Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga recorded by the sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta, an ancient manuscript "said to contain lists of many different groupings of asanas (postures), as well as highly original teachings on yoga philosophy. The text of the Yoga Korunta was passed down to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the living master of Ashtanga yoga, during the duration of his studies with Sri T. Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927This method of yoga involves synchronizing the movement of breath with a series of progressive postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
Ashtanga is the original movement-based yoga practice from which most flowing or power yoga styles are derived. There are six different Ashtanga series through which a student progresses at his or her own pace. The primary series is the fundamental and beginning sequence of Ashtanga practice. All of Ashtanga yoga postures are designed to be executed in a specific order so that the practitioner can realign and detoxify the body and nervous system, as well as develop strength and flexibility and improve cardiovascular fitness. Over time the breath and mind become stronger. Ultimately Ashtanga yoga takes the quality of a meditation in motion. This practice can be quite vigorous.
At the heart of the practice is vinyasa (movement with breath), each connected movement is synchronized with a breathing technique called ujjayi.
Ashtanga (Beginners)
Learn to build a strong, safe, and healthy Ashtanga yoga practice. In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of Ashtanga yoga from invocation, surynamaskar (sun salutation) and basic standing and seated postures. Perfect for absolute beginners. Expect lots of fun, and some sweat.Ashtanga (All levels)
In this class, we will go through a modification sequence of Ashtanga Primary series. Generally, the class will go through sun salutation, standing sequence and half of the seated sequence (or the primary series), then conclude with backbends, shoulder stand, headstand, final breathing sequence, and resting (savasana).This is a perfect class for students who have taken Ashtanga Beginners, and in the process of learning the sequence of Ashtanga primary series. Basic knowledge of sun salutation required. The teacher will offer modifications that best suits the levels of students in the class.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as traditionally taught by Patabhi Jois or Guruji, as affectionately called by Ashtangis, is known as Ashtanga Mysore style. Those who has been practicing Ashtanga mysore style for a long time generally follow the traditional routine of 6 days per week with Saturday as a rest day, and take additional rest on the day of their regular practice time nearest the new or full moon.
We do not currently offer Mysore style format but we would be glad to add the class on our schedule if you would let us know of your interest and commitment.
Yoga Tidbits
Hatha Yoga is what most of us in the West associate with the word "Yoga" and is generally referred to a group of physical postures.
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga as well as all the other styles of physical yoga currently practiced in the modern time are all considered part of Hatha yoga system.
According to the Monier Moneir-Williams Sanskrit Dictionary, the word "hatha" means forceful. It is a strong practice done for purification. In other respects Hatha yoga follows the same principles as the Raaja Yoga of Patanjali including moral restraint (yama) and spiritual observances (niyama).
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a foundational text of Yoga, dating to India's Mauryan period, whereas the Yoga Korunta is an allegedly lost manuscript of uncertain origins purportedly compiled by the ancient sage Vamana Rishi. The codex is said to have contained several lists of many different asana groupings, as well as highly original teachings on vinyasa, drishti, bandhas, mudras, and general teachings. The text is alleged to have been handed down orally to Sri T. Krishnamacharya by his teacher, Rama Mohan Brahmachari, in the early 1900's. No extant copy is known, and the manuscript itself was allegedly inadvertently destroyed. Later the teaching is supposed to have been passed down to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois during the period of his study with Sri Krishnamacharya at Mysore, beginning in 1927.
Although the origins of Yoga remain obscure, not only because they are so old, but also because of their initial oral transmission. This means that the dating of written texts cannot reflect the origin of their contents. Any material worth writing down could have existed for generations beforehand in oral form, which itself will have taken time to evolve. It is possible that the division of yoga into different paths is only the inevitable fragmentation that accompanies long periods of time. Originally, perhaps, yoga was simply yoga, a unity capable of endless emphases. It is to unity rather than union that the word yoga points. For union implies a separation.
At Seventh Street Yoga, we practice all methods and styles of yoga available to us. It is our believe that yoga is just a simple breathing exercise that brings unity and happiness to our life and community. It is not a rocket science. It is not a religion. It is not a cult. It is not anything. It is just yoga. And, our beautiful space is created for just that, fun, happiness and love.
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