DECCAN YOGA
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The traditional practice series with detailed descriptions of the individual movements including the vinyasa count. Systematic learning steps help you get a deeper understanding of this powerful and dynamic yoga practice supported by your breath.
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The Ashtanga method emphasises on the following aspects:
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Asanas or poses to purify, strengthen, and give flexibility to the body
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Breathing (Ujjayi) to purify the nervous system
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Dristhi or gazing point to purify and stabilize the functioning of the mind
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Vinyasa (Breathing with movement) for internal cleansing
Photo Credit: sonima.com
Mysore Class
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Mysore Style is the method of how Sri K. Pattabhi Jois taught Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore City, India. Up to this day, this is how the system is transmitted by his grandson Paramaguru Sharath Jois. In Mysore style, poses are taught gradually based on the capacity and need of each student, with emphasis on correct breathing, asana , and drishti.
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On their first day, new students are guided through a short sequence of poses to work on, usually Surya Namaskara (sun salutation), then the closing sequence. They will be guided thoroughly on the proper synchronisation of breath and movement, the postures, and the gazing points. The sequence will be repeated a couple of times until the students can manage doing it on their own. In the succeeding visits, they will do the sequence they were taught, and are given additional postures to practice.
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Experienced students on the other hand, proceed with their sequence as previously taught to them. Verbal cues and hands-on assists are given by the teacher as needed.
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Mysore class is basically a guided self practice class where students move through the sequence slowly, at their own pace, individually supervised and assisted by a teacher. Think of it as a private session, where you get personalised instruction, but with the energy of a group class.
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Mysore class is for everyone. It is for the experienced, and most especially for beginners. No prior yoga experience required.
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Led Class
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Ashtanga Led classes are open to anyone looking for a dynamic, challenging class. In this class you will move through a sequence of postures with the breath, guided (led) by the teacher.
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In this class, you will practice parts of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Sequence. This sequence, combined with the breath, has a powerful effect on the body and mind. The heat created in the practice has a detoxing effect and allows you to move into postures deeply. The flow of the practice, always guided by the breath, allows the mind to move into a calm, meditative space, which is why Ashatnga Yoga is sometimes referred to as a moving meditation.
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Ashtanga led classes are open to students of any level. However the pace of the class can make it difficult to follow for complete beginners.
• Vinyasa: Ashtanga Yoga is characterized by its focus on vinyasa, which means "breath-synchronized movement." Practitioners move through each pose in sync with their breath, and the vinyasa helps to build heat and energy in the body.
• Bandhas: Ashtanga Yoga also emphasizes the use of bandhas, or energy locks, which are used to direct and control the flow of energy in the body. The three main bandhas used in Ashtanga Yoga are the Mula Bandha, the Uddiyana Bandha, and the Jalandhara Bandha.
• Tristhana: Ashtanga Yoga also incorporates the concept of Tristhana, which means "three places of attention." These three places of attention are the breath, the posture, and the gazing point. By focusing on these three aspects, practitioners are able to develop greater concentration and awareness.
• Benefits: Ashtanga Yoga offers many benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, and balance. It also helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation, and it can be a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness.
Ashtanga Yoga is often practiced in a heated room to help the body become more flexible and to encourage sweating and detoxification.
This can be a powerful tool for those seeking to deepen their yoga practice and connect with their inner selves.
Overall, Ashtanga Yoga is a challenging and rewarding practice that can help to improve both physical and mental health. However, it is important to approach the practice with caution and to work with a qualified teacher to ensure that you are practicing safely and effectively.
When vinyasa is perfect, the mind is under control.
-Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Preetham was a dedicated practitioner of yoga, having started his journey in 2002. Over the years, he had developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the practice, and had studied under some of the most renowned yoga schools in the world.
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He completed his TTC from the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, which gave him a strong foundation in the traditional Hatha Yoga system. He then went on to pursue a Diploma Course in Yogic Studies from the prestigious Bihar School of Yoga, where he deepened his knowledge of the philosophy and practical aspects of yoga.
Preetham's dedication and hard work paid off, as he continued to grow in his practice and develop new skills. In 2018, he discovered Ashtanga Yoga and was immediately drawn to its dynamic and challenging nature. He began practicing Ashtanga with great enthusiasm, and soon found himself making rapid progress.
In 2023, Preetham received the ultimate validation of his efforts when he was authorized by Paramguru Sharath Jois himself, to teach Ashtanga Yoga. This was a great honor and a testament to the years of dedication and hard work that Preetham had put into his practice.
As a teacher, Preetham was committed to sharing his love of yoga with others, and helping them to discover the same benefits that he had experienced. He had a deep understanding of the physical and mental aspects of yoga, and was able to guide his students through their practice with patience, compassion, and precision.
Preetham's journey was a testament to the transformative power of yoga. Through years of dedicated practice and study, he had developed a deep understanding and appreciation of the practice, and had become a skilled and respected teacher in his own right.