Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is derived from the Sanskrit words "Ashta" and "Anga." "Ashta" means eight, and "anga" means limbs or body parts. The Asht anga, or the eight limbs, include:

1. Yama (moral codes)
2. Niyama (self-discipline)
3. Asana (yoga posture)
4. Pranayama (breath control)
5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (oneness with the self)

Ashtanga yoga consists of a sequence of yoga postures. It includes six series/levels of yoga poses, including both standing and sitting poses. The first two series, known as the primary series and the second or intermediate series, are easy and basic level poses, but the remaining four levels, known as Advanced A or the third series, Advanced B or the fourth series, and Advanced D or the sixth series, are a little more difficult and advanced level poses. Ashtanga poses focus more on the breath while being performed. Among all yoga styles, Ashtanga Yoga is the most widely practiced.

History of Ashtanga Yoga

The original source of Ashtanga Yoga is "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,"  a textbook based on the theory and practise of yoga. "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" was written by the great sage, yoga guru, and author Patanjali. The textbook is based on the philosophy of Patanjali.

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, a yoga teacher and scholar, is believed to have created Ashtanga Yoga in the 20th century. Shir K. Pattabhi Jois learned yoga from a world renowned yoga teacher, T. Krishnamacharya. T. Krishnamacharya studied "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" and learned the classical Ashtanga style of yoga, which he taught to his students, including Shir K. Pattabhi Jois. Shir K. Pattabhi Jois developed and popularised Ashtanga Yoga. The Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute was founded by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois in 1948 in Mysore, India. Many people visit Mysore to learn authentic Ashtanga yoga from certified and notable yoga teachers.

Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga

The Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga are as follows:

Muscle Building: Ashtanga yoga is great for muscle building. The poses in Ashtanga yoga target muscles in the arms, legs, and core. The poses in Ashtanga put tension on the muscles, which in turn make the muscles grow bigger and stronger. Scientific studies have also shown that practising Ashtanga poses can increase muscular strength.

Lowers blood pressure and improves heart health: Ashtanga Yoga includes breathing exercises as well. The purpose of these exercises is to improve inhalation and exhalation. Breathing exercises with meditation help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and promote healthy living.

Reduce anxiety and stress: The meditation system in Ashtanga Yoga helps calm the mind and body. It reduces negative thoughts and enhances mood, which can naturally lower the stress and anxiety levels in the body. A lower level of stress and anxiety improves concentration as well as other abilities.

Better flexibility: The stretching exercises in Ashtanga yoga improve flexibility. The different poses performed in Ashtanga yoga require you to stretch the body muscles, which helps muscles release tension and stiffness in the body, which in turn improves flexibility and reduces the possibility of muscle injury. Recent studies have reported that practising Ashtanga yoga for 8 weeks can improve flexibility by over 35% in the body.

Increased self-awareness: It is beneficial for improving one's self awareness and consciousness. Practicing yoga meditation helps calm the mind and also to connect more with one's inner self. Connecting with one's inner self can assist a person in recognising their own strengths, weaknesses, and energy systems and transforming them through specific practices.

Weight loss: Ashtanga yoga consists of physical workout exercises that help reduce body fat. Celebrities also practise yoga to help maintain their weight, which makes them look good and attractive. It is estimated that an individual can lose up to 550 calories from 1 hour of yoga.

Which are the best places to learn Ashtanga Yoga in India?

India is the place that has given the world the beautiful gift of yoga. Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago. The word "yoga" is a Sanskrit language word that was first mentioned in an ancient text called the Rig Veda. The Rig Veda was developed and written by rishis (sages). Lord Shiva is believed to be the first yogi or adiyogi to be seen in yoga posture, and he is the one who invented yoga. Lord Shiva is believed to have founded yoga. People have been practising yoga on the Indian Subcontinent for thousands of years.

There are a number of places in India where people can learn Ashtanga yoga. However, the Best Place to Learn Ashtanga Yoga in India is Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and Mysore in Karnataka.

The fees for the yoga courses range between 300 and 1200 USD, depending on the course and the yoga school chosen. The courses will include the following:

• Accommodation (Shared/private)
• Yogic meals
• herbal tea with snacks
• Study material
• Weekend excursion 
• Wi-fi Facility

The Ashtanga Yoga Schools offer different yoga courses such as Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training, yoga retreats, and workshops. The different levels of Ashtanga Yoga teacher training courses offered at yoga schools include:

• 100 hour Ashtanga Teachers Training course
• 200 hour Ashtanga Teachers Training course

The following are the top 5 Ashtanga Yoga schools in India :

• Ashtanga Yoga, Mysore
• Rishikesh Ashtanga Yoga School, Rishikesh
• Sri Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh
• Ashtanga Yogapeeth Rishikesh, Rishikesh
• Diya Yogashala, Rishikesh

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