Ashtanga Yoga , The vedic path to eternity

Guruji Sri Pattabhi jois

The word Ashtanga is a sanskrit word which means "8 limbs".It reffers to the eight limbs mentioned by "Pathanjali" in his Yoga Sutras. Ashtanga Yoga or Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic form of yoga which promotes flexibility, strength, endurance and clarity of mind. It is a custoimzed style of Yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India.

The Ashtanga method of asana practice was interpreted by Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois from an ancient text called the Yoga Korunta, which described a unique system of hatha yoga developed by Vamana Rishi.He deloped it in a unique way which is now most populary known as Ashtanga Yoga.

Eight limbs reffered by the word ashtanga refer specifically to the eight spiritual practices outlined by the Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras:

Yama (moral codes)

Niyama (self-purification)

Asana (posture)

Pranayama (breath control) Pratyahara (sense control)

Dharana (concentration)

Dhyana (meditation)

Samadhi (contemplation)

Founder Sri Pattabhi Jois

Pattabhi Jois is a living yoga master who was born in 1915 and began his studies with Krishnamacharaya in Mysore, India at the age of 12. He is a leading teacher and practioner of Ashtanga yoga.

In 1958, Pattabhi Jois published his treatise on Ashtanga yoga, Yoga Mala. There are six different levels of Ashtanga series through which a student progresses at his or her own pace according to his or her ability.

Ashtanga Yoga series of poses and postures

A series of pose, named Astanga series of poses make the root of Ashtanga Yoga.The first series is called Yoga Chikitsa or Yoga Therapy.Pracatice of Yoga Chikitsa ealigns the spine, detoxifies body and muscles, and builds stamina, flexibility and strength.The total series of about 75 poses almost takes an hour and a half or more to complete.It begins with Sun Salutations and moving on to standing poses, seated poses, inversions and backbends before relaxation of body.

The second intemediate series is called Nadi Shodana which means nervous system purification. It cleanses and strengthens the nervous system and the subtle energy channels throughout the body. This series is only introduced in the case when the primary series is strong. It follows the same progression (Sun Salutations, standing, sitting etc.) as the primary series, but introduces new poses and variations in the entire system of practices.

The four advanced series are called Sthira Bhaga, meaning divine stability. Pattabhi Jois actually originally outlined two intensive advanced series of practices, but later subdivided them into four series to make them accessible to many more people. These series emphasize difficult arm balances and are only appropriate for extremely advanced students practicing Ashtanga Yoga.

Is it for you?

Ashtanga is very well suited for home practioners.Except for the first two series, usually a teacher aided training is not given.It is said that you can practice according to your level of ability and practice once you now the basic steps.Many yoga studios offer Astanga Yoga classes of their own.

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