Ashtanga Yoga is called the modern day yoga practice with its roots based on ancient knowledge.

It is physical form of practice which involves the method of vinyasa which is very benefitting to the whole body fitness and mind fitness.

The early Westerners who practiced this yoga found it to be very powerful and they popularized this method as power yoga.

Ashtanga Mysore style is a practice of continuous flow of asanas starting from surya namaskara to primary series extending to 7th series .

The Ashtanga Yoga method is built around the ‘Mysore Style’ class, so named because yoga was taught this way by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, India, and continues to be taught this way in traditional Ashtanga Yoga schools around the world. In Mysore Class, the student is taught a sequence of postures through one-on-one instruction. The correct movements, breathing, and other aspects of the practice are learned gradually, in a step-by-step process accessible to anyone. This method allows each student time to practice and memorize what they have learned before adding more. Students are able to practice independently and at their own pace while surrounded by the energy and inspiration of other students in the room. The main teacher and assistants are able to work with each student individually. Initially, students may require more attention, but as they become proficient in their practice, they are allowed more independence, receiving adjustments and assistance only when required.

Ashtanga Yoga’ means ‘eight limbed yoga.’ It is an ancient system that can lead to a deep connection with our spirit or ātman. The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (aṣṭāṅgayoga) can be described as eight disciplines. They are yama, niyama, āsana, prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā, dhyāna, and samādhi. Of these, the third limb, āsana (yoga postures), is the most important for us to practice, and through it we can understand the other limbs. Though in appearance an external and physical discipline, through consistent effort we find many layers, more and more subtle, which need to be experienced directly and can lead to the experience of the last four limbs. Yama (restraints) and niyama (observances) should be observed at all times, otherwise yoga āsana practice is reduced to a purely physical pursuit. Specific prāṇāyāma (breath control) should only be taught after mastering āsanas, when the nervous system is strengthened and prepared for more rigorous practice. It should be understood however, that the deep even diaphragmatic breathing taught as part of the āsana practice is in essence prāṇāyāma and has a profound effect on our system at many levels. The last four limbs are pratyāhāra (withdrawal of the senses), dhāraṇā (concentration), dhyāna (meditation), and samādhi (union). These final four are considered ‘internal limbs,’ meaning that they arise spontaneously as a result of practice of the first four and lead to experiential spiritual knowledge.

Through āsana we can access higher levels of yoga and, over time, bring both the body and mind to a state of stability, a state of peace. With consistent practice of āsanas, changes become apparent on many levels, physical, mental and spiritual. A deep sense of contentment and inner peace arises, and it is then that we can begin to more clearly understand the other seven limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.

The method of practice taught in Ashtanga Yoga relies on the linking of yoga postures through prescribed movements and incorporates deep, even breathing and steady gazing with the eyes. The ‘vinyasa,’ or movement between postures, encourages the blood to circulate properly in the body, while the deep breathing supplies a rich source of pure air, oxygenating the blood and allowing the removal of unwanted toxins through the lungs. Internal heat is produced from within, and is described as burning up the impurities in the body, the toxins liberated from the tissues by each posture. The sweat that results through practice also serves to remove toxins. Steady gazing in different places during each movement and posture, is an important element of the practice, and over time facilitates the state of meditation, having a profound effect on the steadiness and calmness of the mind.