A traditional practice for a lifetime of growth
Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional method of yoga that brings together breath, movement, and focused attention. Rooted in the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and carried forward by his grandson, R. Sharath Jois, the practice follows a structured sequence of postures designed to develop strength, flexibility, concentration, and awareness.
More than a physical practice, Ashtanga is a method of self-study. Through consistency, patience, and dedication, we begin to understand ourselves more deeply, learning to approach both our practice and our daily lives with greater awareness and balance.
The Practice
Ashtanga Yoga follows a series of postures linked together through synchronized breathing and movement, known as vinyasa.
The practice is traditionally taught progressively, allowing students to establish a strong foundation before moving on to more challenging postures.
There are three main groups of sequences:
Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa): Establishes the foundation of the practice, developing strength, mobility, stability, and concentration.
Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana): Builds upon the Primary Series with deeper backbends, twists, and other postures.
Advanced Series (Sthira Bhaga): Develops greater strength, steadiness, and refinement.
The Primary Series offers a complete and meaningful practice in itself. There is no need to rush through the sequences or measure progress by the number of postures we can perform.
Breath and Movement
Breath is at the heart of Ashtanga Yoga.
Each movement is coordinated with an inhale or exhale, creating a steady rhythm that connects body and mind. Breathing through the nose with a gentle, audible quality helps maintain focus and encourages a calm, attentive state.
With time, the breath becomes an anchor, guiding us through both challenging and comfortable moments. What begins as a physical practice gradually becomes a moving meditation.
Tristana: Three Places of Attention
One of the essential foundations of Ashtanga Yoga is Tristana, the union of three elements:
- Asana: The physical postures, practiced with stability, awareness, and appropriate engagement of the body.
- Breath: Steady, conscious breathing coordinated with movement.
- Drishti: A specific point of focus that helps cultivate concentration and direct our attention inward.
Together, these three elements develop greater awareness and concentration, transforming the physical practice into a meditative experience.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
The word Ashtanga means eight limbs. As described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, these are:
- Yama — Ethical principles
- Niyama — Personal observances
- Asana — Physical postures
- Pranayama — Regulation of the breath
- Pratyahara — Withdrawal of the senses
- Dharana — Concentration
- Dhyana — Meditation
- Samadhi — Meditative absorption
These teachings remind us that yoga extends far beyond the physical postures. The practice invites us to cultivate self-awareness, compassion, discipline, and a more thoughtful way of living.
The lessons we learn on the mat gradually become part of how we approach our relationships, responsibilities, and everyday experiences.
A Practice for Everyone
You don’t need to be flexible, strong, or experienced to begin practicing Ashtanga Yoga.
The method is learned gradually, with guidance appropriate to each student’s experience and abilities. Every practitioner brings a different body, history, and set of circumstances to the mat.
There is no need to rush, compare ourselves with others, or measure progress by how many postures we can perform. The practice is about showing up, learning, and developing a deeper understanding of ourselves over time.
With consistency and patience, Ashtanga becomes much more than something we do on the mat. It becomes a practice that supports us through the different stages and changes of life.
Discover Mysore Style Practice
The traditional way to learn Ashtanga Yoga is through Mysore-style classes, where students receive individual guidance while developing their own practice at their own pace.
Whether you are completely new to yoga or have been practicing for years, Mysore offers a unique opportunity to learn, deepen your understanding, and become more independent in your practice.
Learn more about Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga and explore our upcoming programs.