Links

The series of postures of the Ashtanga system was translated from the “Yoga Korunta”, an ancient Indian text. T.K. V. Krishnamcarya of Mysore, India, learned the sequence in the early 1900’s and passed down to his student Sri K. Pattabi Jois, now 92 years old, who popularized it throughout the world. Ashtanga Yoga is an intensely purifying style of yoga that builds core strength and stamina and moves through a sequence of postures intended for internal cleansing and aligning the body. “Vinyasa”, the coordination of breath and movement, creates an intense internal heat that oxygenates the internal organs and purifies the blood. Sweat is thought to be an important by-product. When the blood becomes hot, it is thought to become thin and circulate more freely through the body and around the joints, eliminating body aches and pains and warding off disease. Through the practice of a “tristhana” 1) posture (asana with use of the bandhas or internal locks), 2) correct breathing (ujayii pranayama), and 3) gazing points (dristhis), control of the senses and a deep awareness of oneself is achieved. These three also lead to three levels of purification – the body, the nervous system, and the mind.

Most practiced is the Primary series that includes two types of Surya Namaskara (sun salutations), a sequence of standing postures, seated postures linked by a “vinyasa” flow, and then a finishing sequence that includes inversions. The order in which the postures are practiced is stressed. Once the student advances beyond the Primary series, there are six more series that increase in difficulty, although all series begin with sun salutations, the standing series, and end in the same finishing sequence. Very few people progress beyond the third or fourth series.

There are two ways the Ashtanga system is practiced. First, there is a led class where the teacher counts the vinyasa (either an inhale or exhale) and calls out the postures in sequence. The second is through a practice called Mysore, from the place in India where it originated. In this practice, the teacher works with the student, introducing the student to postures based on his ability to master the previous one. Manual adjustment is given throughout by the teacher to aid the student. No props are used.

Typically, the Ashtanga sequence is practiced four or five days a week Mysore-style and only one or two led classes. The student rests one day a week and does not practice on the full or new moon.

My favorite Ashtanga Yoga Links are:

www.ARYI.org

The “Official” Ashtanga Yoga Website of Sri K. Pattabi Jois

www.Ashtanga.com

A Gathering Site for Ashtangis

www.yogaworkshop.com

Richard Freeman’s Website

www.Astanga.It

Lino Miele’s Website

www.Ashtangayogacenter.com

Tim Miller’s Website

www.Power-Yoga.com