Ashtanga Yoga

K. Pattabhi Jois further developed Ashtanga Yoga from his studies with Sri T. Krishnamacharya. This type of yoga is referred to as the Eight Limb Yoga. The interpretation of Ashtanga in Sanskrit is eight (ashta) and limbs (anga). Hence, Ashta + anga equates to Ashtanga.

It presents that the path of purification that is made up of the following eight spiritual practices.

• Yama - moral codes
• Niyama - sefl purification and study
• Asana - posture
• Pranayama - breath control
• Pratyahara - sense control
• Dharana - concentration
• Dhvana - meditation
• Samadhi - contemplation

The first four limbs are considered cleansing practices which are externally correctable. The later four limbs are considered to be internally cleansing practices that are not correctable. For that reason, Ashtanga yoga can be dangerous to the mind if the proper application is not practiced.

This is a philosophy that K. Pattabhi Jois has applied, this is important to understand so that in doing the practice, you are sure that the body will improve and the keep it stronger and healthier.

Yogi attempt to control their minds and bodies. This is accomplished in Ashtanga yoga by perfecting the yama and niyama. In order to accomplish this perfection, one must practice daily asana to strengthen the body. This daily asana practice will bring harmony to the mind and body.

When performing asana in Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa and Tristhana are used. Vinyasa is a system of breathing and moving. This is the concept that there is one breath for each movement. In Vinyasa, you produce sweat, which is the means to excrete the toxins in our bodies.

Tristhana is the union of posture, breathing system and looking place. These three focus places are extremely important in practicing Ashtanga yoga. They cover the body, nervous system and mind, which are three levels of purification.

In Ashtanga yoga, asana is grouped into 6 series.

• The first series is the Primary Series, which aims in aligning the body and detoxifying it.
• The second series is the Intermediate Series, which open and cleanse the nervous system energy channels.
• The last series is grouped into the Advanced Series A, B, C and D. In these series, grace and strength are measured by requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.

When performing your breathing techniques, it is important to make a single breath for one movement. Ujjayi Breathing is the yoga breathing technique used in the application of Ashtanga yoga. Uijayi means victorious breath. What you need to master is steadying the inhale and exhale such that the length of the inhale should be the same as the length of the exhale. Uijayi breathing will increase your internal fire and will strengthen and purify you nervous system.

The Dristhi is described as the point in which you gain your concentration while doing the Asana. The nine Dristhi gazing points are the nose, between the eyebrows, the navel, the thumb, the hands, the feet, up, the right side and the left side. The Dristhi enables your mind to be purified and stabilized.

Once the external cleansing practices have been performed for many years, the yoga practitioner will gain clarity of mind, steadiness of the body and purification of the nervous system.

Six Poisons surround your spiritual heart. They are desire, anger, delusion, greed, sloth, and envy. Once the mind is brought under control with the four internal cleansing practices (pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi), the Six Poisons are eliminated one by one.

This combination of practicing both external and internal cleansing will reveal the Universal Self. The end result is leading yourself to full realization of Ashtanga Yoga.

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