Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga
Origins: Ashtanga yoga is an ancient practice laid out in the text of the Yoga Koranta. It was revived, taught and spread by Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois, of Mysore, India, a disciple of Sri Tirumala Krishnamacharya. While often Ashtanga is referred to as the yoga series or practice itself, Ashtanga actually means the “eight limbed path” – the eight limbs which guide us toward the ultimate experience of samadhi or oneness with the divine. Laid down by Patanjali, the great yogi philosopher, it includes the Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas, Pranayama, Pratihara, Dharama, Dhyana and Samadhi. Ashtanga yoga uses a prescribed sequence of asanas that are linked with the breath. It generates heat which facilitates flexibility and gives a great sense of wellbeing. Techniques include the deep, resonant ujayi breathing, the activation of the bandas (internal points of engagement and focus, such as mula and uddiyana bandas) which direct the energy upward and helps keep focus, as well as the use of dristi which directs the eyes to fix on specific points. These techniques help to eliminate external distraction and to direct our energy inwardly. The vinyasa or link through flowing movement done between asanas (and between left and right sides) also gives an uninterrupted continuity or a “moving meditation” as it were.
Teachings: Ashtanga speaks of the “balancing of opposites” (hard/soft; male/female; active/receptive energies) present in each asana. By exploring duality or contrasting energies, equilibrium is found. The word “vinaysa” means “consciously putting in order” and the vinyasa or linking sequence between poses is such a conscious ordering. When this kind of mindfulness is cultivated in yoga practice it becomes natural to extend this kind of consciousness into other areas of life, and so we live with greater mindfulness in our work, our relationships, our homes and families.
Who can practice? The uplifting, transforming effect of Ashtanga is accessible to anyone who, with an open, egoless, non-competitive attitude is prepared to try. When a beginner first encounters Ashtanga yoga it might feel like a great physical challenge and he/she may struggle initially until flexibility, strength and stamina are developed. But with time, perseverance, gentle discipline and the art of surrender, the practice will unfold into a wonderful flowing journey of exploration and freedom.
Class focus: As we practice our yoga in a non-competitive nonforcing, non-harming manner we must be clear that the true aim of Ashtanga yoga is not just greater physical strength, abundant good health and energy, increased flexibility and endurance (this all happens anyway) but rather to live with more awareness, to be fully conscious of the flow of prana and the movement of life force through us all and to take this into our lives.
Teacher training: Africa Yoga Ashtanga Teacher Training courses run for an intensive four-week course comprising six full days a week of study. Visit www.africayoga.co.za for more information. In Durban, the Zen Yoga Studio also offers full or part-time 200-hour internationally accredited teacher training
courses. Visit www.zenyogastudio.com for more information.
Philosophy: “If we practice the science of yoga, which is useful to the entire human community and which yields happiness both here and hereafter – if we practice it without fail, we will then attain physical, mental, and spiritual happiness, and our minds will flood towards the Self” – Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Contact details: Call Debbie Lutrin on 082 459 1170 or visit www.ytf.co.za for a list of Ashtanga teachers.
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