Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is a style of hatha yoga which utilizes breath, concentration and posture as a base for meditation. Postures are performed in a logical sequence with one preparing the student for the next. The series are meant to be memorized and practiced in the correct order on a daily basis. In this way, the student begins to internalize the practice and soon realizes the many benefits.

The system itself has been divided into 6 separate series of progressive levels of mastery. Each aspect of the practice is designed to slowly transform the student from an external feeling of stiffness and weakness into a body that is light and strong. The 1st Series known as Yoga Chikitsa (yoga therapy or Primary Series) acts to detoxify and realign the body. The 2nd, Nadi Shodhana (nerve cleansing or Intermediate Series) is for purification of nerve and spinal energies, preparing the yogi for even more subtle insight. The 3rd- 6th series (advanced A - D) are known as Sthira Bhaga and require great feats of concentration, strength and flexibility.

Each series of Ashtanga utilizes the element of vinyasa which means movement and breathing system. When vinyasa is combined with isometric contractions called bandhas and gazing points (drishti), the meditative quality known as tristana is born in the practitioner.

more on the Ashtanga Method including photos of the postures here

Origins

It is generally agreed that Ashtanga (eight-limbs) Yoga was first described by the sage Patanjali about 2500 years ago in the classic Yoga Sutras. This text describes eight steps of practice leading to the fruition of yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.



"Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi
are the limbs leading to the goal of yoga" -Yoga Sutras 2:29

Yama is an ongoing cultivation of peace - both internally and in action. This includes acts of honesty, integrity, and modesty. Through these, the yogi builds self-will and vital energy.

Niyama are actions towards oneself including purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to the Divine. Creativity of the highest quality is manifested through these practices. All those seeking to improve themselves, their families and communities practice yama and niyama without naming it so. These are natural acts of the highest human potential and goodness.

Asana is literally described as a seat. This may be a "seat" for meditation such as a cushion or blanket or the actual yogic position that one assumes for a meditative practice. There are many asanas described and practiced. Some are easily attained while others are more difficult. Yogasanas (yoga positions) have many proven benefits for health and wellness. The first step to spiritual development is through a healthy body.

Pranayama is the practice of cultivating and harnessing prana (vital life-force) from the air we breath. Prana may be observed through our respiration, blood and lymph circulation and the activity of the nervous system. The yogis also speak of 72,000 nadis (subtle pathways), which are super highways of this vital energy comparable with the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine.

Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana are practices of redirecting the mind inward from its many wanderings and confusions. When the mind is fixed on one particular object in such a way that all preconceptions dissolve, meditation floods the mind.

Samadhi is the culminating practice of yoga. In Samadhi, the yogi approaches mastery and the goal of Self-Realization, experiencing a deep inward bliss. However, even Samadhi is a practice and the yogi is continually developing and refining the limbs of yoga.

Current practices

Often there is some confusion when trying to understand different yoga styles including the various schools of "Ashtanga Yoga". Since we recognize many traditions of yoga including differing Ashtanga traditions, we often distinguish the method taught by K Pattabhi Jois as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Vinyasa refers to the moving and breathing system and the sequencing of postures in series.

Jois learned yoga forms and vinyasa from one of the 20th centuries great yogis, the renowned Krishnamacharya who in turn learned from his guru Ramamohan Brahmachari in Tibet. Jois was to be entrusted by is teacher to continue sharing the vinyasa yoga method which he has done in an unbroken thread for nearly 70 years.

The method taught by Jois emphasizes postures and movement synchronized by deep rhythmic breathing. The external forms are meant to inspire an awakening of a meditative mood- "the mind floods toward Self."

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois "Guruji", at 90 years of age and his grandson Sharath Rangaswamy are receiving students from all over the world at the AYRI (Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute) in Mysore, India. Their day begins around 2am and continues into the evening as they guide students through the various aspects of Ashtanga Yoga.

To study directly with Guruji, send a letter to the below address telling when you will arrive and how long you intend to stay. Three months is a recommended course of study, however students will be allowed to enroll for a minimum of one month.

Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI)
# 235 8th cross 2nd main 3rd stage
Gokulam, Mysore 570002, Karnataka, India
www.ayri.org