“ Learning the sequence was like receiving one's first gift - a new world had opened. Life would never be the same, beauty had entered and it would continue to blossom. ”

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" Learning the series was like receiving your first gift - a new world had opened up. Life would never be the same, beauty had entered and would continue to flourish. »

[Derek Ireland]

 

The practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, as taught by Guru Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, his son Manju Jois, his grandson Sharath, other members of his family and his first prominent western students, includes postures (asana), chants/ invocations (mantra) and philosophy.

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Basics of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

The following are aspects that Guru Shri K. Pattabhi Jois highlights as the main ingredients of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:

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Vinyasa: Vinyasa means breathing and movement system. For every movement, there is a breath (inhalation, exhalation), one vinyasa. In this way a certain number of vinyasas are assigned to all postures (asana). Another interpretation of the word vinyasa is "a step to ...", that is, the connecting link of the transition from asana to asana.

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Tristhana: Refers to the three points of attention or action: Bandhas (activation), Dristhi (focus of the gaze) and Ujjayi breathing during asana. These are the three levels of effect of the practice. They are always performed in combination with each other.

 

Asana: Asanas cleanse, strengthen and give flexibility to the body. During practicing asana the inhalation (puraka) and exhalation (rechaka) should be steady and uniform; the length of inhalation should be the same as that of exhalation. 

 

Drishti: is where you look while you are in the asana. There are nine drishti: the nose, the area between the eyebrows, the navel, the thumb, the arms, the legs, the top, the right and the left. The drishti cleanses and stabilizes the function of the mind.

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Bandha: An important element of breathing is the mula and the uddiyana bandha. These are the locks of the pelvic floor and the lower abdominal area that "seal" the energy, give lightness, strength and health to the body, helping to create a strong internal fire. Without the bandhas, breathing will not be right and asanas will offer no benefit. When the mula bandha is perfect, mind control is automatic.

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