Ashtanga Yoga Principles

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Ashtanga Yoga, a rigorous and disciplined practice, is rooted in ancient yogic traditions and focuses on the purification of the body and mind. Developed by K. Pattabhi Jois in the 20th century, this methodical approach to yoga combines breath, posture, and gaze points to create a meditative and physically challenging practice. Let’s delve into the core principles that define Ashtanga Yoga and explore how they contribute to its transformative power.

The Six Poisons

At the heart of Ashtanga Yoga lies the concept of the six poisons that surround the spiritual heart. These are ignorance, desire, anger, delusion, greed, and envy. The practice of Ashtanga Yoga aims to burn away these poisons, leading to a purification of the mind and body, and revealing the light of our true nature.

The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is based on the eight limbs outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These are:

1. Yama (Ethical Standards): These include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-covetousness.
2. Niyama (Self-Discipline and Spiritual Observances): This encompasses purity, contentment, intense discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power.
3. Asana (Posture): The physical practice of yoga postures, which strengthens, aligns, and purifies the body.
4. Pranayama (Breath Control): The regulation of breath to enhance the flow of energy through the body.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses): Turning the focus inward to detach from external stimuli and distractions.
6. Dharana (Concentration): Focusing concentration on a single point to prepare the mind for meditation.
7. Dhyana (Meditation): The uninterrupted flow of concentration, where the mind is quiet and observant.
8. Samadhi (State of Superconsciousness): The ultimate goal of Ashtanga Yoga, where the practitioner experiences unity with all.

The Practice

Ashtanga Yoga is characterized by its structure and discipline, often appealing to those who appreciate a rigorous and physically demanding practice. It is divided into six series, each with its sequence of poses performed in order:

• Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa): Detoxifies and aligns the body.
• Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana): Purifies the nervous system.
• Advanced Series (A, B, C, D): Develops strength and grace.

Each practice session begins with the chanting of an opening prayer to create a sense of intention and gratitude. This is followed by a series of sun salutations, the standing sequence, one of the series sequences, a closing sequence, and finally, a rest in the corpse pose (Savasana).

The Role of the Teacher

In Ashtanga Yoga, the role of the teacher is crucial. The practice is traditionally taught one-on-one in a group setting, where the teacher guides each student individually, offering adjustments and advice tailored to the student’s needs. This method, known as Mysore style, allows for a deep and personalized practice.

Conclusion

Ashtanga Yoga offers a path to profound physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. Its disciplined approach, rooted in ancient wisdom, challenges and nurtures practitioners, leading them toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

As we journey through the transformative power of yoga, we’re reminded of the importance of not just practice, but also the tools that support and enhance our journey. At Innova Yoga Meditation store, we’ve carefully curated a selection of products designed to complement your yoga practice, helping you to achieve the balance, peace, and well-being that yoga promises.