What is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga?

The word Ashtanga is Sanskrit for “eight limbs” and Vinyasa is “breath and movement combined for a specific purpose”. The Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a specific set of postures linked by the breath and always practiced in the same order. Physically the practice realigns the skeletal system, develops strong muscles, flexible joints, and improves the health of the practitioner on the inside and out. By focusing on the breath the yogi gains the ability to concentrate. This system of yoga is was introduced to western students by the late Sri K Patthabi Jois, know to this students as “Guruji”.

What is Ashtanga Yoga?

The term “Ashtanga yoga” come from the second chapter of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. In the Sutras he defined yoga in practical terms and explained how to use yoga practice to over come afflictions of the mind, reach a state of detachment and attain enlightenment. The eight limbs are giving as a practice to help the yogi cultivate a state of yoga.

Yama is to practice self-restraint in dealing with the out side world: non-harming, truthfulness, non stealing, moderation and freedom from greed.

Niyama relates to the development and evolution of the self: cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, study of the self and faith.

Asana are the physical postures that are meant to minimize the effects of an unhealthy past and limit the impact of disease.

Pranayama are the breathing technique used to quiet the mind.

Pratayahara is the practice of controlling the senses.

Dharana is the practice of concentration.

Dhyana is the practice of focusing the mind on a specific object to lead to meditation.

Samadhi is the union with the Divine Consciousness.

Ashtanga Inspired Yoga

This is the term I use to describe what I teach. Although I feel deeply committed to the tradition of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, I discovered many years ago that this practice is very difficult for most people. As my yoga teacher would say “yoga is meant to meet you where you are”. I love the yoga practice and want to make it accessible to any student that walks through my door. I love the the Ashtanga practice for myself and my teachings come from my experience in this lineage. I teach what I have learned from the first, second and third series. Yoga is a practice to be experienced. It is personal and rewarding.