Marco Buttu, 20 Jun 2024 - 3 minutes reading
This is a brief introduction to the sequence of postures (asana) that we will be demonstrating in the upcoming videos. The practice is called Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and originated in the last century thanks to the Indian master Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and his student K. Pattabhi Jois, who organized the postures into various sequences (series).
We will propose simplified variations suitable for everyone and complete versions for the more adventurous. The first series, covered in this course, consists of a total of 41 asanas divided into different sections, including sequences of sun salutations, standing postures, seated postures, and finishing postures.
It is a dynamic practice, and it's important to follow the rhythm of the breath-linked movements, as you can see in the video at the bottom of the page. Practice regularly and with discipline (abhyasa), at least three times a week (ideally six), carving out a dedicated time in your day in a warm room free of distractions. Ideally, practice at the same time each day on an empty stomach. It's a sequence of postures that induces sweating, so remember to drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables after practice.
With static sequences where postures are held for a long time, it's easier to lose focus and wander with thoughts. With dynamic practices like Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, especially if practiced in a shala with good teachers, it's harder to get distracted. The effect, beyond the physical benefits, is that the mind becomes clear of thoughts. You will learn here about skilled teachers with whom to practice in a shala for the best results.
Personally, I prefer to call this method 'Mysore vinyasa' rather than 'Ashtanga vinyasa yoga'. The name Mysore vinyasa is appropriate because the practice originated in Mysore and is based on the concept of 'vinyasa', synchronized movements with breath that connect one posture to the next. The word 'ashtanga' has nothing to do with this practice; I imagine it was included in the name due to a misunderstanding by the early Westerners who visited Mysore in the 1970s to explore yoga. Their teacher, K. Pattabhi Jois, did not speak English (his daughter translated for him), and the name of the school was Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. I suppose they misunderstood the word ashtanga in the school's name, which certainly was central to P. Jois's teachings, associating it with the sequence of physical postures that represented the primary practice for them. Later on, when discussing Patanjali's method, I will explain the meaning of the word 'ashtanga'.
For reference to the entire sequence, you can watch the following video. Don't be intimidated by these advanced practitioners; in the upcoming videos, I will show all necessary simplifications so that you can adapt the practice to your needs.