Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga
Raja Yoga Raj Yoga = Ashtanga Yoga means eight limbs of Yoga
Learn more about the origin and philosophy and the eight paths behind the traditional system of Ashtanga Yoga.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga (Vinyasa) Yoga is an Indian hatha yoga system in the tradition of T. Krishnamacharya, which for western students mainly includes asana (postures) and pranayama (breath control). It is today taught by members of the family of Krishna Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Nilaya (school in Mysore, India) or by Manju Pattabhi Jois (in Encinitas, California, USA) and is one of the most important and elaborate systems of Hatha Yoga ,
History of Ashtanga Yoga
In the late 1920s, the eminent Yoga and Sanskrit scholar T. Krishnamacharya discovered a copy of the Yoga Korunta in the University Library of Calcutta. This ancient text, compiled by the sage Vamana, consisted of about 100 written verses (sutras) on palm leaves. But it had been practically destroyed by ants. Krishnamacharya, along with his young disciple Krishna Pattabhi Jois, embarked on transcription, which was left over from the invaluable manuscript. This included a detailed explanation of asanas (poses) with their individual benefits, the sequence or sequences in which they should be performed, and movements that indicated how to move from one posture to the next.
Ingredients of the Ashtanga Yoga Method
These are the essential ingredients of the Ashtanga Yoga Method developed by Pattabhi Jois K., traditionally taught at KPJAYI in Mysore, South India, and by authorized teachers around the world:
Vinyasa
The system that connects the breath with the fluid movement between postures. For every movement a breath is made. Practicing Vinyasa cleanses and dilutes the blood. The heated blood then circulates freely around the joints and eliminates bodily pain. It also moves easily through the internal organs of the body and removes impurities and diseases that are excreted by the sweat that creates the practice. It is also known that the heat or inner fire of Vinyasa increases the metabolism and the life span of humans.
Tristhana
The system that connects the breath with the fluid movement between postures. For every movement a breath is made. Practicing Vinyasa cleanses and dilutes the blood. The heated blood then circulates freely around the joints and eliminates bodily pain. It also moves easily through the internal organs of the body and removes impurities and diseases that are excreted by the sweat that creates the practice. It is also known that the heat or inner fire of Vinyasa increases the metabolism and the life span of humans.
Bandhas
Two bandhas or energy barriers are considered important for the method: Mula Bandha (root lock) and Uddiyan Bandha (abdominal lock). These seal and direct the flow of prana (vital energy) in the body, creating a sense of lightness, power and control.
The 6 obstacles
In the Yoga Shastras it is said that God lives in the form of light in the human spiritual heart, but this light is shadowed by six poisons: They are - Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Moha (delusion), Lobha (greed) , Matsarya (envy) and Mada (sloth). When dedicated yoga practice is sustained over time, the heat it generates burns these poisons and the pure light of its own inner nature shines forth.
Parampara and traditional learning
The Sanskrit word, Parampara, refers to the transfer of traditional knowledge from teacher to student. It is the basis of every descent; Where the Guru (teacher) and the Shishya (disciple) are the members of a chain of teachings that has existed for thousands of years and knowledge is passed on through direct instruction and hands-on experience.
In ancient India, the Guru-Shishya relationship was a relationship of holiness and mutual commitment. The role of the teacher was to transmit knowledge in its purest form with the noblest intention and noblest purpose. The Dharma, or the duty of the disciple, was to respect and obey the guru, and to learn by the diligence, effort, and devotion of the personal ego.
Source of information: sharathjois.com. Wikipedia
