Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga - A Brief Introduction
Thousands of people flock to the Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India each year in hopes of finding that missing piece to their life’s puzzle. The Institute’s style of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is particularly enticing to Western students because they enjoy the physical demands and discipline. While many forms of yoga are more about relaxing, this style is more about physically challenging poses that evoke mental release. Some people say the techniques attracts the “overachiever” personality type, but in reality it caters to people of every level.
Through active, flowing movements, six different positions and specially timed inhaling and exhaling exercises, followers of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga aim to reach a state of internal cleansing, clear-mindedness, strength in body and a feeling of connection with the universal soul. By following the “eight limbs” of yoga, outlined by Indian sage Patanjali Maharishi, adherents practice the following: moral codes, self-purification and study, posture, breath control, control of the senses, focused concentration, meditation and contemplation.
At the commencement of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a yoga teacher will help students master “external cleansing practices.” They learn about morality and study, while practicing specific postures and breathing. Teachers help initiates find the correct positions and inspire participants to live a just and moral existence. Next, after days of mastering the correct postures and gaining strength, students will learn to control their minds. Through posture, breathing and concentration, the practice purifies the body, nervous system and mind over time.
In practice, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga encompasses six particular postures (also referred to as “asanas”) that are always completed in the same order. In the first asana, there are ten standing “Sun Salutations” or “The Primary Series,” which is intended to align and cleanse the body. The “Intermediate Series” focuses on the nervous system by opening and clearing internal paths of energy. “The Advanced Series A, B, C and D” helps students achieve maximum flexibility, strength, definition and humility. Teachers emphasize the mastery of each level before moving on, with particular focus and attention given to each step of progress.
The ujjayi (meaning “victorious breath”) method of breathing in and out, combined with the flowing, dynamic asanas, heats the blood and generates a detoxifying sweat, or what is known as “internal cleansing.” Advanced forms of breathing techniques (bandhas) teach students how to “lock” or “seal” energy and redirect it to one of the 72,000 energy channels within the body. To obtain maximum benefit from the asanas, learning to lock in positive energy is crucial. 9 different focus points aim to purify and stabilize the mind, easing concentration.
Once perfect form is attained, a true understanding of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is found and the 6 spiritual poisons (desire, anger, delusion, greed, sloth and envy) will dissipate. It is said that the mind will become unshackled and true happiness and understanding will flow inwards. With life moving so quickly, the practicality of yoga meditation attracts around 16.5 million Americans each year.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga welcomes all types of levels and permits personal attention from a yoga teacher who wishes to help students master each posture (and corresponding breathing and focus) perfectly. Many beginners start with Hatha Yoga, but anyone who is serious about fitness and mental determination will derive great benefit from this life-affirming workout!
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