Introduction:
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, an Indian yoga teacher, developed Ashtanga yoga. Patanjali defines the classical form of "Ashtanga" as "the eight limbs of yoga," which are: Yama (abstinences), Niyama (behaviors), Asana (yoga postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (inward focus), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (fusion of mind and body). In 1948, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois combined Patanjali's concepts with modern vinyasa yoga to create Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, which is practiced as exercise and meditation.
What Is Ashtanga?
Ashtanga is a physically hard and disciplined practice that focuses on a specific series of poses that are tied together with certain breathing methods. Ashtanga yoga consists of six series of poses, each one more difficult than the one before it. The primary series is the practice's basis, and it is often where new students begin. The secondary series is intended to supplement the primary series' strength, flexibility, and endurance. The emphasis on vinyasa, or the coordination of breath with movement, distinguishes Ashtanga yoga. Each stance is related to inhalation or exhale, and the transitions between poses are also linked.
Ashtanga yoga is a demanding and challenging practise that needs discipline and dedication. It is frequently performed in a warm area to encourage perspiration and detoxification. It can be difficult but also a highly satisfying practice that improves strength, flexibility, and mental focus. To guarantee optimal alignment and safety, practitioners should approach the practice with caution, respect their bodies' limits, and work with a trained teacher.
What Are the Principles of Ashtanga?
Ashtanga yoga is based on the concept of Tristhana, which encourages Ashtanga practitioners to focus on introspection, transforming the practice into a form of moving meditation. The three pillars of Tristhana are as follows:
1) Pranayama.
2) Asana.
3) Drishti.
1) Pranayama:
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The foundation of this yogic practice is breath, or pranayama, which is thought to awaken the life force.
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Ashtanga yoga employs the breathing technique ujjayi pranayama, also known as "ocean breath," to boost oxygen levels and increase body heat.
2) Asana:
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The asanas are the standing and seated postures one can practice during yoga.
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Asanas are performed in a fixed order in Ashtanga vinyasa yoga. These asanas also activate three primary bandhas or body lock points.
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The three bandhas are the Mula bandha (at the base of the spine), the Uddiyana bandha (just below the belly button), and the Jalandhara bandha (at the top of the head near the throat).
3) Drishti:
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Drishti, derived from Dharana, or concentration, and was outlined initially as one of the eight limbs of yoga, refers to where to fix the gaze during yoga practice.
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This aspect of Tristhana incorporates the mind into the practice, increasing focus and self-awareness as one breathes and moves.
What Are the Types of Ashtanga?
The Ashtanga Yoga System, or Eight Limbs of Yoga, is an eight-fold path leading to liberation. ('Ashta' means eight, and 'anga' means limb). They are primarily intended to assist yogis in directing their energies in the best and highest way possible to achieve the ultimate goal of self-realization. The eight-fold path of Ashtanga is as follows:
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Yama - moral discipline, self-discipline, or moral vows.
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Niyama - good deeds or observances.
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Asana - position.
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Pranayama - breathing exercises.
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Pratyahara - sense withdrawal.
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Dharana - focused concentration
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Dhyana - meditational absorption
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Samadhi - bliss or enlightenment.
1) Yama (Moral Discipline, Self-Discipline, or Moral Vows):
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The yoga sutras define Yama. Yama is also known as "the five restraints."
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The five restraints of Yama are as follows:
i) Ahimsa:
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Nonviolent resistance, or low involvement, cannot always be practiced literally because it is not always possible in everyday life.
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According to perfect ahimsa, one must not wish any creature harm.
ii) Satya:
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Non-deception or truthfulness does not imply inadequacy but rather the ability to always tell the truth.
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It falls under the category of "restraints" because if one refrains from wishing things were different, one will always tell the truth.
iii) Asteya:
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Non-covetousness, not wishing for more or for what another person has.
iv) Brahmacharya:
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Sexual self-control. The phrase means "flowing with Bramham." This is frequently translated as "vow," but it can also mean sexual self-control or overcoming sexual desire.
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This practice, according to the yoga sutras, will provide one with excellent physical and mental stamina.
v) Aparigraha:
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Non-possessiveness. One will have no attachment to one's possessions, including one's body, and be willing to give them all up at a moment's notice.
2) Niyama (Good Deeds or Observances):
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Niyama is the spiritual path outlined in the yoga sutras by the ancient sage. It suggests five things one should do to advance spiritually. They are as follows:
i) Saucha:
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It refers to the cleanliness of the body, mind, and heart.
ii) Santosha:
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It is happiness. To achieve this, one must recognize that nothing can bring them joy. Everything one requires can be found within one's self.
iii) Tapasya:
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It is self-control. This does not indicate causing harm or depriving oneself of necessities because it prevents one's energy from expanding on sexuality.
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The path to actual growth is one of self-control in all things.
iv) Swadhyaya:
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It is a reflection. This is sometimes translated as "scriptural study," but the literal meaning is "self-study."
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To achieve this Niyama, one should constantly question one's motives and reasoning and remain open to the possibility of being wrong.
v) Ishvarapranidhana:
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It is a form of self-worship.
3) Asana (Position):
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This Asana is the third limb of Ashtanga yoga. The goal of Asana is to free oneself from body consciousness.
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When meditating, allow the energy to flow freely up the spine, which requires a straight spine.
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One should have mastered Asana if one can remain motionless for three hours with a straight, upright spine.
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They will be able to become aware of the inner energies in the body by remaining inactive.
4) Pranayama (Breathing Exercises):
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Pranayama is a relaxation technique that involves controlling one's breathing in various ways to withdraw one's senses from the outside world.
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This aids in the movement of prana up the deep spine to the spiritual eye, or the sixth chakra, which leads to enlightenment.
5) Pratyahara (Sense withdrawal):
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Pratyahara is the final preparatory stage before deep meditation. It is the withdrawal of the mind and senses from the objects of the senses.
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There are various methods for removing sensory distractions, such as remaining still, closing one's eyes, sitting in a quiet place, or using earplugs.
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However, Swami Kriyananda's spiritual successor, Nayaswami Jyotish, emphasizes that true Pratyahara occurs in the mind, not the body.
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The internalization of the life force causes the shutting down of the senses. When we voluntarily fall asleep is an example of this.
6) Dharana (Focused Concentration):
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Dharana is the capability to concentrate and focus the mind on a single point.
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It is the sixth limb, which improves self-realization.
7) Dhyana (Meditational Absorption):
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Dhyana is the ability to reconnect with an object after focusing.
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It is the seventh limb, or requirement, for achieving full self-realization.
8) Samadhi (Bliss or Enlightenment):
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Samadhi is the condition in which the yogi recognizes the soul's individuality as spirit.
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The experience is one of spiritual happiness as well as a superconscious perception experience. The soul perceives the entire universe.
What Are the Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga?
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It increases the strength of the body.
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It increases the flexibility of the body.
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It improves overall health.
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It can help the growth of the discipline.
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It will teach everyone to move at their own pace and to concentrate on their inner self.
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It improves well-being.
What Are the Side Effects of Ashtanga Yoga?
The side effects of vinyasa yoga are as follows:
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It can lead to pain.
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It may cause muscle injuries.
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It can cause fatigue.
Conclusion:
Ashtanga yoga was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, an Indian yoga teacher. The classical form of Ashtanga was initially outlined in the Yoga Sutras, a seminal yoga text that defines the philosophy and practice of yoga. In 1948, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois combined Patanjali's concepts with modern vinyasa yoga to create Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, practiced as exercise and meditation.
