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About Ashtanga Vinyasa Ashtanga Vinyasa is a beautiful, sacred practice which is still taught in the traditional way by the living Guru Sri K Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Rangaswamy at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India (www.ayri.org) Do not miss the opportunity to study with Guruji and Sharath in Mysore or attend their worldwide workshops. We are blessed to have a living Guru of Ashtanga Vinyasa so we can continue to study with the source. The method of Ashtanga Vinyasa sets it apart from many other forms of Yoga. Its foundation is Vinyasa - breath movement system - where each move is syncronised and guided by the breath (Puraka - inhale and Rechaka - exhale). The Vinyasa allows poses (asana) to flow one after another in a sequence. Each pose is held for 5 breaths before transitioning through a specific series of movements (Vinyasa) to the next pose. The flowing sequence creates a moving meditation, once the practioner has understood the breath and movements and no longer 'thinks' about what's next! This practice has many benefits and can be practiced by anyone if taught in the traditional way (Mysore style or Counted Vinyasa) under the guidance of an experienced teacher. Ashtanga Vinyasa is a graceful practice that has been designed in a logical and specific way. As Guruji would say 'This is a very Scientific Method!' The poses are set out in a deliberate order, each one with a specific benefit and each one relating to those coming next - preparing and opening the body for the poses to come. This is why it is important to practice them in the correct order and not to 'rush' before you are ready for the next one in the sequence - poses are traditionally given by your teacher 'one by one'. The poses are opening and reprogramming body patterns and energy channels in the body to receive the benefits and prepare body and mind for the poses to come. There are 6 sequences in total - we start with the Primary series which is a complete life practice in its own right. Its name is Yoga Chikitsa (YOGA THERAPY) and it is designed to 'restructure and detoxify the body'. The practice is dynamic and flowing and through the breath and movement a heat is produced which results in a sweat, this sweat is cleansing and purifying - detoxifying the body. The breath that is used has sound and a rhythm to it and is called Ujjayi - breathing through the nose with the mouth softly closed. The breath is managed and controlled by the muscles in the glottis area of the throat - thus generating sound - as the breath rolls freely around the throat. A room full of Ashtangis practicing reminds me of the sound of the sea with the waves rolling in and out. There are 2 other areas of the method that are essential to achieving TRISTANA - where there is union of three essential ingredients of vinyasa - they are bandha and dristi. Bandha - means lock or seal - it allows us to direct and use our energy (prana) efficiently and appropriately during the practice and in life. There are 2 types used throughout the practice Mula and Uddiyana these relate to the network of nadis (energy channels) in the subtle body - they allow us to cultivate and increase prana (lifeforce). Dristi is the 'looking place' where we direct our gaze when we are in the asana. This provides focus and discipline and allows the practioner to focus on the work 'inside' rather than whats happening in the world 'outside. All three together breath, bandha and dristis allow the practitioner to experience from the inside and access the pranic energy rather than just going through the motions of a physical 'exercise'. This description has barely scratched the surface of Ashtanga Vinyasa and I would recommend reading 2 books where Guruji describes the method and benefits fully: Yoga Mala by Sri K Pattabhi Jois and Astanga Yoga (Lino Miele) produced under the guidance of Sri K Pattabhi Jois. These books also explain the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga - asana is just one of those limbs - but by starting with asana we can begin to incorporate, understand and maybe one day achieve the other limbs of Yoga.

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