" Practice and all is coming " Sri K Pattabhi Jois
What is Ashtanga yoga ?
Ashtanga Yoga is a demanding discipline which asks effort and commitment. It gives us a strong, light flexible body and a calm expansive mind.
Ashtanga is practiced in the sequential order prescribed by Sri K Pattabhi Jois.
It is important that we follow the sequence of postures and advance through the series as our ability, strength and flexibility improve. Each posture is designed to prepare the body for the next posture and so on.
The postures or asana are linked together with the use of a specific breath (Ujjayi breath) and gaze points (dristi).
Our practice leaves us feeling energised, strong and light long after we have finished.
The system of Ashtanga is divided into series.
The Primary Series is concerned with detoxification, strenghtening and detoxifying. This is also called Yoga Chikitsa.
All of the practice we undertake is to help prepare us for meditation, stillness and ultimately the true meaning of yoga which is union of the mind and body.
We make a commitment to practice regularly with honesty and responsibility towards ourselves.
Patience and kindness to oneself are important lessons to learn.
The research institute in Mysore India continues the work and teachings of the late K.Pattabhi Jois and contains any information you may need to know.