What is Yoga?
Literally, the term "yoga" means "union". Union of what? Union of the body, mind and soul. Union of Jivatman and Paramatman, the individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness. Yoga is the state of oneness.
When we speak of yoga, however, we often refer to a style of practice (i.e., Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, etc.). So commonly speaking, yoga refers not only to the state of consciousness that is achieved through our practice, but also to the methods that help us reach that state.
Why Practice Yoga?
The ultimate goal of yoga is to reach Samadhi, a state of total absorption with Pure Consciousness. While this elusive state may seem too lofty a goal for many of us, there are other significant and attainable benefits to yoga practice.
Physical benefits. Yoga can increase your strength, balance and flexibility. It can boost your energy and raise your metabolism. It can improve respiration, lung capacity, and circulatory health. It can relieve pain. Medical studies show that yoga can prevent and even reverse serious medical conditions, such as depression, hypertension and coronary heart disease.
Mental benefits. Yoga can provide stress relief and help you relax. It can calm the mind, provide mental clarity, and help you focus your energy where you need it most.
Spiritual benefits. Yoga is for everyone, regardless of their faith. It is not a religion, but it can become a way of life. Yoga helps us to tune into our bodies, our feelings, the world around us, and the needs of others. It builds awareness, compassion, patience and forgiveness. Yoga awakens us.
Yoga as a Way of Life
Approximately two thousand years ago, a sage by the name of Patanjali composed the Yoga Sutras, a collection of 196 aphorisms on yoga. It is one of the most influential and classical treatises on yoga philosophy and practice. In Chapter 2 of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali prescribes adherence to an eight-fold path of yoga, otherwise known as "Ashtanga Yoga" (not to be confused with the Ashtanga style of yoga practice taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, see below).
These eight steps of yoga include: 1) Yamas-moral codes, restraints, 2) Niyamas-observances, 3) Asana-posture, 4) Pranayama-control of the breath, 5) Pratyahara-withdrawal of the senses, 6) Dharana-concentration, 7) Dhyana-meditation, and 8) Samadhi-absorption with the object of one's meditation.
The Yamas and Niyamas are the preliminary practices that help one develop a yogic lifestyle.
The five Yamas consist of: 1) Ahimsa-non-violence, 2) Satya-truthfulness, 3) Asteya-non-theft, 4) Brahmacharya-preservation of sexual energy, and 5) Aparigraha-non-greed.
The five Niyamas consist of: 1) Saucha-cleanliness, 2) Santosha-contentment, 3) Tapas-heat, discipline, 4) Svadhyaya-Self-study, and 5) Ishvara pranidhana-devotion or surrender to a higher power (i.e., God).
By integrating these principles of yoga into our daily living, we begin to see yoga as more than just a physical practice. We begin to see yoga as a way of life. In the modern world, it seems we are so rushed that we want to bypass the philosophical aspects of yoga and get on with its practice. But by embracing the spiritual realm of yoga, we can engage in a more authentic practice of this ancient tradition.
Styles of Yoga Practice
Since its beginnings in India, possibly dating back over five thousand years, the tradition of yoga has been expounded upon by sages, scholars, great teachers and practitioners. Over time, many different "styles" of practice have emerged and been popularized in the West.
Though they may differ in their names and methods-Hatha, Vinyasa, Flow, Power, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram, Anusara, Jivamukti, Kundalini, etc.-the end goals are the same...connectedness. Some people may find themselves drawn to a vigorous Ashtanga practice, while others may find deeper awareness through a gentler Hatha practice. Only you can decide which styles are right for you, so try as many classes as you can and see what suits you best.
The Ashtanga Yoga Method
Beginnings of the Ashtanga Yoga Method.
The Ashtanga Yoga method was first described by the sage Vamana Rishi in the ancient scripture, the Yoga Korunta. In 1916, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya traveled to the Himalayas to learn yoga. Krishnamacharya spent seven and a half years studying Ashtanga Yoga, as described in the Yoga Korunta, with his guru, Sri Ramamohan Brahmachari, in a cave in Tibet. During this time, he learned the complete Ashtanga Yoga method, including details about vinyasa, bandhas, drishti, and the exact grouping of the asanas of all six series. Soon after parting with his guru in 1924, Krishnamacharya went to Mysore, where he was hired by the Maharaja to open a yoga school. In 1927, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois became a student of Krishnamacharya's at the age of just twelve, and remained a student of his for over 25 years. As Krishnamacharya prepared to leave Mysore in 1941, he handed over the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga to his oldest student, Pattabhi Jois. Jois, who is respectfully known to his students as Guruji, taught Ashtanga Yoga for nearly 30 years before the first Westerner (Belgian-born Andre van Lysbeth) came to study with him at his home in Mysore in 1964. Nearly a decade later, David Williams became the first American to begin learning the Ashtanga Yoga method from Guruji in Mysore. Two years later, in 1975, Guruji made his first trip to California, marking the beginning of Ashtanga Yoga in the US. Over the years, Guruji instructed thousands of people in the Ashtanga Yoga method out of his Yoga Shala in Mysore and workshops abroad. As a result of his devotion to the tradition and the efforts of his many students, these teachings have spread all over the world.
Important Aspects of the Ashtanga Yoga Method.
Vinyasa. This is the synchronization of movement and breath. For each posture there is a vinyasa, a specific method for entering and exiting the posture, accompanied by either an inhale or an exhale. This coordination of breath and continuous movement purifies the body as it builds internal heat, and adds fluidity to the practice.
Oujaii Pranayama. This is a style of breathing that is used throughout the practice. Breathing in and out through the nose, while contracting the muscles of the throat, a subtle sound is made with the breath. Oujaii pranayama increases circulation and builds internal heat, thereby helping to dispel toxins and purify the body.
Bandhas. These are the energy locks or seals that keep energy from exiting the body during practice. There are three bandhas: 1) Mula bandha-root lock (engaged by lifting the pelvic floor), 2) Uddhiyana bandha-abdominal lock, and 3) Jalandhara bandha-chin lock. Use of the bandhas throughout the practice gives strength and lightness to the body.
Drishti. This is the direction of the gaze in each posture. There are nine possible points of drishti: 1) nose, 2) upwards, 3) third eye, 4) hand, 5) thumb, 6) right side, 7) left side, 8) navel, or 9) foot. Drishti helps to focus the mind and align the neck and spine correctly in each posture.
Postures of Asthanga Yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga includes hundreds of postures which are divided into six series: Primary (also known as the First Series), Intermediate (also known as the Second Series), Advanced A, B, C and D. Each series begins with ten sun salutations, followed by a set of standing poses. Then the postures particular to the series are completed. The practice concludes with a closing sequence, which includes backbends and inversions. The Primary Series is intended to build a strong foundation for yoga practice. Once one becomes proficient in the postures of the Primary Series, one may proceed with the practice of the Intermediate Series, and so on and so forth. It can take several years to integrate the postures and practice of each series.
Mysore vs. Led Classes.
In a Mysore style class, students are introduced to a few postures at a time on an individual basis. Additional postures are given once previous postures have been integrated. Mysore classes are silent classes. Students arrive and move through the practice on their own, and the teacher is there to provide adjustments and instruction as needed. In a Led class, students are led through the practice by the teacher. Traditionally, the teacher calls out the Sanskrit names of the postures and the count of the breath. Unless otherwise indicated, students can expect to go through the entire Primary Series, which typically takes 1.5 hours. If you're new to yoga, you may consider trying a beginner-friendly class which covers the basics before jumping into a full Led Primary class.
Opening Chant.
The Ashtanga practice traditionally begins with an opening chant in Sanskrit, which honors the wisdom of Patanjali and teachers who have passed down the ancient traditions of yoga. Practically speaking, the chanting helps us to focus our attention inward and prepare ourselves for the practice.
The chant is as follows:
Om
Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde
Sandarshita Svatma Sukhava Bodhe
Nishreyase Jangalikayamane
Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai
Abahu Purushakaram
Shankhachakrasi Dharinam
Sahasra Sirasam Svetam
Pranamami Patanjalim
Om
For a sample practice sheet of the Primary Series:
http://sourceofyoga.com/ashtangayoga.pdf.
For a sample practice sheet of the Intermediate Series: http://sourceofyoga.com/IntermediateSeriesPracticeSheet.pdf.
For other resources on the practice of Ashtanga Yoga:
  • Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (2002). Yoga Mala. 3rd Edition. Patanjali Yoga Shala, New York.
  • David Swenson (1999). Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual. Ashtanga Yoga Productions, Austin, Texas.
  • Gregor Maehle (2006). Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy. Kaivalya Publications.
  • David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga Practice DVDs