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What
is Ashtanga?
Ashtanga Yoga Richmond is dedicated to the practice of Ashtanga
yoga as established by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Ashtanga
(eight limb*) yoga is a dynamic system that consists
of a precise sequence of asanas (postures), ujjayi pranayama
(breath control), drishti (gazing point), and bandhas (internal
locks). Each posture in the sequence is a preparation for the
next, and traditionally should always be practiced in order.
Consistent devotion to this discipline gradually leads to steadiness
of the body and clarity of the mind. The practice then becomes
a moving meditation and allows the practitioner to embrace their
fullest potential on all levels - physically, psychologically
and spiritually.
“Practice and all is coming.” - Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
*The Eight Limb Path
Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, described the eight
yogic disciplines as limbs of a tree:
| Yama |
ethical
discipline |
| Niyama |
self-observation |
| Asana |
posture |
| Pranayama |
breath
control |
| Pratyahara |
sense
withdrawal |
| Dharana |
concentration |
| Dhyana |
meditation |
| Samadhi |
freedom |
Each limb represents one part of the yoga practice and all parts
must be nourished in order to develop. As with a tree, the growth
is gradual and may not necessarily develop in a linear approach.
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