Ram Jain, PhD, is founding director of the Arhanta Yoga Ashrams (India and the Netherlands). Since 2009, the Arhanta Yoga Ashrams have become renowned internationally for their professional yoga teacher training courses and have trained thousands of yoga teachers from all over the world. Born in New Delhi, India, in a traditional and spiritual family, his yoga and Vedic philosophy education started at the age of eight years as a part of his primary school education. He has in-depth knowledge of classical Hatha Yoga and is also well versed in ancient Indian scriptures. Since the start of his teaching career in 1998, he has worked with many different anatomy and physiology experts and has developed unique teaching, adjustment, and modification techniques. Presently, he is the lead teacher for various teacher training programs, ranging from Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga to meditation and Yoga Nidra. He teaches for several months a year in India and the rest of the year in the Netherlands. MichÈle Hauswirth was born and raised in Switzerland. Since early adolescence she has been fascinated by art, bodywork, the body–mind connection, and alternative therapies. Following her strong inclination for art and physical expression, she emigrated to the Netherlands at the age of 19 to study modern dance. Soon after, she was exposed to the teachings and practice of yoga and was immediately mesmerized. Hauswirth has been teaching yoga since 2007 and training yoga teachers since 2011 at the Arhanta Yoga Ashrams in India and the Netherlands. Starting off with physical challenges, she transformed her body, mastering many advanced asanas with her regular practice and discipline. By following a diligent self-practice, working with many different teachers, styles, and techniques, she gained a profound understanding of physiology and movement techniques. This, in combination with her extensive teaching experience, gave her an understanding of the importance of structure and sequencing for a holistic yoga asana practice.
“Ram and Michèle have compiled a wonderful and comprehensive presentation honoring ancient principles of classical yoga while also speaking in a language appropriate to the present day. Ram’s expertise comes from years of being steeped in the original culture of yoga as a way of life and philosophy far transcending a simple form of stretching and exercise. This book is a welcome tool for anyone interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of practicing or teaching yoga in its classical form.” —David Swenson, Author of Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual “As a yoga instructor and editorial director of YouAligned.com, a leading yoga publication, this is one of the most comprehensive guides to yoga and sequencing that I’ve seen. It breaks down the practice, the science behind it, the chakra system, and the asanas in a way that’s incredibly in-depth yet completely approachable. A valuable resource for any yogi, Hatha Yoga should be a requirement in all yoga teacher trainings.” —Ashton August, Founder and Editorial Director of YouAligned.com “This must be the most complete overview of Hatha Yoga that I have ever read. It’s about the meaning, the history, the physiology, and the practice of Hatha Yoga—all written very clearly and comprehensively. It’s a real asset for our bookshelf!” —Heleen Peverelli, Editor in Chief of Yoga Magazine Netherlands