Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a complete Yoga method based on Bhakti (devotion) to a breathing and movement system called Vinyasa. Through Ashtanga yoga you come to realize your Self and your purpose by learning to systematically combine several internal and external techniques including: breathing (ujjay), internal locks, meditation, posture (asanas), conscious movement (vinyasa) and gazing (drsti). When these basic techniques are applied with discipline, subtlety and skill, they are excellent tools for becoming physically and mentally strong and perceptive. The method consists of learning a rigorous, well balanced sets of postures and the vinyasa positions that form the set sequences. The alternating, opposing movement and breathing patterns within the given sequences help you to internalize your mind and to gain depth and wisdom by observing the true nature of what is happening within you.
This traditional ‘eight limb yoga’ system as passed down through Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India, begins with the practice of a specific sequence of postures (āsanas) that are linked together by synchronizing breath and movement (vinyāsa). Each sequence begins with sun salutations, then progresses through standing and seated postures, and finishes with restoratives (viparīta karaṇī). The heart of this practice is smooth, even breathing (ujjāyī) integrated with core strength (bandhas) and steady gazing (dṛṣṭi), which creates an experience of continuity and stability throughout the sequence. When properly done, this method purifies and strengthens the body while settling and focusing the mind.
There are six sequences in this system:
Primary (Yoga Chikitsā - disease therapy)
Intermediate (nāḍī śodhana - channel cleanse)
Advanced A, B, C & D (sthira bhāga - that which develops firmness).
Classes
Mysore Style
The Ashtanga Yoga method is built around the ‘Mysore Style’ class, so named because yoga was taught this way by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, India, and continues to be taught this way in traditional Ashtanga Yoga schools around the world. In Mysore Class, the student is taught a sequence of postures through one-on-one instruction. The correct movements, breathing, and other aspects of the practice are learned gradually, in a step-by-step process accessible to anyone. This method allows each student time to practice and memorize what they have learned before adding more. Students are able to practice independently and at their own pace while surrounded by the energy and inspiration of other students in the room. The main teacher and assistants are able to work with each student individually. Initially, students may require more attention, but as they become proficient in their practice, they are allowed more independence, receiving adjustments and assistance only when required.
Led Primary Class:
Led Primary Series class is taught in place of the regular Mysore style practice. Led class reinforces the proper vinyāsa system, when to inhale and when to exhale as we enter into and out of each posture. For both new and experienced students, led class is an important compliment to a regular Mysore practice. It’s an opportunity to ensure that each vinyāsa is being learned and practiced correctly. Furthermore, surrendering to the teacher’s count and pacing, is an opportunity to increase both our internal and external strength, and our relationship with the traditional lineage.
Moon Days
Why We Don’t Practice on Moon Days
It has always been the tradition in Ashtanga Yoga to rest from asana practice on new and full moon days (tithis). When asked why we shouldn’t practice on these days, Guruji was fond of saying, “Two ‘plantets’ [grahas] one place, very dangerous.” What is meant by this is that on these days, the sun and the moon are in a line relative to the position of the earth. Consequently, their gravitational forces are all combined, and thus the effect of the ‘plantets’ more pronounced. One definitive effect of this is that the ocean’s tides are higher and lower on these days. When āsana practice is done daily, rest days are important for regeneration; and the extra biweekly ‘moon day’ comes as a welcomed respite.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga:
Aṣṭāṅga Yoga अष्टाङ्गयोग – Literally ‘eight-limb-yoga,’ this is a wholistic description of yoga that comes most notably, but not exclusively from Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras:
1. Yama यम – Moral Restraints:
Ahiṁsā अहिंसा – Non-harming,
Satya सत्य – Truthfulness,
Asteya अस्तेय – Non-stealing,
Brahmacarya ब्रह्मचर्य – Continence, &
Aparigraha अपरिग्रह – Non-hoarding.
2. Niyama नियम – Spiritual Attitudes:
Śauca शौच – Mental & physical purity.
Saṁtoṣa संतोष – Self-contentment.
Tapas तपस् – Mental & physical discipline.
Svādhyāya स्वाध्याय – Self-study, mantra recitation & study of sacred texts.
Īśvara Praṇidhāna ईश्वरप्रणिधान – The offering of all acts & thoughts to God / the Eternal Truth.
3. Āsana आसन – A firm, straight & comfortable seated position.
4. Prāṇāyāma प्राणायाम – “Taking in the subtle power of the vital wind through exhalation, inhalation, and retention (Jois, Yoga Mala p. 23, 2002).”
5. Pratyāhāra प्रत्याहार – Directing the senses inward toward the physiological Self.
6. Dhāraṇā धारणा – Containing the mind within certain boundaries [deśa] of attention; there is awareness of object, meditator & surroundings.
7. Dhyāna ध्यान – An intensification of dhāraṇā wherein concentration flows in a single stream such that there is only awareness of object & meditator; all else has faded.
8. Samādhi समाधि – An intensification of dhyāna wherein there is no longer any self-awareness – only the object of meditation shines forth; it is as if the meditator has become the object of meditation.