Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a system of Yoga recorded by the sagacious Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta, a very old manuscript which was said to contain lists of many different groupings of asanas, as well as highly original teachings on vinyasa, mudras, drishti, bandhas, and philosophy.
Over the years, the most important things associated with Ashtanga yoga are vinyasa and tristhana. These two are needed in order to perform asanas of Ashtanga Yoga correctly. Vinyasa means breathing and movement system. While Tristhana refers to the union of three places of action or attention: breathing system, posture and looking place.
Ashtanga Yoga: An Eight-limbed Yoga
Literally, Ashtanga yoga means “eight-limbed yoga” as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Normally, the path of internal cleansing for enlightening the Universal Self consists of eight spiritual practices which are:
- Yama, the moral codes.
- Niyama, the self-purification and study.
- Asana, the posture.
- Pranayama, the breath control.
- Pratyahara, the sense control.
- Dharana, the concentration.
- Dhyana, the meditation.
- Samadhi, the contemplation.
Ashtanga Yoga Poses
The basis of Ashtanga yoga is a series of twelve sequential poses beginning with a group called the sun salutation or Surya Namaskar which is performed in a single, graceful flow. Hence, the movements are initiated internally at the core of the body, rather than in the outer muscle.
As you move from one asana (pose or position) to another, your body generates an intense internal heat that purifies organs and muscles, and expels unwanted toxins of the body through a strong, cleansing sweat.
Likely, forceful flow of moving meditation was linked together with breathing technique called vinyasa. Vi means “to go” and nyasa means “placing” so the term describes the method of entering and exiting an asana.
Asanas of Ashtanga Yoga are grouped into six series; each series release a particular aspect of the body and the mind. The primary series, the Yoga Chikitsa are designed to detoxify and align the body.
While the second most significant series, Nadi Shodhana strengthens the nervous system and opens the energy channels that link the seven chakras, while the Advanced Series, Sthira Bhaga combines all strength and grace to attain marvelous firmness.
Purpose of Ashtanga Yoga
The most significant purpose of Ashtanga Yoga is for internal cleansing. The locks are internal energy gates which help in normalizing the energy flow. By means of engaging specific locks within the body, energy is directed and internal heat created.
Likely, there is a breathing technique used to also aid in this creation of heat. The breath is what gives power to the actions in Ashtanga and one can abide with that breath all throughout the entire practice.
Ashtanga Yoga Benefits
Ashtanga Yoga certainly:
- Reduces stress
- Increases flexibility and muscle tone
- Provides a strong cardiovascular workout
- Builds strength
- Increases lung capacity for better breathing
- Builds endurance
- Offers opportunity for advancing practice
- Builds inner heat for purification and detoxification
- Develops mental focus