Ashtanga Yoga: More Than Just Poses
Ready to dive into something pretty incredible? Let's talk Ashtanga Yoga! But not just the Instagram-worthy poses – we're talking about the whole philosophy and tradition behind it, guided by excerpts from 'An Introduction to the Fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga'.
The Eight Limbs
Ashtanga is an eight-limbed path that can seem overwhelming at first. It's about more than just physical practice, it’s about cultivating a mindful and meaningful life. Each limb builds on the one before it, starting with:
- Yama: Ethical conduct in the world (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing).
- Niyama: Personal observances (purity, contentment, self-discipline).
- Asana: The physical postures (downward dogs, warrior poses).
- Pranayama: Breath control (regulating energy and emotions).
- Pratyahara: Sense withdrawal (tuning out external noise and going inward).
- Dharana: Concentration (focusing on one thing without distraction).
- Dhyana: Meditation.
- Samadhi: A state of pure awareness, merging with the universe.
The Ethical Foundation
Yama and Niyama form the ethical foundation for everything else in Ashtanga. They're like setting intentions for how you move through the world. With this foundation, your Asana practice becomes much deeper. It's not just about getting a workout; it's about connecting with something bigger.
Bridging Body and Mind
Pranayama is key to bridging the gap between body and mind. Consciously controlling your breath helps regulate your energy and emotions.
Training the Mind
Pratyahara, Dharana, and Dhyana are all about training the mind – developing mental 'muscles' to focus attention and find stillness and clarity.
Samadhi: The Ultimate Goal
Samadhi is a state of pure awareness. You can't force it; it emerges naturally as you progress along the path. It's about the journey, not just the destination.
The Importance of Lineage
Lineage is really important in Ashtanga. It connects the practice back to its roots, ensuring teachings are passed down authentically from teacher to student for generations. The Jois family lineage traces back to Krishnamacharya, one of the most influential figures in modern yoga. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) systematized the Ashtanga Yoga practice and brought it to the West.
The Mysore Style
The traditional method emphasizes a strong foundation built through consistent practice, ideally under the guidance of a qualified teacher within the lineage. A hallmark of the traditional method is the Mysore style of teaching, which is different from a typical led yoga class. In a Mysore class, you learn the Ashtanga sequence gradually, pose by pose, and practice it at your own pace. The teacher provides individualized guidance and adjustments.
Tristana and Bandhas
Along the way, you'll focus on Tristana: Asana (posture), breath, and Drishti (gazing point). Where you focus your gaze can influence your balance, energy, and state of mind. Bandhas are energy locks where you engage specific muscles in the pelvic floor and abdomen, thought to help contain and direct your energy.
Ashtanga Yoga is a rich and rewarding practice and a way of life. It's about cultivating awareness, finding inner strength and stability (Sthira), and its transformative power.
