Ashtanga Yoga: dynamic yoga with a long tradition - Image © marisemenova / 123rf.com
Have you been practicing classic Hatha Yoga for a while and want to try something new? Or are you a beginner looking for a yoga style that will really push you to your limits? Yoga is so diverse that everyone can find the right style for themselves.
Those who value dynamism and less meditation and the spiritual aspect of yoga will certainly enjoy Ashtanga Yoga. Here, yoga is understood not only as a path to mindfulness, but also, essentially, as a sport. This type of yoga is also known in this country as Vinyasa Yoga and is considered a very dynamic style of yoga, from which many Western yoga styles are derived. Although Ashtanga Yoga appears very modern, it has a long tradition and is closely related to classical yoga teachings.
What exactly is Ashtanga Yoga? What's its history, and why should you definitely try this style? We'll tell you!
Ashtanga Yoga and the Tradition
It is common knowledge that yoga is thousands of years old. Nevertheless, almost all styles can be traced back to a specific teacher and their students. Ashtanga Yoga is classified as Hatha Yoga and has its roots in the teachings of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Today, there are two influential schools, the families of Manjo Pattabhi Jois in the USA and Krishna Pattabhi Lois in India, that train Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga teachers, respectively. The Sanskrit scholar T. Krishnamacharya (died 1989) claimed to have found a centuries-old, inscribed palm leaf in the Calcutta library, in which Vamana Rishi is said to have explained his teachings of Ashtanga Yoga.
The Conquest of Western Students
Prominent musicians like Sting and Madonna made Ashtanga Yoga famous in the West. This dynamic style of yoga, in which set exercise sequences play a greater role than meditation, seems to resonate with Western philosophy. Ashtanga Yoga quickly gained many followers and spread rapidly in the US and Europe. Today, there are specially trained Ashtanga or Vinyasa teachers in almost every major city who can introduce you to this style of yoga.
What exactly is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga consists of asanas and pranayama . The yoga exercises, or asanas, are divided into six specific series of exercises. Most Western teachers only teach the first series, which is considered the most strenuous. It consists of 41 fixed asanas. In contrast to the equally dynamic yoga style Power Yoga , the fixed series of exercises is always followed precisely. The word Ashtanga is composed of "ashta," the number eight, and "anga," the limbs. It refers to the eight limbs of the yogic path from the Yoga Sutra .
Always in the flow: breathing and asanas
In the highly physical Ashtanga Yoga, you will be guided to synchronize your breath with the yoga poses. Pranayama teaches you when to inhale and exhale during practice, or when to hold your breath for a few moments. The breathing exercises train your ability to control your breath. How and when you breathe during yoga has a decisive influence on the flow of energy in the body. A non-slip yoga mat is essential for this strenuous practice, as it will safely guide you through the strenuous exercises.
This is what Ashtanga Yoga is all about:
• 6 predefined flowing exercise series
• Usually only the demanding first series is practiced, consisting of 41 asanas
• breathing is synchronized with the asanas
• Use of bandhas to direct energies
• is considered the most strenuous yoga style
• Daily practice is aimed for in this yoga practice
Not so easy: Synchronize breath with the asanas
For many, synchronizing the breath with the asanas is unfamiliar and difficult. Therefore, Ashtanga Yoga is considered a very demanding style that requires frequent practice. But the effort is worth it: If you manage to use your breath precisely at the right point in the asana, you will complete your movements in a true "flow" and experience a new, almost meditative lightness during the dynamic movements.
Bandhas for directing energies
In addition to breathing, the focus of Ashtanga Yoga is on the formation of bandhas. To form a bandha, you consciously contract certain muscle groups to hold energy in the body. For example, the Mala Bandha activates the pelvic floor muscles, while the Uddiyana Bandha activates the abdominal muscles. Your yoga teacher will guide you precisely on which muscle group is needed.
Who is Ashtanga Yoga suitable for?
Ashtanga Yoga is ideal for you if you enjoy exercise and want to practice a more athletic yoga style. You'll really work up a sweat and feel rejuvenated after the class. A good level of fitness is beneficial so you don't get too out of breath while practicing the dynamic sequences. Even if you're a yoga beginner , you'll master the poses after a few attempts. It's important not to get discouraged the first time you try them if the other yogis make the sequences look so easy. They, too, started with yoga, just like you!
Why you should definitely try Ashtanga
Even though the breathing exercises and bandhas will certainly be a challenge for you, you can quickly find your way into Ashtanga Yoga. Because the exercises are set and each class is similar, you'll quickly learn the asanas. After just a few sessions, you'll be able to concentrate fully on your breath and the flow.
Reward at the end: relaxing closing mantra
Each Ashtanga class ends with a relaxing closing mantra for the exhausted yogis. This final relaxation gives you the opportunity to tune into your body and allows you to return home feeling energized and happy.
Tip: Many schools offer special higher-level courses for advanced students. If you're looking for a dynamic alternative to Ashtanga, it might be worth trying Vinyasa or Power Yoga.
What do you like most about Ashtanga Yoga? Are you new to yoga and looking for a sweat-inducing style of yoga? Ashtanga definitely offers what you're looking for! If you're interested, feel free to share your thoughts with our yogabox.de community. We look forward to your comments!
