Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga
Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga is named after the city Mysore in southern India where the Guru of Ashtanga Yoga, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois lived and taught the method of Ashtanga for his entire life. He founded the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) where today his grandson and the Guru of all Ashtangis – Sharath Jois continues the teachings.
In the method of practice called Ashtanga Mysore Style, the practitioner follows his own breath and not the guidance of the teacher leading the class. On their first class, students are introduced to the sequence of postures which they repeat several times (Sun Salutations). Once the memorize the given sequence, they learn new poses – one by one – until they learn and are able to perform while keeping a steady mind and breath the whole Primary sequence of Ashtanga Yoga. After a few years of regular practice, one can learn the second sequence (Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga) by gradually adding postures to their daily practice.
In total, there are 6 series of Ashtanga Yoga but most of us learn only the first one or the first two series of the postures, as the further ones, named Advances A, B, C, and D demand a lot of dedication and many years of daily practice.
In the Ashtanga Yoga method, it is recommended to practice six days a week, so the practice becomes a part of everyday life and not only a physical practice. Practising more than 2 or 3 times a week, one can easier observe the subtle fluctuations of the mind and notice different ‘moods’ of the body. Memorizing the postures allows students to focus internally, which is the real practice of yoga.
As we all have different bodies, different needs and levels of strength and flexibility, the ‘Mysore’ method of practice enables an individual approach to each student. This method of practice is the safest and best way for every person to practice.
Nowadays Mysore city is a very popular place among Ashtanga practitioners from all over the world. Every year from October till late March the KPJAYI opens its gates to the students willing to spend the least of 4 weeks of daily practice in the famous Yoga Shala in Gokulam.
The Method
The method of practice taught in Ashtanga Yoga relies on the linking of yoga postures through prescribed movements and incorporates deep, even breathing and steady gazing with the eyes. The ‘vinyasa,’ or movement between postures, encourages the blood to circulate properly in the body, while the deep breathing supplies a rich source of pure air, oxygenating the blood.
In Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Class, the student learns postures through one-on-one instruction. The correct movements, breathing, and other aspects of the practice are learned gradually, in a step-by-step process accessible to anyone. This method allows each student time to practice and memorize what they have learned before adding more. Students are able to practice independently and at their own pace while surrounded by the energy and inspiration of other students in the room.
Breathing
In Hatha Yoga, and Ashtanga also belongs to this big family of yoga, as term Hatha Yoga refers to any type of yoga that teaches physical posture, we use a form of control of the breath called Ujjayi. Nowadays, there is a tendency to call this technique simply ‘deep breathing with sound’ as the real Ujjayi is a very advanced technique.
To create this deep breath, one must construct the back of the throat, similar to the construction made when speaking in a whisper. Therefore, it is an audible breath that is often compared to the sound of the ocean. The breath flows in and out through the nostrils, with the lips remaining gently closed.
In the Ashtanga style of yoga, the breath is important to link with the movement. There are several important benefits of this form of breathing:
– Enhances the energy (Prana) in your physical and energetic body
– Regulates the temperature of the body
– Improves detoxification of the blood
– Improves concentration
– Diminishes distractions and allows the practitioner to stay self-aware and grounded in the practice.
– Generates internal heat which releases the tension and prepares the body for the safe stretching
– Enhances a flowing practice by lending a meditative quality that maintains the rhythm of the class
– Strengthens the nervous and digestive system
– Increases endurance
– Steadies the mind
When listened to, your breath is your true teacher, guiding you through your practice. In yoga, we believe, that there is a deep connection between the breath and the mind. As one of the goals of yoga is the become self-aware and conscious, through controlling the breath and keeping it deep and steady in even the most advanced postures, we learn to control our intuitive reactions in the most unexpected situations of the everyday life. Surrender and follow your breath.