Ashtanga Yoga By Annie Pace

Ashtanga Yoga in the Tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
By Annie Grover Pace

Yoga is a philosophy of life, which also has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy body and mind.

Ashtanga Yoga, practiced in its correct sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscovering his or her
fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness—physical, psychological, and spiritual. Through this practice
of correct breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (driste), we gain control of the senses
and a deep awareness of our selves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion, one acquires
steadiness of body and mind.

"Ashtanga" literally means eight limbs. They are described by Patanjali as: Yama (abstinences), Niyama
(observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana
(concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (contemplation). These branches support each other. Asana
practice must be established for proper practice of pranayama and is a key to the development of the yamas and
niyamas. Once these four externally oriented limbs are firmly rooted, the last four internally oriented limbs will
spontaneously evolve over time.

"Vinyasa" means breath-synchronized movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline and links asana to asana
in a precise order. By synchronizing movement with breathing and practicing Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas (locks),
an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as
releasing beneficial hormones and minerals, which can nourish the body when the sweat is massaged back into the
skin. The breath regulates the vinyasa and ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is a light, strong body.

There are three groups of sequences in the Ashtanga system. The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and
aligns the body. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the
energy channels. The Advanced Series A, B, C, and D (Sthira Bhaga) integrate the strength and grace of the
practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.

Each level is to be fully developed before proceeding to the next, and the sequential order of asanas is to be
meticulously followed. Each posture is a preparation for the next, developing the strength and balance required to
move further.

BREATH: The continuity of deep, even breathing cannot be overemphasized in the Ashtanga Yoga system. When
breath feeds action, and action feeds posture, each movement becomes gentle, precise, and perfectly steady.

According to the teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, "Breath is Life." Breathing is our most
fundamental and vital act and holds a divine essence: exhalation a movement towards God, and inhalation an
inspiration from God. Our last action in life is to exhale, which, in essence, is the final and total surrender to God.

PRACTICE: It is said that where there is no effort there is no benefit. Strength, stamina and sweat are unique
aspects of this traditional Yoga, seemingly contrary to Western perceptions of Yoga. This demanding practice
requires considerable effort and taps into and circulates a vital energy throughout the body, strengthening and
purifying the nervous system. The mind then becomes lucid, clear and precise; and according to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois,
"Wherever you look you will see God." Only through practice will we realize the truth of what our guru often says:

"Everything is God."

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Please note the importance of learning the Ashtanga method only from a traditionally trained teacher. Only a
qualified teacher can provide the necessary guidance to assure safe, steady progress without injury to body or mind!

Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute
Yogasana Visharada Vedanta Vidwan
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Director
R. Sharat, Assistant Director
876/1, 1st Cross, Lakshmipuram
Mysore - 570004
Karnataka State, South India

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This Article was taken from www.ashtanga.com

Ashtanga Yoga