Ashtanga Yoga

Ashta means "eight." Anga means "steps." Ashtanga, as described in the Sutras by Patanjali, means the 8 steps to achieve the state of yoga (union) known as Self-Realization. These 8 steps are comprised of yamas (self-control) -- non-violence, non-lying, non-stealing, non-excessiveness, non-possessiveness; niyamas (observances) -- developing purity, contentment, ardor, study of the Self, Self-surrender; asanas (yoga postures); prana-yama (control of vital energy) through breathing techniques; pratyahara -- redirecting the 5 senses from an external focus to the subtle inner wisdom of the higher Self; dharana (concentration); dhyana (meditation) -- concentration without effort; and samadhi (bliss consciousness).

All schools of hatha yoga have Ashtanga yoga as their foundation. However, in the West, a very popular form of hatha yoga called Ashtanga vinyasa yoga (vinyasa means "flow") has been simply abbreviated to "Ashtanga Yoga". So, when one says that one practices Ashtanga yoga in the west today, one is generally referring to this very specific form of hatha yoga.

The practice was "rediscovered" by Pattabhi Jois who, as a sanskrit scholar in Mysore under the tutelage of the great yoga master Krishnamacharya, translated this practice from ancient yogic texts. Basically, an Ashtanga class starts with arguably the most dynamic form of surya namaskar (a sequence of forward and backward bending movements as a salutation to the sun). This aerobic exercise heats up the body and awakens the prana (vital energy) within. One then practices a sequence of yoga asanas (postures) with an emphasis on three elements: (1) moola bandha, a contraction of the pelvic floor to lock in and concentrate pranic energy; (2) ujjayi, a sustained, powerful breathing technique; and (3) drishti, a specific point of visual focus during the posture. Each posture is held for a certain number of ujjayi breaths, then upon release, one repeats a portion of the sun salutation now called vinyasa to maintain the constant flow of prana. Due to the fiery nature of this practice, one tends to feel completely purified and energized throughout every cell of the body and also the mind.

After the sequence of yoga postures which generates vital energy, one sits to practice the control of this energy through various breathing techniques. One calms down and focuses on the inflow, retention, and outflow of the breath and its consequent subtle influence on the movement of the vital energy within. Finally, one lies down and falls into a very deep relaxation since there is nothing left than to let go of all remaining tensions and surrender, which in turn induces a state of vitality and joy.

Both the Ashtanga and Sivananda methods taught at the center are suitable for complete beginners to yoga. The difference between them is that the beginner choosing the Ashtanga method has an inclination toward an invigorating approach that purifies, energizes and vitalises while the beginner choosing the Sivananda method has an inclination toward a soothing approach that brings inner tranquility and centeredness.

For more detailed information on Ashtanga Yoga, read here.