Ashtanga Yoga
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
There are two meanings of Ashtanga Yoga
1)Ashtanga yoga is a philosophy of life, according to 8 levels, and 2) physical practice includes a properly organized system of movements.
- ASHTANGA YOGA as a philosophy means "eight-limbed yoga," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras(book of rules or instructions). According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices and physical, which make you more conscious, and live in the present, where internal and external improvements always go together.
Yama [moral codes]
Niyama [self-purification and study]
Asana [posture]
Pranayama [breath control]
Pratyahara [sense control]
Dharana [concentration]
Dhyana [meditation]
Samadhi [absorption into the Universal]
I'll explain the details of each 8 steps in the next post, now we are focusing on the physical practice of Ashtanga yoga or Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga.
Originally, Ashtanga Yoga was created by T. Krishnamacharya as an individualized practice for his young energetic student K. Pattabhi Jois in the early 20th century. The fast-paced sun salutation movements are thought to have been influenced by the exercises of Indian wrestlers and gymnasts. Jois was a dedicated student, and he further refined and promoted this new style and soon began teaching others. These exhilarating and challenging posture flows were designed to purify the body to offer peace of mind and eventually gave rise to many different styles of Hot Yoga flow, Vinyasa Yoga, and Power yoga.
Ashtanga yoga is a method of yoga that involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.
Key Principles and yoga practices
There are several key principles on which the practice of Ashtanga is based. This multiple-pronged approach promotes physical health and mental well-being. These five principles are necessary for a successful ashtanga practice.
- Ujjayi pranayama/breath: This specific breathing technique is used throughout the practice. The Victorious breathing, my teacher also called An Ocean breath is a slow audible breathing technique used to warm, energize and increase focus and concentration. Also helps to keep the poster easier and longer.
- Drishti: A specific drishti or focal point, is used in each asana. This helps create a more focused and meditative practice.
- Vinyasa: The core of the practice is to coordinate the breath to the sequence of postures and transitions in the series.
- Bandha: The engagement of the bandhas, or body locks, is encouraged throughout the class to seal in the prana energy and create core stability.
- Daily practice: A six-day-per-week routine is encouraged, with Saturday as the rest day. “Moon days,” the days on the full and new moon are also rest days, and women often refrain from practicing during menstruation or doing Hatha/ Yin yoga instead.
What is the difference between Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga?
Ashtanga is a set sequence of asanas while vinyasa is more free-style and improvised. Ashtanga classes begin and end with the class chanting mantras. Vinyasa classes are more popular in gyms and yoga studios with playing music during the practice.
The benefits of Ashtanga Yoga
The result is improved circulation, breathing, balance, light, and a strong body. It can increase your stamina, bone density, and muscle strength, control your body weight, lower your blood pressure, and relieve stress. The benefits of Ashtanga yoga are not only limited to physical factors. It also helps mentally and spiritually by boosting mental clarity, creating mental calmness, and developing a better concentration in daily life.
Namaste,