 |
||
 |
||
|
About Ashtanga Yoga
In the context of modern yoga, Ashtanga yoga (with a capital ‘A’) is the name used for the hatha yoga system popularized by Sri K Pattabhi Jois, which is based on what he learned from his teacher Sri T Krishnamacharya. While the eight limbs in the name of this system are the same as those in classical ashtanga yoga, Jois’ Ashtanga yoga focuses primarily on postures, movement, and breathing techniques. The practice is generally similar to the many other forms of posture-based yoga that are popular in the West, many of which also directly or indirectly trace their lineage through Krishnamacharya and his students, but Ashtanga yoga is unique in that it has a very specific structure and methodology for practice and teaching.
In Mysore-style classes, students have their own individually assigned portion of the Ashtanga yoga sequence, which they practice together in the same room but at their own pace. The teacher is available to provide instruction and assistance, including hands-on adjustments, to each student as necessary. This form of instruction allows students to develop their own practice while enabling the teacher to work with students on an individual basis. This makes Mysore-style classes an ingenious compromise between private lessons and group classes, as it allows students to practice in the way that is best suited to their ability level and to receive personalized, one-on-one instruction within the context of a group class.
|
||
|
(614) 859-YOGA / PO Box 163232, Columbus, OH 43216 / ashtanga@yogaohio.com /
|
||
Ashtanga literally means “eight limbs” in Sanskrit. These are enumerated in the Yoga Sutra as yama and niyama (ethical prescriptions), asana and pranayama (posture and breathing practices), and pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi (forms of meditation). In the context of classical Indian philosophy, ashtanga yoga (with a lowercase ‘a’) refers to this particular yogic approach as it is described within the textual tradition.
The practice of Ashtanga yoga consists of a number of sequences of asana linked together via precise breath-coordinated movements. This method of sequencing is called vinyasa, and in Ashtanga yoga, the sequences, and the asanas in them, are learned progressively and in a fixed order. There are now many books and even some 
In order to get the greatest benefit from Ashtanga yoga, the practice must be done on a regular basis. A minimal commitment would be at least two to three days per week, including classes at the studio and self-practice at home. Ideally, the practice should be done every day, except Saturdays and days on which there is a full or new moon (approximately one day every two weeks), which are taken as rest days. Through regular, consistent practice, Ashtanga yoga becomes a kind of meditative ritual that allows the practitioner to move beyond the external limbs of asana and pranayama and into the internal limbs of classical ashtanga yoga.