Ashtanga Yoga (also known as Power Yoga or Vinyasa Yoga) is a modern day form of classical Indian Yoga. It was popularized by Sri K.Pattabhi Jois who began his Yoga studies when he was just 12 years old. In 1948 he established an institute for teaching this specific Yoga practice.
Ashtanga Yoga literally means "eight limbed Yoga", (Ashtanga is Sanskrit for 'eight-limbed'), and refers to the eight spiritual practices (as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras) on the path of internal purification which lead to revealing the Universal Self. They are Yama (moral codes), Niyama (self-purification and study), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense control), Dharana (Concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption into the Universal). According to Sri K.Pattabhi Jois - While the first four limbs are considered external cleansing practices (with correctable defects), the last four (Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi) are considered internal cleansing practices (with defects potentially dangerous to the mind unless following the correct Ashtanga method).
Ashtanga Yoga makes use of a sequence of Asanas which are linked with the breath, generating heat, facilitating flexibility and giving a healthy sense of wellbeing. Synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures produces intense internal heat with a profuse purifying sweat detoxifying muscles and organs. Improved circulation, calm mind and a strong body are among many benefits gained from this modern practice.
Techniques include deep resonant Ujjayi breathing, activation of the Bandhas (internal points of engagement and focus which direct energy upward) and the use of Dristhi (directing the eye to focus on specific points). These techniques eliminate external distractions and direct the energy inwards. The Vinyasa (or link through flowing movement), done between Asanas produces an uninterrupted continuity, in effect a 'moving meditation'.
To perform Asana correctly in Ashtanga Yoga, one needs to incorporate both the use of Vinyasa and Tristhana. Vinyasa synchronizes breathing and movement in the Asanas, heating the blood, relieving joint pain and removing toxins from the internal organs. Trishana refers to the union of the 'three places of attention' (posture, breathing and looking) and covers three levels of purification (body, nervous system and mind). They are always performed in conjunction with one another.
The breathing technique performed with Vinyasa is called Ujjayi (victorious breath) and consists of puraka (inhalation) and rechaka (exhalation). Both should be steady and even with the length of the inhale being the same as the length of the exhale. Over a period of time, the lengths and intensities should increase, with increased stretching of the breath initiating increased stretching of the body.
Bandhas are important components of the Ujjayi breathing technique. Bandha means 'lock' or 'seal' and its purpose is to unlock Pranic energy, directing it into the 72 000 energy channels of the subtle body.
Dristhi is the point at which one gazes when performing Ashtanga Yoga. There are nine Dristhis (Forehead, nose, navel, thumb, hands, feet, up, right and left).
The four internal cleansing practices (Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Sanadhi) bring the wandering mind under control. When purification is complete, and mind control occurs, the Six Poisons (desire, anger, delusion, greed, sloth and envy) surrounding the spiritual heart will disappear, revealing your true Universal Self, eventually leading to the full realization of Patanjali's Eight-Limbed Yoga.
Famous actor Willem Dafoe, who played the Green Goblin in the movie Spider-Man, is a dedicated Ashtanga Yoga Practitioner.
This article was originally published on The Yoga Plane. Explore more - read "Meditation on The Yoga Plane" at http://www.theyogaplane.co.za/what-is-yoga/meditation-on-the-yoga-plane/
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