AShtanga Yoga - Patanjalis Yoga
Yoga: THE TRADITION
Yoga is as old as mankind itself and Ashtanga Yoga is referred to in many ancient texts, including the Puranas. Literally translated Ashtanga means "eight limbs" and Yoga “union”. These eight limbs work from a gross (body) to a more subtle level (mind) and are a roadmap to Samadhi or Realization - the yoga or union of human with that which is eternal.
Ashtanga Yoga: THE METHOD
The Ashtanga Yoga asana-practice-system has four key "ingredients":
1. Ujjayi Pranayama, a breathing technique with which prana (life-energy) is accessed through deep, yet subtle and continuous breathing. Each breath feeds each movement and with time the postures become strong and steady (sthiram sukham asanam).
2. Bandhas, very subtle energetic "seals" which are located in the pelvic floor (Mula/Moola), slightly below the belly button (Uddiyana) and the chin/neck (Jalandhara) area. Over time, with practice and the correct breathing technique they can be cultivated.
3. Drshti, the place of looking. Every posture and every movement in the Ashtanga Yoga asana practice has a prescribed place of looking. The Dṛṣṭi enhances the focus of the practitioner, helps access bandhas and corrects alignment of the body.
4. Vinyasa, or synchronizing breath and movement. The Ashtanga Vinyasa System is a very dynamic practice of postures where each breath has a prescribed movement. Correct inhalation and exhalation at the correct time enhance the practice altogether, as well as the benefits of each asana.
THE ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA SERIES
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (āsana practice) consists of six series - one for each day of the week. Yoga Chikitsa (Primary Series) translates into Yoga Therapy and is the gateway to the method. Its main focus lies in body and mind purification. Nāḍi Śhodhana or Cleansing of Nāḍis (Intermediate Series) mainly purifies small energy channels (Nadis) in and outside of our physical bodies. The Advanced sequences or Sthira Bhaga A, B, C, D integrate and combine strength and grace of the practitioner and require a high level of strength, flexibility and humility.
MYSORE STYLE PRACTICE
The Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system is traditionally taught by an authorized or certified teacher. Named after a town in Souther India, when practicing Mysore style, each posture is taught individually to the student and only when it is mastered and the teacher sees the student fit to continue, she will be granted the next one. The prescribed practice is repeated up to six days per week. Strength and stamina are built gradually and the body and mind become purified and clean. Both body and mind can slowly adjust to the rigorous and intense level of breathing and moving. Click for Mysore style practice etiquette.
GUIDED CLASSES
During guided classes, the Sanskrit names of the postures are called out and the inhalations and exhalations are counted in Sanskrit or English. Traditionally, guided classes are not suitable for beginners.