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ashtanga yoga videos
General Info on Ashtanga Yoga The word yoga
comes from the Sanskrit root yug, which means "to yoke or harness," as
in the yoking and uniting of mind and body, and of individual and universal
consciousness. Hatha yoga ("forceful yoga") refers to a vast area of
doctrines and practices concerned with harnessing the current of life force (prana)
circulating throughout the human body. Focusing this innate life force and
preventing its dissipation are said to awaken the body's dormant psychospiritual
energy. This body-oriented approach to transcendence involves cleansing
practices, postures, and breath control. Ashtanga Yoga is
the name given to the system of hatha yoga currently taught by Sri K. Pattabhi
Jois, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and yogi in Mysore, India. However, the
historical definition of ashtanga yoga is "eight-limbed yoga, " as
originally outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Written between
400 and 200 B.C., the Yoga Sutras is the primary text of the science of
classical yoga in which Patanjali collated and systemized existing techniques
and knowledge of yoga. The path of
yogic maturation consists of the following eight limbs or practices: Ashtanga Yoga as
taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois began with the rediscovery, early in this
century, of the Yoga Korunta, an ancient manuscript describing a unique system
of hatha yoga practiced and created by the ancient sage Vamana Rishi. Under the
direction of his guru Sri T. Krishnamacharya, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois helped
decipher and collate this system of practicing asana (postures). Entrusted with
preserving, refining, and teaching the system of yoga described in the Yoga
Korunta, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois named this system "Ashtanga Yoga,"
believing it to be the original asana practice as intended by Patanjali. The Yoga Korunta
emphasizes vinyasa, (meaning "breath-synchronized movement" ), a
method of synchronizing progressive series of postures with a specific breathing
technique (ujjayi pranayama)—a process producing intense internal heat and a
profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is
improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. On a practical
level, the vinyasa concept of continuous flow aids the practitioner in
integrating the eight limbs of yoga described by Patanjali. Movement through
postures (asana) purifies the physical body, while mastery and refinement of the
breath (pranayama) through concentration (dharana) quiets the senses (pratyahara),
preparing the practitioner for meditation (dhyana) and eventually, samadhi, the
union of the soul with the divine. A balanced asana practice rests on ethical
behavior (yama) and self-discipline (niyama). Under the guidance of a qualified
ashtanga instructor, the practitioner properly can begin to cultivate the eight
limbs. In Ashtanga
Yoga, the first of six sequences of postures, or "series," is commonly
called the Primary Series, or yoga chikitsa (yoga therapy). Practice of the
Primary Series is designed to cleanse and purify the internal organs of the body
through prevention of the accumulation of waste products. Each asana has
specific benefits. For example, forward-bending asanas are helpful in toning the
internal organs of the abdomen and relieving constipation. The Second Series
focuses on back-bending postures, and the remaining four series are very
advanced. The Ashtanga Yoga system places equal emphasis on strength,
flexibility, and stamina.
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Disclaimer: Do not practice or begin any exercise program without the knowledge and approval of your physician © 2001 Yoga Videos™ |
