Ashtanga

Ashtanga Yoga translated means "eight-limbed Yoga," as written about by the sage Patanjali in the ancient sacred text, the Yoga Sutras. Ashtanga Yoga is said to have been passed down from the sage Vamana Rishi, then to Sri T. Krishnamacharya by Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and then later passed down to Pattabhi Jois in 1927. Since 1948, Pattabhi Jois has been teaching Yoga from Ashtanga Research Institute, an Ashtanga yoga studio.

In Ashtanga, or "eight-limbed Yoga," the first four limbs; yama, niyama, asana, pranayama are thought of as external cleansing practices, and if any errors are made during external practices, they are correctible. The internal cleansing practices; pratyahara, dharana, dhyana are not correctible.

Pattabhi Jois calls Yoga, "the controlling of the mind" To properly perform asanas in Ashtanga Yoga it is necessary to synchronize breathing and movement. This increases blood circulation, relieves joint pain, and flushes toxins and disease from the internal organs. Ashtanga Yoga seeks to incorporate Vinyasa and Tristhana, which is breath and movement and Tristhana is the union of posture, breathing and looking. These purify the body, the nervous system and the mind for Ashtanga yoga health and fitness.

Ashtanga yoga teacher training is designed to help students become confident, effective teachers. Students learn different routines in the Ashtanga tradition that vary in skill level from beginner to advanced. They will also learn about setting up their own yoga studio, marketing, pricing and teaching either private sessions or group classes. Students learn to connect with and draw from their own internal teacher, which will help them to gain confidence and gain wisdom.

Ashtanga Yoga teacher training can be done in person or you can take classes online. Topics include history, Pranayama, Asanas, chakras, Vinyasa, teaching, developing a philosophy, and marketing.

Yoga enthusiasts might want to take an Ashtanga yoga retreat, go on an Ashtanga yoga holiday , or take an Ashtanga yoga weekend. on an Ashtanga holiday retreat you can take a Yoga class on the beach, enjoy spa sessions and healthy meals. After yoga class you can take a dip in the ocean or go swimming in the pool. Class sizes tend to be smaller and you get more individualized attention. An Ashtanga yoga retreat is a great way to get away and beat the stress of daily life.

There are many different Ashtanga yoga videos, or Ashtanga yoga DVD’s available so that students can study at home in between classes. They can learn Ashtanga yoga poses, and Ashtanga yoga postures using an Ashtanga yoga mat. The DVD’s have varying Ashtanga yoga sequences in an Ashtanga yoga primary series. Using a DVD or video is a great way to learn Ashtanga yoga.