The Green Room —Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is a Sanskrit word that means "eight limbs". The word "Ashtanga" refers to the Eight Limbed Path of yoga that is outlined and discussed in the Yoga Sutras, an ancient yogic text. "Ashtanga" is also the name of a specialized method of yoga practice that was founded and developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Known as "Guruji" by his students, Pattabhi Jois learned this method from his teacher, Sri T. Krishnamacharya (Sri Krishnamacharya is often called the "father" of modern yoga, as he revived interest in yogic science and practice in India, and worldwide, during this century.) Krishnamacharya also taught T.K.V. Desikachar (his son, who is most known for "Vinyasa" yoga), and B.K.S. Iyengar (founder of "Iyengar" yoga). Pattabhi Jois has been teaching Ashtanga yoga from his school, the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute ("AYRI") in Mysore, India, for over 65 years. (Please see the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute website for more information)

Ashtanga Yoga is known as a challenging and rigourous method of yoga. However, it is accessible to anyone. The student is taught in a progressive fashion, over time, with attention to various factors such as age, state of health, strength and flexibility. All students begin with the physical postures, called asanas. Asanas are designed to return the body to a state of perfect physical health. Muscles and ligaments are strengthened, flexibility develops, the skeletal system is aligned, and the internal organs are gently massaged and detoxified, allowing the body to function at optimal health. Ancient yogis taught that dis-ease or discomfort in the body distracts the mind. By returning the body to a state of health, a stable foundation develops so that the student may pursue, and begin to experience, the deeper, internal aspects of yoga (which include meditation). The intensity of the Ashtanga practice also helps cultivate mental focus and clarity. With a healthy body and mind, prosperity on many levels comes easily.

In Ashtanga Yoga, the asanas are grouped into six progressive sequences, or series. Each student works gradually through each series under the direction and guidance of the teacher. All students begin with the Primary Series, which is designed to realign, strengthen and detoxify the body. It is not uncommon for old injuries and chronic conditions to gradually heal with a regular Primary Series practice. Many Ashtanga students report that their practice has also freed them from patterns of worry, depression, and anxiety, as tensions and old patterns buried deep in the muscles, organs and ligaments slowly unwind and release. Once the body is purified and strengthened, it is then possible to purify and strengthen the nervous system. It takes many years to bring the physical body to a healthy state of being, before we can begin to work on the more subtle nervous system and beyond. For some, Primary Series will be a sufficient challenge for a lifetime. Others will move through the sequences more quickly. Various factors such as age, state of health, dedication to practice, and flexibility/strength will determine speed of progression. The intention is to develop health, strength, clarity of mind, and internal peace. No matter what our reasons are for practicing yoga, we can begin to live more fully and joyfully by first removing the obstacles of dis-ease and ill health.

Ashtanga Yoga contains important foundational teachings and methods. These teachings are applied to each student individually, depending on temperament, physical make-up, and specific circumstances and needs. In Ashtanga yoga, this type of individualized instruction is given directly from teacher to student, either privately or in a Mysore class (named after Mysore, India). In a Mysore class, students of all levels practice side-by-side, while the teacher moves about the room giving individualized instruction to each person (somewhat like having a private lesson within a group setting). A Mysore class is open to all levels, and beginners and experienced students alike practice together. The postures are taught progressively over time, so that strength and flexibility can develop, and the body can adapt to the practice properly. This provides a strong foundation which becomes important as the student progresses and advances through the postures. By contrast, "led" Ashtanga classes were designed to provide a general overview of the posture sequences and the practice itself. The same level of individulized instruction is not given, due to the format of a led class. (In a led Ashtanga class, the teacher calls out the postures and students perform them in unison.) The Green Room School of Yoga offers private ashtanga lessons to groups of 1-4 students. For more information about Ashtanga lessons with The Green Room School of Yoga, and for more information about our school and instructors, please visit our FAQ page and our Contact page.

"Improper practice of Yoga will strengthen all diseases." (Hatha Yoga Pradipika II.16) Ashtanga yoga is an exact and detailed science that is learned over the course of many years. Practicing under the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced Ashtanga teacher is essential to ensure safe and effective progress and learning. It is also important to remember that yoga is not a "quick-fix". With dedication and sincerity, the student will build a safe, healthy and transformative yoga practice. The profound transformative benefits of Ashtanga Yoga can be experienced at any level of practice.