Astanga vinyasa yoga is a dynamic form of yoga which follows a set sequence of postures ‘asanas.’ Movement is combined with the breath generating a heat and stilling the mind to bring focus, flexibility and stamina.

There are great benefits to be achieved from this practice and with perseverance one can achieve changes both physically and emotionally.

Physically the primary series realigns the muscular skeletal system working as a yoga therapy. Ashtanga develops strength and flexibility of the muscles and joints. The health and efficiency of internal organs will improve as we detoxify the system, increase lung capacity, regulate the hormones and strengthen the nervous system. As students progress more deeply in to the practice the body will become healthy toned and flexible.

The practice requires focus, and in time the body learns to flow in a rhythm with the breath to a ‘moving meditation’ which stills the mind and improves our ability to concentrate. A quiet sense of achievement and confidence can be attained on the mat which can filter into our everyday lives.

There are six series of astanga yoga. The primary series takes on average seven years to master. Everyone’s bodies are different; we all work with different strengths and weaknesses. Yoga is a personal journey and a lifetime practice. We must enjoy each and every practice and do so with consideration of tomorrow.

There are forty postures ‘asanas’ in the primary series which are linked together with the vinyasa to create the flow. Vinyasa is what distinguishes astanga from other forms of yoga. It is a unique system of breath and movement to form a continuous flow.
Each posture has to be followed in order as it prepares us for what is to come.
Movement through the sequence of asanas generates a heat which is maintained through the vinyasa.

The practice is divided into four sections:

  1. Beginning with sun salutations Surya Namuskara A and Surya Namuskara B.  Here we warm up the body, stretch and strengthen the arms and legs, hands, feet, wrists and ankles. The spine and hips, chest shoulders and quadriceps are all prepared for the practice.
     
  2. The standing sequence develops awareness alignment and balance. The internal organs are stimulated and the work of the practice begins.
     
  3. The seated sequence begins the ‘primary series’. The internal organs are purified and cleansed and the muscular skeletal system is toned and realigned.
     
  4. The finishing sequence includes inverted postures which revitalize the system, reactivate a sluggish circulation and help concentration and sleep.  The whole sequence ends with Savasana where we lay still on the mat allowing the body and breath to settle after the intense work of the practice. It is important to give the body time to heal and the mind the time to process what has been learned with each practice.

Astanga vinyasa yoga was learned from the great teacher Tirumalia Krishnamacharya. The Guru of astanga yoga, K.Patthabi Jois began his study in the 1930’s with Krishnamacharya at the age of 12. He founded the Astanga Yoga Resarch Institute in Mysore, India and continued to teach into his 90's until his recent death. We are grateful to 'Guruji' for his lifetime dedication to teaching and for the gift of astanga yoga.

“99% Practice and 1% Theory”.


K.Patthabi Jois The word Astanga translates as ‘eight limbs’ which are a basis of many forms of yoga, an ancient art practiced for over five thousand years. The eight limbs are derived from the yoga sutras which describe how yoga can overcome the afflictions of the mind to attain a state of detachment and ultimate enlightenment.  The ultimate purpose of yoga is to have the ability to sit in ’lotus’ with a still mind. Samadhi is complete spiritual absorption, self realization.

The word yoga means to ‘yoke’ or ‘unite.’ Yoga is a complex spiritual tradition of science and life.

“Practice and all is coming”
Patthabhi Jois.(1915-2009)