The Practice

The Practice of Yoga helps to bring about transformation in body, mind and spirit.  As students or practitioners of Yoga, we work through the body to connect more deeply to our ‘inner-body’ or ‘inner-self.’  Awareness is the true key to this transformation.  Awareness is a state of observation without judgment.  The practice of yoga creates awareness of the behaviors or patterns in both the mind and body, and gives us a means integrate our personality and ‘sense of self’ into a unified whole.  By intently observing our mind and body from the inside out, we start to understand our ‘true self’ and begin to feel the subtle guidance of the spirit within.         

Ashtanga Yoga Method

The breath is the essential aspect of a yoga practice; as it is bridge between the mind and body. We strive to make each inhale and exhale of equal length, steady and long; thereby calming both the body and mind.  Irregular breathing or breathing too quickly can disturb the body and mind, and instead of restoring balance and health to the practitioner, it may imbalance the body’s subtle energy.  Energy imbalances do not support health and wellness.  Therefore, it is important to breath in a controlled manner, and to be present with the breath as you practice.  

Ashtanga Yoga, in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, follows a prescribed method of asana (posture) practice that emphasizes the union of breath and movement.  This synchronized movement with the breath is called vinyasa.   Sri Pattabhi Jois is often heard quoting the Yoga Korunta, “Vina vinyasa yogena asanadin na karayet,” which, when translated says, “O yogi, do no do asana without vinyasa.”  Consequently, the system of Vinyasa is an essential component of the Ashtanga Yoga practice.
Vinyasa is a method for moving into and out of each posture, and for joining different postures together in a sequence.  Each asana has a specific number of vinyasas, which means that for each movement there is one breath, either an inhalation or exhalation.

There are ‘Six Series’ of postures in the Ashtanga Yoga system of Pattabhi Jois. The first series is called Yoga Chikitsa or Yoga Therapy as it focuses on asanas that purify the body, and restore health.  The asana are arranged in sequential order, each asana builds on the previous ones, strengthening and restoring the body to a state of optimum health. The intermediate series of Ashtanga Yoga, called Nadi Shodhana or Nerve Cleansing.  The intermediate, second series, is learned after the body has been sufficiently cleansed and strengthened—only then is it possible to start focusing on the purification the nervous system.  These asanas are directed towards opening and clearing the subtle energy channels in the body.  Throughout the practice there is an increase in steadiness and flexibility, which are accompanied by an overall feeling of lightness.  The process of cleansing the physical and the energetic body is very difficult and takes many years of consistent practice.  The advanced series of Ashtanga Yoga is called Sthira Bhagah.  These postures are directed towards strengthening the inner spirit of the practitioner, and require an intense focus and steadiness in both body and mind. 

With consistent practice Yoga Asana can be perfected.  Each posture is to be sufficiently mastered before moving onto the next posture in any given series.  However, these series of asanas must not be viewed as some kind of ranking system.  The true practice of yoga is not about the physical postures, but the internal attitude of the practitioner, and the subtle energetic effects that occur when one practices with dedication and sincerity over many years.