Ashtanga yoga is a traditional practice taught through Yoga Korunta, passed from Guruji Sri T Krishnamacharya by Guru Ramamohana Brahmachari, and further to Guruji Sri R Sharath Jois.
In Sharath Guruji's teaching of Ashtanga Yoga, āsanas are linked in a specific sequence, enabling practitioners to grasp the scientific and authentic approach from the outset.
Sharath Guruji highlights key aspects in Ashtanga yoga practice, including:
1. Tristhana – This involves three aspects to follow during abhyasa, purifying the body, nervous system, and mind:
a) Breathing (Svasa) should occur solely through the nose, without breath retention. Inhalation and exhalation must be steady and even.
b) Posture (Asana) practice should adhere to traditional teaching to strengthen, purify, and enhance body flexibility.
c) Gazing points (Drsti) in asana practice.
2. Vinyasa – Coordinating proper breathing with movement as per tradition. Vinyasa-based asana practice cleanses the internal system, generating warmth in the blood. This blood warmth purifies and thins it, nourishing cells and organs. Yoga Korunta emphasizes that asanas should not be practiced without Vinyasa.
विना विन्यास योगेन आसनाधिः न कारयेत्
3. Sweat – Integral to Ashtanga vinyasa, sweat rids the body of impurities during practice, following Hatha Yoga Pradipika's guideline to dry sweat with hand rubbing. This process strengthens and lightens the body, aiding purification of the nervous system and senses.
जलेन श्रमजातेन गात्रमर्दनमाचरेत् ।
दृढता लघुता चैव तेन गात्रस्य जायते ।।
4. Bandhas – Internal locks like Mula bandha and Uddiyana bandha (anal and lower abdominal locks) are vital for proper breathing and mind control during asana practice. Regular practice helps achieve these bandhas.
In Ashtanga yoga, each student is treated individually, taught at a pace suitable for their life circumstances such as age, health, and emotions.
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