Ashtanga yoga is an ancient daily meditation that links breath and movement sequentially. It is an embodied tradition, meaning its knowledge has been handed down from teacher to student through the ages. Ashtanga Yoga was taught by Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta. This text was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900′s by his guru, Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and was later passed down to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the guru of Ashtanga yoga, during the duration of his studies with Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927. This ritualized movement produces an internal heat which purifies the body, nervous system, and mind and awakens dormant energies.
Central to Ashtanga Yoga is the Tristhāna, or the Three Places of Attention: the posture (āsana), breathing system (ujjāyī prāṇāyāma), and looking place (dṛṣṭi). They are always performed in conjunction to one another, and cover three levels of purification: the body, the nervous system, and the mind. By maintaining this discipline with sincerity, regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.
The word Ashtanga means eight limbs, all of which are needed to quiet the mind, through the strengthening and cleansing of the physiological and energetic body. We start with the third "limb" of postures, working with what is tangible (the body), which paves the way to exploration and practice of the other seven. The eight limbs are: Yamas (morality), Niyamas (personal retraints/observances), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (narrowing of focus), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi, or Self-Realization. Each limb supports the next, and naturally leads the way out of suffering and toward freedom and happiness by slowly dissolving the boundaries between self and the world.
The term "Mysore style" is derived from a city in Southern India where Pattabhi Jois taught for over 70 years. Mysore style refers to how the practice is taught and is the safest way to learn it. In this traditional way of transmission, each student is able to learn at his or her own pace in the support of a group environment. Each practitioner receives individual guidance and soft-spoken instruction when necessary in a quiet meditative setting. Mysore classes therefore allow the student to learn yoga at a pace specifically tailored for his or her specific needs, abilities, and level of strength, endurance, and flexibility.
WHAT IS MYSORE STYLE? Mysore classes are the traditional way of practicing Ashtanga yoga, and offer a highly personalized approach without expense of private lessons, with all of the group energy of a conventional class.You don't have to arrive at the start of class, rather, you can begin at your convenience and leave anytime. For beginners, this could be half an hour, and for the more advanced, up to an hour and 45 minutes. It is a wonderful way for beginners and advanced practitioners alike to develop a self-practice.
In your first class, expect to learn the sun salutations and perhaps the first few postures of the standing sequence. Your practice will last 30-45 minutes. With each class, the postures of primary series will be gradually taught in a safe and nurturing manner. Breath and movement are linked sequentially, awakening dormant energies and resulting in a light, strong, flexible body and a calm, centered mind. You will learn more of the sequence as you are ready, and if you forget, the teacher is there to help you. Practicing in this way gives you the space to focus and learn to meditate. The cue to move on to the next posture comes from your own breath, rather than the teacher's instructions. Practitioners can therefore spend a little longer working at their own pace on something they find challenging. If there is a posture you are unable to do, you will be given the means to work towards it over time. Soft spoken guidance will be given whenever necessary.
Breath, bandha, and drishti are the heart of Ashtanga Yoga and the means to quieting the mind. Students of all levels from absolute beginner through seasoned practitioner will find inspiration and mindful support for their practice.
Central to Ashtanga Yoga is the Tristhāna, or the Three Places of Attention: the posture (āsana), breathing system (ujjāyī prāṇāyāma), and looking place (dṛṣṭi). They are always performed in conjunction to one another, and cover three levels of purification: the body, the nervous system, and the mind. By maintaining this discipline with sincerity, regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.
The word Ashtanga means eight limbs, all of which are needed to quiet the mind, through the strengthening and cleansing of the physiological and energetic body. We start with the third "limb" of postures, working with what is tangible (the body), which paves the way to exploration and practice of the other seven. The eight limbs are: Yamas (morality), Niyamas (personal retraints/observances), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (narrowing of focus), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi, or Self-Realization. Each limb supports the next, and naturally leads the way out of suffering and toward freedom and happiness by slowly dissolving the boundaries between self and the world.
The term "Mysore style" is derived from a city in Southern India where Pattabhi Jois taught for over 70 years. Mysore style refers to how the practice is taught and is the safest way to learn it. In this traditional way of transmission, each student is able to learn at his or her own pace in the support of a group environment. Each practitioner receives individual guidance and soft-spoken instruction when necessary in a quiet meditative setting. Mysore classes therefore allow the student to learn yoga at a pace specifically tailored for his or her specific needs, abilities, and level of strength, endurance, and flexibility.
WHAT IS MYSORE STYLE? Mysore classes are the traditional way of practicing Ashtanga yoga, and offer a highly personalized approach without expense of private lessons, with all of the group energy of a conventional class.You don't have to arrive at the start of class, rather, you can begin at your convenience and leave anytime. For beginners, this could be half an hour, and for the more advanced, up to an hour and 45 minutes. It is a wonderful way for beginners and advanced practitioners alike to develop a self-practice.
In your first class, expect to learn the sun salutations and perhaps the first few postures of the standing sequence. Your practice will last 30-45 minutes. With each class, the postures of primary series will be gradually taught in a safe and nurturing manner. Breath and movement are linked sequentially, awakening dormant energies and resulting in a light, strong, flexible body and a calm, centered mind. You will learn more of the sequence as you are ready, and if you forget, the teacher is there to help you. Practicing in this way gives you the space to focus and learn to meditate. The cue to move on to the next posture comes from your own breath, rather than the teacher's instructions. Practitioners can therefore spend a little longer working at their own pace on something they find challenging. If there is a posture you are unable to do, you will be given the means to work towards it over time. Soft spoken guidance will be given whenever necessary.
Breath, bandha, and drishti are the heart of Ashtanga Yoga and the means to quieting the mind. Students of all levels from absolute beginner through seasoned practitioner will find inspiration and mindful support for their practice.