Ashtanga Yoga
Jan 08, 2025
What is Ashtanga Yoga
Purification of body & mind through asana
The internationally known Ashtanga Yoga series was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois. He lived from July 26, 1915 - May 18, 2009 and is one of the greatest modern yoga teachers. At the age of 12 he was one of the first students of Krishnamacharya (the guru that emphasized asana unlike any other guru before him). Jois's daughter, Saraswathi, and grandson, R. Sharath Jois, are the directors and main teachers at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute.
Jois’ theory is that everyone can do yoga, and to keep the body and mind healthy, circulation is needed through sweat. The idea is that the student learns the series independently and shows up to practice every day. The student may even bring a paper to remember the series and the teacher will walk around the class and help each student individually as they practice their practice. This is called the MySore practice. The same sequence every day until it is conquered.
Philosophy
-99% Practice 1% Theory
-Tristhana Method (3 focal points):
- Asana & Bandhas
- Ujjayi Pranayama
- Drishti
Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes the Tristhana Method as the vehicle to enlightenment. In this way the physical asana practice becomes a moving meditation. There are 5 series, the first is known as the Primary Series. The style is traditionally taught so that you learn the primary series and do that until you conquer it. Some students will continue to practice a specific portion of the series or a pose until conquered, or until the Guru says to move forward to the next asana.
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