“Ashtanga Yoga is 99% transpiration - and 1% explanation”
-
Traditional Practice Series: All traditional Ashtanga practice series
Gain a direct access to ancient texts of wisdom and mantra. Dive through them deep in yoga tradition. - with some Sanskrit your journey may begin!
-
Cheat sheets for The Ashtanga Yoga Series
Unlock direct access to ancient wisdom and mantras. Delve deeply into the rich traditions of yoga—your journey begins with a touch of Sanskrit!
-
Inspiration for your practice The origin and purpose of Yoga
Explore ancient wisdom and mantras firsthand. Dive deep into the traditions of yoga—Your path begins with the power of Sanskrit.
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding style of yoga that emphasizes synchronizing breath with movement to create a flowing and meditative practice. Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the 20th century, Ashtanga Yoga follows a specific sequence of postures (asanas) grouped into series, each designed to build strength, flexibility, and stamina while detoxifying the body and calming the mind.
The term "Ashtanga" translates to "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, referring to the eight-fold path outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which serves as the philosophical foundation of Ashtanga Yoga. These eight limbs encompass ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ultimate enlightenment (samadhi).
Ashtanga Yoga Mantra
The Opening Prayer serves as a profound expression of gratitude, honoring the lineage of teachers and practitioners whose dedication has preserved this ancient practice across millennia. Through their efforts, we now have the privilege of experiencing its transformative benefits. As we recite this mantra, its sacred vibrations purify the energy of our yoga space, while also priming our minds, bodies, and emotions for the Ashtanga sequence ahead.
Om
Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde
Sandarshita Svatma Sukava Bodhe
Nih Sreyase Jangalikayamane
Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai
Abahu Purushakaram
Shankhacakrsi Dharinam
Sahasra Sirasam Svetam
Pranamami Patanjalim
Om
The "Ashtanga Yoga Invocation," which pays homage to the lineage of teachers and expresses reverence for the sage Patanjali, often regarded as the father of yoga. Here's the meaning of each line:
1. Om: A sacred sound symbolizing the essence of the universe, often used to begin and end prayers and mantras.
2. Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde: "I bow to the lotus feet of the gurus." This line expresses reverence and gratitude to the lineage of teachers who have passed down the teachings of yoga.
3. Sandarshita Svatma Sukava Bodhe: "Who awaken happiness of one's own self revealed." This line acknowledges the teachers who illuminate the path to self-realization and inner joy.
4. Nih Sreyase Jangalikayamane: "Sages whose highest wisdom is neither inauspicious nor auspicious." This line suggests that the wisdom of the sages transcends dualities like good and bad, leading to ultimate liberation.
5. Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai: "Who remove the poison from the world, the delusion from ignorance." Here, the teachers are praised for their ability to dispel the illusions and sufferings of worldly existence.
6. Abahu Purushakaram: "Who are like the thousand-armed divine being." This line describes the teachers as possessing extraordinary capabilities, akin to a deity with countless arms.
7. Shankhacakrsi Dharinam: "Bearer of the conch, discus, and sword." This line symbolizes the teachers' readiness to uphold righteousness, protect their disciples, and dispel ignorance.
8. Sahasra Sirasam Svetam: "Having a thousand heads, white in color." This imagery highlights the teachers' vast knowledge and purity of intention.
9. Pranamami Patanjalim: "I bow to Patanjali." This final line pays homage to the sage Patanjali, who is revered for compiling the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of yoga philosophy.
10. Om: The mantra concludes with the sacred sound "Om," signifying the unity of the individual with the cosmic consciousness.
Overall, the Ashtanga Yoga Invocation is a powerful invocation that expresses gratitude to the lineage of yoga teachers and invokes blessings for the practice ahead.
The Five Principles of Ashtanga Yoga
1. Series Sequencing: Ashtanga Yoga comprises six series: Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced A, B, C, and D, each designed to progressively challenge and deepen your practice.
2. Vinyasa: This principle synchronizes your breath with the movement as you transition between poses, fostering a dynamic and meditative flow.
3. Dristi: Each pose in Ashtanga Yoga is paired with a specific focal point for the eyes, known as Dristi, which enhances concentration and inner awareness.
4. Bandha: The engagement of internal energy locks, or Bandhas, supports stability and alignment in the practice, fostering strength and control.
5. Ujjayi: Controlled breathing through the throat, known as Ujjayi Pranayama, creates a rhythmic sound that calms the mind, enhances focus, and regulates energy flow.
