Ashtanga yoga is a form of Vinyasa yoga, or breathing yoga, combined with yoga poses. The purpose of Ashtanga is to increase the body’s internal temperature to the point where sweat is produced. This sweat is considered purifying as it detoxifies the body. Ashtanga yoga offers its students many benefits including improved circulation, a strong body, and inner peace.
Ashtanga yoga can trace its roots to many ancient asanas or poses. It became an actual practice in the 1900’s when taught by Sri T. Krishnamacharya. Today, Ashtanga is practiced worldwide. The Astanga Yoga Research Institute is the center of all Ashtanga learning and has been the home of yogi Pattabhi Jois since the 1940’s.
Ashtanga yoga can be translated as “eight limb yoga”. The name comes from the spiritual elements of Astanga. The eight elements include moral codes, self-purification, posture, breathing, sense control, concentration, meditation, and contemplation.
Pattabhi Jois claims that the first four elements involve external cleansing and the later four involve internal cleansing. According to Jois the last four can only be completely attained with Patanjali yoga, a form of Ashtanga.
Ashtanga poses use the techniques of Vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa is a system of breathing with each pose and between each pose, which makes movement seem to flow. The Vinyasa aspect of Ashtanga yoga is the aspect, which raises the temperature of the body. It is felt that the breathing techniques employed will heat the blood to aid in detoxification.
Ashtanga yoga also includes Tristhana. Tristhana ensures that all aspects of the body are focused during the practice of yoga. The body, the central nervous system, and the mind must all be in alignment in order to receive Ashtanga purification.
There are six basic series of asanas, or poses, associated with Ashtanga. The main series of poses are completed to align the body. They also help with detoxification. The second series cleans the nervous system by opening energy pathways. The last series of asanas work with strength and grace to build flexibility and humility.
It is deemed necessary to complete all asanas in each level before moving to the next series. Breathing techniques, or Vinyasas, are performed in conjunction with all three levels of asanas. During each pose your breathing mist be even and calm.
Ashtanga yoga can be practiced for many years before all levels of asanas are mastered. Once a person does master all levels he will have complete focus and peace of mind. He will have mastered the techniques necessary for internal cleansing.
