Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga with Natassa every Tuesday at 20:00-21:30
A few words about Ashtanga
Ashtanga Yoga means “eight limbed Yoga” and refers to the eightfold path outlined by the sage Patanjali the author of the Yoga Sutras. The eight limbs of the yoga tree are: 1. Yamas, ethical observations 2.Niyamas, self observations, 3. Asanas, postures 4. Pranayama, breath control 5. Pratyahara, sense withdrawal 6. Dharana, concentration
7. Dhyana, meditation 8. Samadhi, Union, Absorption.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is an ancient system of Yoga that was taught by Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta. This text was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900’s by his Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and was later passed down to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois during the duration of his studies with Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927.
The following are the main components of Ashtanga Yoga.
Vinyasa: Breathing and moving together while performing asanas makes the blood circulate freely around all the joints. The heated blood also moves through all the internal organs removing impurities which are brought out of the body by the sweat that occurs during practice. If the method of vinyasa is followed, the body becomes healthy strong and pure. Ujjayi breath with its steady, even sound becomes a mantra to set the mind in focus.
Bandhas: The three energy locks (mula, uddiyana, jalandara bandha), which assist in the regulation of pranic flow, supporting the breath and giving lightness, strength and health to the body.
Tristhana: This means the three places of attention or action: posture (asana), breathing system (ujjayi) and the point of gaze or focus (drishti). These three are very important for yoga practice, and cover three levels of purification: the body, nervous system and mind. They are always performed in conjunction with each other.
There are six sequences in this system: Primary (yoga chicitsa= therapy), Intermediate (nadi sodhana = nerve cleansing), and Advanced A,B,C, D (sthira bhaga).
The class is open to all those with regular yoga practice. Starting from the first sequence and under carefull quidance, every practitioner will be able to walk the scenic path of Ashtanga Yoga. As Sri K. Pattabhi Jois used to say “Practice and all is coming!”.