Having enjoyed immense worldwide popularity, Ashtanga yoga has become a forceful discipline that yields calmness to the mind, body, and nervous system.
Ashtanga, or Eight Limbs in Sanskrit, refers to eight different methods or aspects by which one would be able to attain a very deep state of conscious awareness and thereby live a life in harmony with the cosmos.
The third limb is asana, which is the foundation that aims to purify the body and to prepare it for meditation. The mind, speech, and behavior must also be cleansed. The other limbs invite us to do so through: moral, ethical, and social conduct (the yamas); personal behavior (the niyamas); breath control (pranayama); sensory control (pratyahara); concentration (dharana); and meditation (dhyana). With the perfection of these limbs, samadhi, or the final limb of superconsciousness, may be attained.
Ashtanga Yoga System
Combinations of asanas (postures) asymmetrically are characterized with synchronized breathing and moving above the precise beat (vinyasa), gazing spots (drishti), and internal energy locks (bandhas). The ideal aim of the Ashtanga asana practice is to attain perfect harmony of breath, gaze point, and movement (tristhana) of a moving meditation. Very slow inhalations and exhalations through the nose help to carry prana (vital energy) throughout the subtle body. When complemented by the appropriate execution of tristhana, stagnant energy in the nadis and chakras can be unblocked, allowing prana’s energy to flow unhindered within the body, thereby remedying whatever psychical or mental disturbances are generating dis-ease.
By following a strict sequence of flowing asanas, the body becomes strong and supple and light; in contrast, toxins are expelled and blood cleansed. Many aliments respond favorably to the practice. Slow, controlled breathing and deep concentration create great focus: with a quiet mind and a feeling of calmness and peace.
At present, there are six ‘series’ of Ashtanga yoga poses: Primary (Yoga Chikitsa) involves toning, cleansing, balancing, opening and strengthening the body; Intermediate (Nadi Sodhana) intends to cleanse the nervous system; while Advanced A, B, C and D (Sthira Bhaga Samapta) demonstrate a very high degree of strength, flexibility, grace, and humility. After one asana has been consistently mastered in a controlled manner within a vinyasa context (with tristhana, good alignment, and calm deep breathing), the next asana is added until one practices a complete series on a regular basis.
Once an entire series is mastered, all the asanas of the subsequent series are learned, one at a time, in the same way. When more than half of the next series of asanas is learned, the different series are split and practiced on alternate days. Over a period of time, with the gradual process of purification, strengthening and opening of the body and mind, Ashtanga Yoga class reveals itself and unfolds organically for one to live one’s true nature and connection to the universe.