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| Yoga - Philosophy & Practice ASHTANGA YOGA Based on the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is an ancient and powerful practice that promotes self practice. The different series combine specific sequences of postures (asana) with the breath.  There are three very important elements to the practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga...UJJAYI (breathing style) BANDHA (locks) DRSHTI (gazing point). This approach produces internal heat, purifying the physical body and the nervous system. The result is a strong, graceful body and a calm, focused mind. As you allow each posture to reveal its essence to you, your Heart center increasingly opens and you become more grounded in your own Beingness. The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) is therapeutic in nature, encouraging the body to release its toxins and tightness (mainly muscular skeletal). The different postures in this series also purifies and tones the internal organs. The spine is invited to become supple again through the backbends and this prepares you for more advanced backbends to come. The Second Series (Nadi Shodhana) is purifying to the nervous system. Your body becomes increasingly lighter and stronger at the same time. The Advanced Series continue to build on strength and grace. The different sequences challenge the body into various positions that affect Prana in ways that we don't usually in 'normal' circumstances. This then invites the layers of samskara to be exposed and handled or confronted with Kindness, Compassion and Understanding.  The process known as yoga (deconstruction of mental conditioning) leads to the state also known as Yoga (union/harmony of all opposing forces .. Prana and Apana, Shiva and Shakti). Yoga also means to have absolute knowledge of Purusha, the individual self becomes merged with the Universal Self. In this state of awareness, one becomes established in the awareness that discerns between that which is impermanent and that which is lasting. Instead of identifying with things transitory and other causes of suffering, one becomes identified with their own Self. This discernment allows us to live Life fully and joyfully. yama (ethical conduct) - how we relate to others To facilitate your practice, we explore the Mind and its contents (limiting beliefs, conflicting thoughts, supressed memories) thereby deepening your practice by increasing Awareness, Balance and Compassion. |
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