The Ashtanga Yoga Method

Ashtanga is a Sanskrit word, which is created by joining two words, ashta and anga. Ashta means eight. Anga is translated as limbs or steps. Ashtanga Yoga refers to the eight aspects of Yoga practice. Yoga is union. Yoga is a tangible method of attaining liberation from suffering and ultimate realization of supreme consciousness.

The eight aspects of Yoga practice are Yama(restraints), Niyama(observances), Asana(posture), pranayama(breath control), Pratyahara(withdrawal of the senses), Dharana(concentration), Dhyana(meditation) and Samadhi(absorption).

The Yamas are the moral codes, which free the mind and life of a yoga practitioner from undesirable thoughts and feelings resulting from incorrect actions. The Yamas include, Ahimsa(non-violence), Satya(truthfulness), Asteya(non-theft), Brahmacharya(preserving vital energy) and Aparighraha(non-envy).

The Niyamas are those thoughts and activities, which promote a state of mind, which is conducive to Yoga. The Niyamas include Saucha(cleanliness), Santosha(contentment), Tapas(heat), Svadhyaya(study of the supreme), Ishvara Pranidhana(surrender to the supreme).

The Asana practice is the gateway into the steps of Ashtanga Yoga. Asana practice, which includes Pranayama, returns the body to a radiant state of health and purifies the subtle energy body. This prepares the mind for meditation and encourages dis-functional behavior patterns to be abandoned.

The Ashtanga Vinyasa System, refers to a method of Yoga practice, which was described in the Yoga Kurunta, by Vamana Rishi. It includes hundreds of postures, which are sequentially linked by Vinyasa. Vinyasa is the breath-initiated movement between postures.

Three actions are emphasized in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method. Bandhas(locks or energy seals), Dristi(the gaze or looking place in each posture) and Oujaii Pranayama(a sound induced breath applied to both the inhaling and exhaling breath).

When these principles are applied continuously, the Asana practice reveals the culmination of Ashtanga Yoga.

Caroline Klebl is a dedicated Yoga teacher. She spent several years, since 1999, in Mysore, South India practicing under the guidance of Sri K Pattabhi Jois. With a background in Iyengar Yoga, Tibetan Buddhist meditation, Jungian Psychology and Ayurveda, she has practiced this method for over 11 years. She produced a 2007 Yoga Calendar, is featured in a 2008 Yoga Calendar and is currently writing an Ashtanga Yoga book. Prior to, teaching yoga, she worked as a chef for five years. She specialized in vegetarian cuisine, prepared with organic, whole food ingredients. She has been teaching Yoga since 1997 and offers workshops, teacher training courses and retreats within the US and internationally. With her intuitive approach, she introduces the postures and techniques of the practice to reveal the liberating quality of Ashtanga Yoga. For further details visit her website www.sourceofyoga.com

Other articles by Caroline Klebl

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