ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of Yoga that was taught by Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta. This text was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900’s by his Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and was later passed down to Pattabhi Jois during the duration of his studies with Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927. After Shri Pattabhi Jois’s passing, the lineage holder was my guru, Paramguru Sharath Jois R.
Key elements of the Ashtanga Yoga practice
Vinyasa is the careful linking of breath and movement. For each movement there is one breath – either an inhalation or exhalation. The Surya Namaskar and each of the successive asanas are comprised of a particular number of vinyasas. Vinyasa creates heat in the body, which warms the blood, improving circulation and taking away body pains. Sweat is am important byproduct of vinyasa.
The three places of attention: breath, bandha and drishti. These three are very important for yoga practice, and are always performed in conjunction with each other.
• Breath: free breathing with sound.
• Asana and bandha: poses and energy locks
• Drishti: gaze point
While they are three separate elements, they are performed together as one action to provide control over the body and mind.
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga: The Eight Limbs
The name “Ashtanga” means “Eight Limbs” in Sanskrit, referring to the eightfold path of yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These Eight Limbs are:
• Yama – Ethical principles (non-violence, truthfulness, etc.)
• Niyama – Personal disciplines (cleanliness, contentment, etc.)
• Asana – Physical postures
• Pranayama – Breath control
• Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses
• Dharana – Concentration
• Dhyana – Meditation
• Samadhi – Ultimate absorption or enlightenment
These branches support each other. Asana practice must be established for proper practice of pranayama. A key to the development of the asana and pranayama is observing the yamas and niyamas. Once these four externally oriented limbs are firmly rooted, the last four internally oriented limbs will spontaneously evolve over time.