In Indian philosophy, yoga for the body and mind has been practised for over 5,000 years. If you are new to yoga, it is good to take a few classes in a slower type of yoga to get a feel for the poses. 

Various types of yoga combine postures, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation. In recent years, yoga has become a popular form of physical exercise based on poses that increase the control of body and mind and promote wellbeing.    

You may also want to try other asana courses to learn the basic poses before you enter the Ashtanga practice. If you feel like trying out a plethora of different practices before settling on Ashtanga, why not try this free 30-day yoga challenge.    

If you prefer a more energetic style of yogic practice, Ashtanga Yoga might be the style for you. This style of yoga focuses on muscle training and the development of physical strength. Practising this style of yoga will rejuvenate your body and make it stronger, firmer, more flexible and more controlled. It ensures holistic health and life as well.

An ashtanga is a challenging form of yoga, but it is also one that is very adaptable. It includes all the benefits of regular yoga exercises such as strength, flexibility, stress management and inner peace. Although Ashtanga can be a challenge, it has many advantages.    

Sign up for our Ashtanga Yoga classes with a knowledgeable and attentive yoga instructor at every step of the way in your growth and practice. Our Yoga Flow and Yoga Flow Focus courses are the perfect next step for Yoga Flow beginners to ensure that our courses are suitable for all levels of experience. Our beginner yoga flow course is ideal for those who want to practice beginner yoga in North Sydney as it introduces breathing, Drishti bandhas and vinyasa poses.    

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is an exercise in mindfulness, flexibility and meditation that allows you to nourish your body and mind through millennia-old practices. An ancient manuscript called Yoga Korunta contains teachings on Vinyasa, Drishti Bandhas, Mudra and yogic philosophy.

The first four phases of Patanjali Ashtanga yoga focus on refining our personality, the mastery of the body, the development of an energetic consciousness of ourselves and the preparation for the second half of the journey which is about the meaning of mind and attaining higher consciousness. As already mentioned, the physical yoga practice aims to prepare the body and mind for meditation. Through the practice of asanas, we develop habits, discipline, and the ability to concentrate on the necessary meditations.    

According to the yoga sutras of Patanjali, this practice is called the eightfold path leading to self-awakening and liberation. The Ashtanga system emphasizes the eight limbs of yoga specified in the Yoga Sutra of Malaspina that are intended to serve as a practice for a meaningful life. The literal translation of Ashtanga’s yoga is eight-part yoga, the eight spiritual practices that form the path of inner purification. This is why it is termed as the best to have holistic health.

The lessons will explore yoga writing, singing, meditation, asana, pranayama and music. The Patanjali Yoga Sutra is an ancient text on yoga theory and practice that is believed to have been written in 200 AD by the sage Patanjali to begin higher teachings for those ready to enter the last limbs of the practice.   

One of the most remarkable things about Ashtanga Yoga is that yogis perform a certain number of yoga poses in a certain sequence. During these poses, they must synchronize their breathing movements with the flow known as Vinyasa. Mantra (Yoga and Meditation) – I have created a list of yoga poses below with some helpful tips.    

This grouping comprises all the series that make up the practice of Ashtanga. There are six difficulty levels known as Primary Series, Secondary Series, Advanced Series, A, B, C and D. Many Ashtanga studios in the US teach both Primary Series and Advanced Series, depending on the needs of the advanced students.    

Most Ashtanga Yoga practitioners adhere to the primary sequence, which is the first recognized sequence in the system. Each member of the practice contains a total of six series, which are superimposed. 

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is suitable for those who want to be strong and tough, increase their mobility and give their body more energy. In Ashtanga Yoga practice, there are eight practising limbs that we need to master to overcome suffering, to know our true nature, and to experience the true goal of yoga.    

The name Ashtanga Yoga originated from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, but it was two Indian yoga teachers named Krishnamacharya and Pattabhi Jois who developed Ashtanga Yoga we know today and love in the 21st century. They lived in Mysore, a southern Indian city in the state of Karnataka.    

Born in 1888, Guru Tirumala Krishnamacharya spent his early years studying various forms of yoga, including physical asanas and Sanskrit postures and practices. Ashtanga Yoga was developed by an Indian called Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who developed a practice centred on third-limb yoga and asana poses. This yoga, Korunta, became the Ashtanga practice that we know and practice today.   

By Alexander James

Beau Alexander James: Beau, a mental health advocate, shares personal stories, coping strategies, and promotes mental health awareness and understanding.