Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of yoga as taught by K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Flowing through each posture utilizing the synchronization of breath and movement in Vinyasa, an internal "fire" or heat is cultivated. Increasing flexibility and strength through regular and consistent practice, Ashtanga Yoga improves coordination, stamina, concentration and clarity of the mind. Benefitting and balancing the internal and external body, practitioners experience a deepened sense of well being and contentment mentally, physically and spiritually.

Yoga is a philosophy of life which also has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy body and mind.

Breath is life...

Breathing is our most fundamental and vital act. It holds a divine essence; the exhalation is a movement toward God, and the inhalation is an inspiration from God. The breath links the body with the deepest part of the mind - the soul - and the soul of the Ashtanga Yoga practice is the breath. With the development of a long, deep breath, the mind becomes calm and focused, thoughts stop, and each movement flows gently and precisely from asana to asana through to the completion of the series. When breath and movement flow effortlessly in perfect harmony the practice of Ashtanga Yoga transcends consciousness and evolves into the lightness of a moving meditation.

Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

Breathing is our most fundamental and vital act. It holds a divine essence; the exhalation is a movement toward God, and the inhalation is an inspiration from God. The breath links the body with the deepest part of the mind - the soul - and the soul of the Ashtanga Yoga practice is the breath. With the development of a long, deep breath, the mind becomes calm and focused, thoughts stop, and each movement flows gently and precisely from asana to asana through to the completion of the series. When breath and movement flow effortlessly in perfect harmony the practice of Ashtanga Yoga transcends consciousness and evolves into the lightness of a moving meditation.

Steadiness...

Ashtanga Yoga, practiced in its correct sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness - physical, psychological and spiritual. Through this practice of correct breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (dristi), we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.

Eight limbs...

"Astanga" literally means eight limbs. They are described by Patanjali as Yama (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption).

These branches support each other. Asana practice must be established for proper practice of pranayama and is a key to the development of the yamas and niyamas. Once these four externally oriented limbs are firmly rooted, the last four internally oriented limbs will spontaneously evolve over time.

Vinyasa...

"Vinyasa" means breath synchronized movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline, and links asana to asana in a precise order. By synchronizing movement with breathing and practicing Mulabandha and Uddiyanabandha (locks), an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals, which can nourish the body when the sweat is massaged back into the skin. The breath regulates the vinyasa and ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is a light, strong body.

Levels...

There are three groups of sequences in the Astanga system. The Primary Series (yoga chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body. The Intermediate Series (nadi sodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels. The Advanced Series A.B.C.D. (sthira bhagah samapta) integrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.

Each level is to be fully developed before proceeding to the next, and the sequential order of asanas is to be meticulously followed. Each posture is a preparation for the next, developing the strength and balance required to move further.

Breath...

Breath: the continuity of deep, even breathing cannot be overemphasized in the Astanga Yoga system. When breath feeds action, and action feeds posture, each movement becomes gentile, precise and perfectly steady.

According to the teaching of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, "Breath is Life". Breathing is our most fundamental and vital act and holds a divine essence; exhalation a movement towards God, and inhalation an inspiration from God.

Practice...

Practice: it is said where there is no effort there is no benefit. Strength, stamina and sweat are unique aspects of this traditional Yoga, seemingly contrary to western perceptions of Yoga. This demanding practice requires considerable effort to purify the nervous system. The mind then becomes lucid, clear and precise: and according to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois "Wherever you look you will see God". Only through practice will we realize the truth of what our Guru often says.

"Everything is God"