What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Yoga is a peaceful way of being – a philosophy of life. Yoga is one of five ancient philosophies known as darsanas (dars = see), so a yoga practitioner is learning to see; to wake up to the real. Yoga means oneness, so it is to see the wholeness of all things instead of the falsely perceived separateness of the ego. There are many ways to practice yoga, including yoga:of the body (hatha yoga), of the heart heart (bhakti yoga), of the mind (jnana yoga). There are many many ways of practicing this way of being, often at the same time.
Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and vigorous style of hatha yoga (yoga of the body). Ashtanga yoga is unique in that movements between yoga postures (asanas) are fluid and are synchronized to the breath, which create an intense heat within the body. The heat makes the muscles soft and supple, allowing the postures to be done safely and deeper. The room is kept comfortably warm, as you can imagine, this is a sweaty and purifying practice.
The sweat (a product of the exocrine system) is good as it removes toxins from the muscles and organs. Remember to drink lots of water before and after class. Drinking water during class is discouraged.
The four elements to Ashtanga yoga asana practice are:
- Ujjayi Breath
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A powerful style of deep, and meditative breathing. This style of breathing creates heat, increases lung capacity and most importantly occupies the mind. Focus on the breath, and the postures disappear.
- Bandhas
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Internal energy locks, or bandhas. Although you may not experience the bandhas in your first practice, we teach about them from day one. Along our spine we have nerve plexus, which the yogis call chakras. By engaging certain muscle groups in the core of the body, it is possible to active these nerve plexus and move energy up through the body. It is difficult to explain, but through regular practice you will experience it.
- Drishti
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The gazing or focal point. The mind is very active and easily distracted, by gazing at a single point it allows the mind go inward.
- Movement
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Moving the body creates heat, and requires the mind to become aware of the body.
Our motto is: "work your body, calm your mind". Although Ashtanga yoga is a sweaty and rigorous practice, it is amazing how much mind control it takes to control: the body movements, the specialized breath (ujjayi), and the focal point (drishti) all at the same time. It truly is a "moving meditation".
Guruji gives great wisdom in reminding us "Practice, all is coming".
If you want to know more – please read this official description from Mysore, India by clicking here.