Ashtanga Yoga

About the Lineage

Ashtanga Yoga follows the lineage of Sh. T. Krishnamacharya - Sh. K. Pattabhi Jois - and my guru Sh. Sharath Jois (image on the right) - practicing yoga asanas. Since Sh. K. Pattabhi Jois taught in Mysore, India, this practice is commonly known as Mysore practice. We follow the traditional method of teaching, like we have learnt from our guru in Mysore. 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 to build their own practice at their own pace. With time, student learn the asana's in each series and their practice grows with time. As KPJ said - "PRACTICE and ALL is COMING".

Practice

WHAT TO EXPECT

First Practice



अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥
Yoga Sutra 1.1 – Yoga Begins Now!


In your first practice you will learn the basics of drishti, prana and asana. We will guide you through the opening and closing sequence. It may only last 30 to 40 minutes long.

We recommend that you eat light the night before you practice and practice on an empty stomach. This practice is based on memorization and as you grow in your practice, more asanas will be accessible to you. We recommend that you take things slowly and with more awareness. This will help with the changes that are happening in the body – internally and externally. With time, hopefully this practice becomes part of your daily routine.

Practice Days



We recommend that you eat light the night before you practice. We will work with you to enhance and build up your practice. Over the years, I have realized that showing up is the most important thing and that’s what I have been following in my life.

Before you start and end your practice, Ashtanga tradition invokes Bhagvaan Patanjali. These prayers will be provided. It is upto you if you would like to recite them.

On rest days – Saturday’s in our case – it is recommended to take an oil bath – preferably with Castor Oil. Using castor oil, helps remove the heat that is generated not just during the practice but during the entire week. As you grow in your practice you may notice some some changes in your body, lifestyle, this has happened to many of us.

Moon Days



It has always been the tradition in Ashtanga Yoga to rest from asana practice on new and full moon days (tithis).

When asked why we shouldn’t practice on these days, Guruji was fond of saying, “Two ‘plantets’ [grahas] one place, very dangerous.” What is meant by this is that on these days, the sun and the moon are in a line relative to the position of the earth. Consequently, their gravitational forces are all combined, and thus the effect of the ‘plantets’ more pronounced. One definitive effect of this is that the ocean’s tides are higher and lower on these days. When āsana practice is done daily, rest days are important for regeneration; and the extra biweekly ‘moon day’ comes as a welcomed respite.

Source: JoisYoga.com

Ladies Holiday



It is recommended that women take three days of rest – often referred to as “ladies’ holiday” – during their menstrual period for several reasons. The purpose of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the body for pregnancy; when conception does not occur, the thickened lining of the uterus is shed through menstruation.

One reason to take rest during the menstrual period is that the downward and eliminating flow during this time may be counteracted by inversions such as sarvangasana and sirsasana. A second, more subtle, reason is that engaging mula bandha may be more difficult and/or may counteract this downward flow. Without engagement of the bandhas, vigorous practice can be physically unsafe.

Source: JoisYoga.com

Class Schedule

Mon to Fri
Mysore Class


Morning Classes
5:30AM-10:00AM



Evening Classes
5:00PM-6:30PM


Pranayama Class
Mon-Wed-Fri
8:00AM-8:30AM


Moon Days

On Moon days we hold
Pranayama and Meditation Classes

Moon Days (Contd)

On Moon days we hold
Pranayama and Meditation Classes

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