“YOGA IS / NOT ____” is a collaborative project by Anna Mikheenko (Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga instructor with experience more than 7 years, follower of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) and Lev Kalashnikov (professional photographer with experience of over 11 years).

We wanted to understand what the true yoga is really all about and went to the ancient sites of India in winter 2013-2014 to do yoga in different schools and places, communicate with different teachers in various ashrams while taking stunning pictures in sacred yoga places.

After our 4-month trip we realized the value of a huge misconception people have on yoga and we wanted to share the wisdom that has been handed down to us.

Example of the book layout. Click here for fullscreen preview.

We want to publish a book with essays and quote from the great ancient and modern masters followed with beautiful pictures from sacred places featured with hundreds of full color photographs, hundreds of wisdom qoutes and essays about people’s delusions in mixing Yoga with workout, philosophy, religion, stretching, form of meditation or other things.

Example of the book cover
Example of the book cover

All that will be harmoniously combined with beautiful professional photos taken during our spiritual journey (we have selected over 600 beautiful high resolution pictures to choose from for the book).

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

We really want to share our work with you and so provide many people with the true versatility of yoga and its wisdom. This is a great book either for reading, or for a coffee table.

Example of the book layout (click to preview the book)
Example of the book layout (click to preview the book)

What is yoga for you? What kind of pictures pop up in your head? A man caught in their limbs? Or the meditating person sitting in the lotus position? Or a set of some ancient rituals of Indian culture?

Some think that yoga is one of the religions, many people consider yoga as a type of workout, some mix it with stretching and most people associate yoga with static postures (asanas), which are in fact only part of the “path of yoga”.

Padangustasana (Toe Stand pose)
Padangustasana (Toe Stand pose)

The design and layout for the book are coming together, and will feature over 100 full color photographs, over 100 wisdom quotes and 6 essays.

Ubhaya Padangusthasana (Double Big Toe pose)
Ubhaya Padangusthasana (Double Big Toe pose)

Your support will help us complete the project and print an initial run of the book. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Namasté.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog pose)

The “Yoga is / not ______” book is a time and found-consuming project, including printing & publishing costs. 5% goes to Kickstarter for facilitating this project and 3-5% goes toward Amazon Payments Processing Fees.

make a pledge3-link

A note on how to use Kickstarter to make a pledge:

By clicking the green “Back This Project” button, you will be asked to enter your pledge amount and select a reward. Then, you will go through and must complete the Amazon checkout process. If the project is successfully funded, your card will be charged when the project reaches its funding deadline. Important note: Amazon payments will bill your card only after and if the project has reached its funding goal.