Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
A powerful system for powerful people
For a system to be considered ancient it depends on 3 factors. It requires a long history of thinking, it cannot be invalid and therefore it can answer to any other philosophy and it requires man to comprehend the systems purpose and application.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is an ancient practice to grow the physical, mental and spiritual body. It is a long lineage which goes back to the father of modern yoga, Tirumala Krishnamacharya who revolutionised how Yoga was taught. He believed that yoga could be used to prevent and heal diseases and he emphasised the therapeutic nature of yoga as a healing modality.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois met Krishnamarcharya when he was only 12 years old and immediately became his student. He dedicated his life to study with his teacher and was awarded a Professorship at the Sanskrit College of Mysore. In 1948 Pattabhi Jois established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute to teach yoga and to further continue his research on this system. The first Western student arrived in 1964 and only a few years later Nancy Gilgoff and David Williams found their way to Pattabhi Jois in 1973. A handful of students grew into thousands of people who traveled to Mysore to learn from Pattabhi Jois and soon Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was practiced all around the world.
It is an honour to continue this lineage by practicing, studying and teaching this ancient system.
Om Asato Maa Sad-Gamaya |
Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya |
Mrtyor-Maa Amrtam Gamaya |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||
Primary – Intermediate – Advanced
The Ashtanga yoga method involves synchronised movement with deep breathing and consists of a progressive series of postures (asanas).
Its a dynamic practice which will release toxins, improve circulation and create calmness of the mind.
This ancient system originates from India and was brought to the west by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. It consists of three sequences or serie. The “Primary Series” (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the entire body. The “Intermediate Series” (Nadi Shodana) purifies the nervous system by means of opening and releasing the energy channels. The Advanced Series A, B, C, and D (Shtira Baga) integrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher physical levels of flexibility and strength.
Drishti & bandhas
Drishti is a soft focused gaze. Each posture has a particular drishti which increases concentration (dharana) and helps to withdrawal our senses (prtyahara) from outside distraction. It enhances the physical practice by directing the energy in a focused way, controls the wandering mind and directs it inwards.
Bandhas are energetic locks within the body which help to regulate the flow of prana – life energy. The most important bandhas in Ashtanga Yoga are Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha.
Learning to engage the bandhas takes time and practice.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa means breath synchronised movement. Each move connects with an inhale or exhale directing the internal energy in the most beneficial way.
Vinyasa’s form the link in between asanas and combined with the correct breathing the practice becomes a dynamic flow of postures.
Practising the sequences in the correct order with the help of vinyasa’s will unlock the healing and transformative power of Ashtanga.
Inhalation & exhalation
Breathing cannot be overemphasised in the Ashtanga Yoga system.
The breath is continuously and deep during the whole practice and ensures efficient circulation of blood. The sound of the breath keeps the mind focused and is a useful indication of the quality of the practice.
When breath feeds into action, and action improves posture, each movement becomes gentle and one will acquire steadiness of the body and mind.
Ashtanga – a system of 8 limbs
Ashtanga literally means eight limbs which are described by the Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
Yama (moral codes)
Niyama (self purification with discipline)
Asana (postures)
Pranayama (breath control)
Pratyahara (Sense withdrawal)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadi (superconsiousness)
These branches support and reinforce each other. Asana practice must be established for proper practice of Pranayama. Yama and Niyama are integral part of the method and eventually flow into all areas of life. Once the first four limbs are firmly rooted, the last four, which are internally oriented limbs, can evolve.