Planet Holistics- Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool

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Ashtanga Yoga

  

Ashtanga Yoga is dynamic style of yoga where postures are connected by  breath movements or vinyasas     It builds

strength and flexibility in both the body and the mind. The Primary Series is the first sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.  The

Primary Series in Sanskrit is Yoga Chikitsa which means yoga therapy.   The primary series cleanses the body, mind and

senses .   

                            

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois learnt the sequences of Ashtanga Yoga from his teacher  Krishnamacharya.  

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois has passed on this tradition to many teachers and students in the West.  

I am very grateful to him and feel fortunate to have studied with Pattabhi Jois directly as well as

his grandson Sharath who is currently the director of the Ashtanga Research Institute in Mysore India.

                                                                

Meaning of Ashtanga Yoga

 

Ashtanga Yoga means eight limbs of Yoga.  The eight limbs of yoga were outlined in the yoga sutras of Patanjali which were written approximately 2000 years ago.  The eight limbs of yoga are yama (ethical disciplines), niyama (self observation), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and  samadhi (a state of joy and peace).  In yoga classes we generally focus mainly on the third limb asana, which means comfortable seat and refers to the yoga positions.    Through the physical  practice of asana we begin to explore the other seven limbs both on and off the mat.   

 

If you are interested in learning more about yoga philosophy, I recommend  The Heart of Yoga by  Desikachar.   Desikachar is the son of Krishnamacharya who taught Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois.  He practices and teaches a different style of yoga but I think this book and it’s insight would be useful to anyone.  If you want to read more about Ashtanga Yoga visit my  recommended Ashtanga yoga books page.

 

 

Sri K.Patthabi Jois

1815-2009

“Do your practice

and all is coming”