body and create a conscious, unending and blissful experience.
This is a heady subject, indeed. Chakra Theory contains four hours of theoretical lectures describing the seven primary chakra centers, which are the spiritual wheels of energy located in the subtle body in the areas of the brain and spine. These control the flow of chi or prana, our lifeforce. Grilley explains what each chakra governs and how to access them energetically. Fortunately, his lucid and accessible explanations are captivating throughout.
Viewers eager to incorporate theory into practice will enjoy the series of nine-minute guided meditations, manageable alone or as a grounding entry into a longer meditation session. More intricate practices involve integrating the bandha (energetic locks). Special features offer recommendations for further study.
Chakra Theory is an info-packed weekend workshop in a box viewers can visit again and again. The set also includes meditations in MP3 format, perfect for downloading to experience chakra awakening anywhere.”
Amy Wong, LA Yoga, Sept. 2007
“This DVD is Paul's best yet. With 5-1/2 hours of lecture presentations and 12 different guided meditation practices, it represents fantastic value. The lectures cover an overview of Tantric theory and the goals of spiritual practice, with detailed discussion of the functions of each chakra. The lectures are densely packed and Paul speaks at his habitual fast pace, but the clarity of the subject matter is amazing, and he appears effortlessly and in simple language to be able to link together so much of the underpinning philosophy of yoga, and to paint a holistic view of the oneness of yoga science. This guy (with this DVD and his one on anatomy and physiology) should be compulsory viewing for trainee teachers, and for those of us who have been teaching for a few years as well. As I watched the lectures, I found new insights and understandings of theory that had always been a bit hazy in my mind before. Paul is a talented teacher and communicator!”
Yoga Scotland, Sept. 2007
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“This beautifully produced and packaged 2-DVD set contains 5-1/2 hours of exquisite material. In the 2 hours of lectures, Paul does an amazing job at explaining and illustrating the theory behind Yin Yoga, and why this approach of extended holding of poses is beneficial to the joints and the energy channels of the body. With three one-hour live yin yoga classes, three yang yoga sequences and eight yin yoga slideshow practices, this DVD contains an astounding amount of information and instruction. Paul provides an in depth commentary and comprehensive instruction in the yin yoga classes. A great alternate audio option is included in these 3 videos that removes the detailed commentary and adds soothing background music for a more introspective experience.
“Overall this is an exceptional DVD set, full of fascinating information and is highly recommended for yogis of all levels and experience.”
Timothy Burgin, Founder & Executive Director, YogaBasics.com
“Grilley is an intelligent and empathic teacher and a congenial raconteur, both educator and entertainer. His technique can potentially help increase flexibility and self-acceptance, not only in your asana practice but in your daily life. And this is a great resource for learning it.”
Richard Rosen, Yoga Journal-------read entire review-------
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Paul Grilley • Anatomy for Yoga |
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Feedback from the media
“That's why this new DVD from Paul Grilley is such a welcome arrival. Grilley is best known as one of the foremost proponents of Taoist or Yin Yoga, which combines the meridian modalities of China (for example, acupuncture) with the yogic and Tantric methods of India. But judging from this DVD, he also knows a thing or two about the Western understanding of human anatomy.
“...The great thing about the DVD is that the presentation, unlike the usual two-dimensional anatomy book, is visually striking and experiential. Grilley illustrates his points not only on a skeleton but on living bodies, with helpful graphic overlays to emphasize certain points... Teachers, serious students, and anyone running a teacher training program worth it's salt will want a copy of this DVD.”
Richard Rosen, Yoga Journal---
“Paul Grilley's message is very simple yet very profound. Teachers and students alike need to understand that people's anatomical structures are very different and can determine their ability to do various yoga poses. In fact, I think this message is so important that viewing Anatomy for Yoga or taking a workshop from Paul should be a requirement in all yoga teacher training programs.”
Tim Noworyta, Yoga Chicago Magazine-
“An invaluable resource and an absolute must see for serious yoga students and teachers, this DVD will change the way you see the physical body performing a yoga pose.”
--Yogabasics.com
Feedback from yoga teachers
“With his combination of elevated intelligence, clarity of delivery, spontaneous humor and genuine desire to assist in other's growth, I find Paul Grilley to be one of the most compelling and authentic yoga teachers today; his Anatomy for Yoga DVD is clear and accessiblean excellent summation of his teachings.”
Sarah Powers, www.sarahpowers.com
“As the understanding and practice of yoga deepen in the west, Paul Grilley is an important voice for a balanced approach to Yoga Practice. This DVD is a valuable tool for Yoga teachers and serious students who wish to learn more about the importance of anatomy relating to Yoga and at the same time a respect for our individual differences. I found this work to be intelligent, well presented and informative; I also really enjoyed it!”
Saul David Rae, www.thaiyoga.com
“ ... The production quality of this DVD is outstanding. The graphics are beautiful. The menu structure is easy to navigate. If you are looking to sit with a compassionate and knowledgeable teacher who communicates well to deepen your understanding of anatomy and your yoga practice ... I can think of no better DVD. Anatomy for Yoga is an excellent resource in every yoga teacher's library!”
Megan McCarver, YogaEverywhere.com Founder
“We started a teacher training program last year and we were looking for a different approach to anatomy. We hired an instructor for our anatomy sessions... and he is very knowledable, but I kept thinking there has to be a more practical approach. This is it. You've done it. I'm suggesting all of the students in the program order the DVD. You've done a great service to the yoga community.”
Ramji - Mick Goodman, Kansas City, MO
Feedback from yoga students
“Wow! I picked up my copy last night at the post office, took it home, immediately unwrapped it and watched the whole thing from start to finish. This is the greatest thing! The concepts of compression and tension are so simple... we are what we bring structurally to the mat. I can hardly wait to start my 2004 classes so that I can share this with my students. It was as though I was an active participant in a Paul Grilley workshop. Thank you Paul for having this idea... and thank you Mark and Ian for bringing it to life.”
Storme Van Rassel, Ontario, Canada
“I loved it! I found Paul's lecture extremely clear, easy to understand and enlightening. And I so much agree that we all need to let go of whatever yogic dogma we have been trained to believe and start teaching individuals instead of styles. I thought his lecture and message was perfect.”
Janet Schriever, Aliso Viejo, CA
“Are you ready for 24 hoursyes, hoursof yoga lectures? It's all yoga all the time with Ukrainian teacher Andrey Lappa, president of the Kiev Yoga Federation and founder of Universal Yoga. It's impossible to even scratch the surface of what's covered in these fascinating and perplexing lectures; Lappa has something provocativeand often originalto say about asana, prana and pranayama, mudra, chakras and kundalini, mantras, sense withdrawal (pratyahara) and meditation, internal cleansing exercises (kriyas), yogic powers (siddhis)...
“According to one Internet bio, Lappa was trained as an engineer. It makes sense: Universal Yoga, if nothing else, an impressive edifice, clearly the work of someone trained to think logically and comprehensively. Lappa places a high premium on fortitude and self-reliance and suggests that most of us aren't up to the demands of his system... But if you're an aficionado with a hankering for an intellectual and emotional challenge, you’ll want to tune in.”
Richard Rosen, Yoga Journal
“Lappa's Universal Theory of Yoga is amazingly thorough and comprehensive. For example, the six-DVD version includes a booklet in which he relates each of the yamas and niyamas to a specific kosha, one of the seven energetic layers that constitute a human being... Lappa considers yoga an evolving technology, not something that was perfected centuries ago and can never change. So he has developed asanas and vinyasas that go beyond the canon of the traditional, or “official," ones to help practitioners free themselves from their habits and limitations. His theories are well thought out, clearly presented, thoroughly explained and generally compelling.”
Tim Noworyta, Yoga Chicago Magazine-
“Andrey Lappa is a Ukrainian yogi who brings some fascinating and quite different approaches to the practice of physical spiritual integration in his DVDs. The Dance of Shiva is a yogic system which uses synchronized movements of the arms and legs to help release conditioned patterning and bring out our creative potential. In performing the dance, we are developing our experience of the interaction between movement and balance, spontaneity and control. By moving the limbs through the space surrounding us, we harmonize our inner awareness with the external environment. The Dance creates complex connections, both with the external world and within our minds. The DVD runs for over 4 hours and includes practice of the Dance of Shiva shot in the stunning Himalayas of Nepal, and in-depth lectures on the history and theory of the practice.
“Also available from Pranamaya by Andrey Lappa is his DVD Introduction to Universal Yoga. The DVD has a 2 hour sequence of asana work performed by Andrey with some original and quite advanced posture work. There are also simpler variations given for the more difficult asanas. The DVD also includes an introduction to the comprehensive theory behind Universal Yoga which is a very open and inclusive method.”
Spectrum Magazine, UK
“Andrey Lappa’s Universal Yoga is a complete integrative system that empowers people of all schools and styles of yoga. The principles and practices presented are ideal for developing ultimate creative potential and achieving self-realization.
Dance of Shiva is an extraordinary yoga practice to help release conditioned patterning, liberate one’s creative potential and enrich the interplay between control and spontaneity. This DVD is highly recommended for all who wish to awaken consciousness.”
Shiva Rea
“I have only begun watching the first DVD of [Universal Theory of Yoga], but again, I cannot be too quick in my absolute praise of your product. With each subsequent DVD, you raise the bar. The presentation of the material is clear, crisp, and supported through your excellent supplementary booklet. Andrey Lappa's precision, humor, and logical approach to the discussion of Yoga is a breath of fresh air. Earlier this year I made the great mistake of not catching Andrey while he was in San Francisco. It is a mistake I hope to remedy soon. I am grateful to you for introducing me to Andrey's Universal Theory.”
Stuart Rice, YogaFit Master Trainer
“I've had a look through Andrey's asana DVDa totally different approach. On watching it even on just the physical plane it makes so much sense. Anyway what I'm trying to say is I'm blown away with this practice. My own practice is an advanced Sivananda with Iyengar and Astanga work added.
Pure Astanga leaves me drained; Andrey's sequence left me feeling very light and relaxed.”
Ashley Gregory, UK
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David Newman • Leap of Grace: The Hanuman Chalisa |
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“San Francisco-based kirtan singer David Newman [editor's note: David lives in Philidelphia], also known as Durga Das, has been coming on strong of late with several wonderful releases and this album is another fine addition to his growing library of offerings. On Leap of Grace, Newman recites the sacred Hanuman Chalisa 11 times and each version is coated with his steadfast devotion to his Guru and his love for the practice.
“The album starts out simply, with Newman singing softly to the light taps of a tabla drum and a droning harmonium. Then Newman adds some light guitar tracks and allows the Chalisa to flow with just a little more vibrancy. As the album progresses, so do the levels of love, beauty and performance. Like many previously released Hanuman Chalisa records, Newman's album serves a very sacred purpose and is truly benevolent and perfect for anyone who practices bhakti yoga and wishes to refresh their collection with a new set of interpretations.
“Up until now, I have personally listened to Jai Utal's Chalisas (which I feel is the best recording of hte Chalisa that I know), but this is a very beautiful release and one that sits comfortably with my other Chalisa recitations. With every breath and every note, Newman imbues a deep feeling of trust and a total faith in God. Accompanied by Mira's exquisite harmonies and impeccable kartals, along with Philippo Franchini's soft guitar strings and Morgan Docor's gentle percussion, this Leap of Grace penetrates the walls and fills up the room with kind gratitude and ubiquitous love. Buy it, you wont regret it, even if you have the Chalisa in its many, many forms.”
Michael R. Mollura, LA Yoga, July/August 2006
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