Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga

Patanjali is credited for systematizing yoga in the text The Yoga Sutras. He offers the 8-limbed path as a means to practice and reside in the state of yoga. The text includes 196 ‘sutras’ or threads. Patanjali’s teachings are also sometime’s referred to as Raja Yoga, a royal yoga of the mind.

Krishnamacharya + Pattahbi Jois

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1886-1989) was a legendary yogi, a Sanskrit scholar and Ayurvedic healer, who taught Pattabhi Jois what became Ashtanga Vinyasa. As the story goes, Krishnamacharya found a text, The Yoga Korunta, attached to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which inspired the primary and intermediate series. The text, thought to be from the 14th century, includes 112 postures and shares a more vigorous practice than other texts from that time period. Many postures are similar to primary and intermediate series ashtanga vinyasa.

Led Classes vs Mysore

If you’re new to learning an instrument, you wouldn’t be expected to show up and play with the practiced band, but instead, you will first learn to play the scales, then a portion of the song, until you could play the whole thing in your sleep. This is sort of how you’ll be taught in Mysore!

In a mysore class, students cultivate self practice of breath, focused gaze, and posture. Learning in this way gives you ownership of your practice. You’ll be taught individually within a small group setting, learning at your own pace on whatever is appropriate for your needs.

Traditionally, led classes are taught once per week. The class follows counted method, where the teacher counts the vinyasa series aloud in Sanskrit. Following the teacher’s pace adds an extra element of discipline. This is an opportunity to learn or refine the vinyasa count, to move with the collective, and be honest about holding navasana for 5 breaths ;)

The Sequences of Ashtanga

Primary Series — Yoga Chikitsa — Yoga Therapy

Primary series removes imbalances in the doshas or elements, and nourishes sattva guna. It tones the nervous system and disciplines the mind. The focus is on unlocking the pelvis, hips, and shoulders, and building a strong foundation in the vinyasa method. This series builds tremendous internal strength.

Intermediate Series — Nadi Shodhana — Nerve Purifying

Intermediate series is invigorating. The sequence builds on the foundation of the primary series, moving deeper into the spine, hips, and nervous system. Postures include backbends and hip openers, twists, stabilizing postures and headstands. This practice requires physical stamina, refined tristana (breath, bandha, drishti), and awareness of the inner body.

Advanced A + B — Sthira Bhaga — Divine Strength

“For Demonstration”