Ashtanga Yoga - Is it Right for You?
Ashtanga Yoga is the type of yoga which was developed and
founded by K. Pattabhi Jois. This type of yoga is known as the
Eight Limb Yoga which has revolved in Pattanjali's enormous
idea. It presented that the path of purification is made up of
the eight spiritual practices.
The first four limbs that represent Ashtanga Yoga are - yama,
niyama, Asana and the Pranayama. These are considered cleansing
practices which are externally correctable. The other set of
limbs which are the - pratyahara, dhyana, dharana are the
internal practies.
These limbs can only be corrected by the proper application of
the Ashtanga Yoga method. This type of yoga method is quite
dangerous to the mind.
K. Pattabhi Jois said that practicing these Eight Limbs and also
its sub-limbs of the external practices which include the niyama
and yama is not possible. In doing so, the body should be strong
so that it can perform the practices well enough. If the body is
weak, and the sense organs are not functioning well, practicing
will never be useful at all.
This is a philosophy that K. Pattabhi Jois has applied, this is
important to understand so that in doing the practice, you are
sure that the body will improve and the keep it stronger and
healthier.
Vinsaya and Tristhana is practiced in Ashtanga Yoga.
The Vinsaya is a style that makes Ashtanga and its principles
distinct from the others. Vinsaya means the movement and
breathing which is used for the internal cleansing process. Each
movement done is accompanied by only one breath. Sweat is the
most important product of Vinsaya. When you produce sweat, it
only means that you are successfully applying the practice. When
you perform the Asanas, the body creates heat which causes your
blood to boil and excrete the toxins outside of your body. The
toxins are found in your sweat. So the more sweat you create,
the more toxins are released.
The poses are used to fully develop the strength and health of
the body. The series of practices make this possible. There are
three postures used in Ashtaga Yoga.
The three are classified on different levels.
The first is the Primary Series which aims on aligning the body
and also detoxifying it.
The second is the Intermediate Series opening and cleaning the
energy channels which comes to the process of purifying the
Nervous System.
The last series would be the Advanced Series from A to D. in
this series, the grace and strength is measured.
The Tristhana is another yoga principle which represents the
union of the three places of action and attention. First is the
posture, second is the breathing technique ad last is the
Dristhi of the Looking Place. All these three should work
altogether to perform a function.
Breathing techniques are simultaneous and synchronized. It is
important to make a single breath for one movement. Ujjayi
Breathing is the Yoga Breathing Technique used in the
application of Ashtanga Yoga. Applying this technique must be
prolonged after every practice. What you need to master is
holding your pose longer at the same time hold your breath. This
is an amazing breathing exercise that will increase your
internal fire and will strengthen the Nervous System.
Both Ashtanga and Tristhana deal with the series of Dristhi. The
Dristhi is described as the point on which you gain your focus
or attention while doing the Asana. This enables your mind to be
purified and stabilized clearly.
Setting the mind clear and cleansing it can only be done in the
Eight-Limb Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga.