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"Ashtanga Vinyasa" is an ancient system from direct lineage. It is
practiced as yoga poses (asanas),
incorporating the breath, movement and mind. It is a dynamic
approach that is physical at first but slowly allows the practicioner to move deeper within.
Sri
K. Pattabhi Jois is the guru of this practice and the
current main teacher followed by his grandson
Sharath. He was taught by his Guru, Sri. T. Krishnamacharya. Although asana is a main part of this practice it is inevitable that through it
inner awareness and a calming of the mind is attained.
The term Ashtanga
cannot be dated but its earliest written reference is from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. The Sutras are a string of statements
detailing the practice and results of yoga. When translated from the
Sanskrit in to English, Ashtanga means "Eight Limbs". These are:
Yama - how I treat others
Niyama - how I treat myself
Asana - how I hold my body (posture)
Pranayama - how I breathe and control my breath
Pratyahara - how I control my senses
Dharana - how I direct my attention and concentration
Dhyana - meditation
Samadhi - the state beyond the mind and body - a
sense of our true nature merged with the 'One'
Ashtanga is arranged systematically into six different series: primary, intermediate and advanced A,B,C,D. Common to all these series is the link known
as "vinyasa". Each pose has a certain number of movements with a breath
tied to each movement. Through the power of the
vinyasa the respiratory system becomes more effective. The breath, which is known as 'ujjayi' (victorious breath) helps to strengthen and purify the system.
The
key to it all of this however, is what lies at the core, or "bandhas". These are locks which preserve the vital life force/ energy.
One can
experience the positive results straight away but patience and compassion towards ourselves is necessary along with perserverance. All the asanas work deep on the inner organs. A balance of
both strength and flexibility develops.
Ashtanga is a beautiful practice. Many do asana and think that is all that ashtanga is, but this is only the beginning of the journey.
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