A celebration, exploration, and ongoing discussion about Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as taught by Pattabhi Jois.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga both refers to the eight limbed Ashtanga Yoga path of sage Patanjali, and to the asana system as taught by Pattabhi Jois. (In Patanjali’s eight limbed path, Asana, or posture, is the third limb).
The asana system known as...(more) Ashtanga Vinyasa, taught by Pattabhi Jois, involves six series of yoga asanas, of increasing advancement, in which each breath is linked to “being” in a pose, or transition into/out of a pose.
The first series, is known as Primary Series, or Yoga Chikitsa. This is the most commonly practiced series, said to purify, heal, and align the physical body. Learning this series alone can take up to several years.
Typically, a student is taught pose by pose, although different teachers “advance” students at different rates.
The second series is known as Intermediate Series, or Nadi Shodana- aka “Nerve Cleansing”. This series, with its deep backbends, twists, and hip openers, is said to cleanse and purify the nervous system.
The series after intermediate are advanced, and collectively known as “Stira Bhaga”- Divine Grace.
Pattabhi Jois also teaches a specific pranayama system in conjunction with the ashtanga approach to asana. Pranayama is typically taught when the yogi is considered to have a relatively stable nervous system, after second or third series.
Asana and pranayama are but two limbs of an eight limbed path, contributors to the overall development a yogi. (less)
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