Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga – history, Traditions, Benefits, YTT

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, often simply called Ashtanga Yoga, is a dynamic, physically demanding practice that synchronizes breath with a progressive series of postures. This method, said to produce intense internal heat and purifying sweat, detoxifies muscles and organs, resulting in improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Rooted in ancient texts yet popularized in the 20th century, Ashtanga has become a cornerstone of modern yoga, influencing countless styles and practitioners worldwide.

History: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

The origins of Ashtanga Yoga are often traced back to the ancient text, the “Yoga Korunta,” which Sri T. Krishnamacharya claimed to have received from his guru, Rama Mohan Brahmachari, in the early 20th century. This text, now lost, purportedly outlined a unique system of hatha yoga. Krishnamacharya passed this knowledge to his disciple, K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009), who began teaching in Mysore, India, in 1948.

Pattabhi Jois, affectionately known as “Guruji,” structured the practice into six series: Primary (Yoga Chikitsa), Intermediate (Nadi Shodhana), Advanced A, B, C, and D (Sthira Bhaga). Each series is a set sequence of asanas, mastered before moving to the next. In the 1970s, early Western students like David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff brought Ashtanga to the U.S., and in the following decades, celebrities and dedicated yogis made it a global phenomenon.

The Six Series:

1. Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa – “Yoga Therapy”): Detoxifies and aligns the body, focusing on forward bends, twists, and hip openers.
2. Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana – “Nerve Purifier”): Cleanses the nervous system with backbends and inversions.
3. Advanced Series A-D (Sthira Bhaga – “Divine Stability”): Demands extreme strength, grace, and humility with challenging asanas.

The Method:

1. Tristhana: Ashtanga is built on three places of attention or action:

• Asana: Posture
• Pranayama: Breath control (primarily Ujjayi breath)
• Drishti: Gaze point, enhancing focus and balance

1. Vinyasa: The heart of Ashtanga. Each movement is coordinated with one breath, creating a moving meditation. The counted sequences (1st vinyasa, 2nd vinyasa, etc.) are consistent across all series.
2. Surya Namaskar: Each practice begins with Sun Salutations (A and B), warming the body and setting the breath-movement pattern.
3. Standing Sequence: Foundational poses like Trikonasana (Triangle) and Virabhadrasana (Warrior) follow.
4. Seated Sequence: The bulk of the practice, varying by series. Poses are held for five breaths, followed by a vinyasa.
5. Finishing Sequence: Includes inversions, backbends, and Savasana (corpse pose).

Practice Styles:

1. Mysore Style: The traditional, self-paced method. Students practice their appropriate series independently in a group setting, with teachers offering individualized guidance.
2. Led Classes: The teacher guides the entire class through the series, calling out poses and vinyasas. Usually done once a week in traditional settings.

Practitioners are encouraged to adopt a disciplined lifestyle:

• Practice six days a week (traditionally, rest on Saturdays and moon days)
• Rise before dawn for practice (Brahma Muhurta)
• Follow a vegetarian, sattvic diet
• Study philosophy and Sanskrit

Benefits and Challenges:

Ashtanga’s physical benefits are profound: increased strength, flexibility, and stamina; improved circulation; and reduced stress. The consistent practice cultivates discipline, focus, and equanimity that extend off the mat.

However, the practice is not without challenges. Its intensity can lead to injuries, especially without proper guidance. Critics argue it’s too rigid and not accessible to all bodies. The hierarchy of series can foster ego attachment. Additionally, recent allegations of misconduct within the Ashtanga community have prompted necessary discussions about power dynamics in teacher-student relationships.

Modern Perspectives:
Today’s Ashtanga community is evolving. Many teachers, like Kino MacGregor, David Garrigues, and the late Manju Jois (Pattabhi Jois’s son), balance tradition with modern understanding:

• Emphasizing ahimsa (non-violence) in physical practice
• Adapting poses for different bodies and abilities
• Incorporating trauma-informed teaching methods
• Acknowledging the practice’s history while addressing controversies

Ashtanga’s influence extends beyond its direct lineage. Power Yoga, Vinyasa Flow YTT, and many contemporary styles owe their dynamic, breath-linked sequences to Ashtanga. As Pattabhi Jois often said, “Practice, and all is coming.” In Ashtanga, the journey never truly ends. Each Sun Salutation, each vinyasa, each drishti is a step on an infinite path of self-discovery. In a world of constant change, Ashtanga offers a timeless, moving sanctuary where, through the alchemy of breath and movement, practitioners touch the unchanging core of their being.

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