Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool with Helen Aldred
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is dynamic style of yoga where postures are connected by breath movements or vinyasas
It builds strength and flexibility in both the body and the mind. The Primary Series is the first sequence of
Ashtanga Yoga. The Primary Series in Sanskrit is Yoga Chikitsa which means yoga therapy. The primary
series cleanses the body, mind and senses.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois learnt the sequences of Ashtanga Yoga from his teacher Krishnamacharya.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois has passed on this tradition to many teachers and students in the West.
I am very grateful to him and feel fortunate to have studied with Pattabhi Jois directly as well as
his grandson Sharath who is currently the director of the Ashtanga Research Institute in Mysore India.
Meaning of Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga means eight limbs of Yoga. The eight limbs of yoga were outlined in the yoga sutras of Patanjali which were written approximately 2000 years ago. The eight limbs of yoga are yama (ethical disciplines), niyama (self observation), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (a state of joy and peace). In yoga classes we generally focus mainly on the third limb asana, which means comfortable seat and refers to the yoga positions. Through the physical practice of asana we begin to explore the other seven limbs both on and off the mat.
If you are interested in learning more about yoga philosophy, I recommend The Heart of Yoga by Desikachar. Desikachar is the son of Krishnamacharya who taught Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois. He practices and teaches a different style of yoga but I think this book and it’s insight would be useful to anyone. If you want to read more about Ashtanga Yoga visit my recommended Ashtanga yoga books page.
Sri K.Patthabi Jois
1915-2009
“Do your practice
and all is coming”
