On Ashtanga Vinyasa and Mysore Style

“[…] there is no body-mind distinction, body-mind is a continuous whole, because practicing asanas confers benefits on body, nervous system and mind all at the same time.” 

One simple thing, Eddie Stern

For those new to Ashtanga, I will briefly explain this style and how it differs from other forms of yoga. The word "ashtanga" means "eight limbs," which are enumerated in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This text, written around 200 CE, is one of the most important in yoga philosophy as it lays out many fundamental concepts.

Ashtanga Vinyasa is a method created by Pattabhi Jois, a former student of Krishnamacharya (most modern yoga practices are derived from his teachings). It consists of six series, each with a fixed number of asanas. Each series begins with sun salutations, followed by fundamental positions, the asanas of the series the one is practicing and ends with closing postures. The series are numbered in growing intensity, and as for the asanas, they are given to the student once the precedent one is mastered. The first series, Yoga Chikitsa aims at the purification of the body, through sweating the toxins out, building internal heat with the aid of the breath.

The various asanas are linked together through vinyasas, which create a fluid succession of postures and link the movement to the breath. Breath is an essential component, allowing us to move into and out of positions while keeping us grounded in the present moment. During the practice, we allow the gaze to rest on specific points to enhance focus and mental steadiness. Once a student has memorised the sequence, they practice Mysore Style, at their own pace, with the teacher observing and providing adjustments when necessary. 

This practice requires deep concentration and discipline, helping to build a strong and flexible body that reflects a resilient and steady mind.

The most beautiful aspect of the practice is its ability to deeply change us; it is an incredibly transformative journey. In Gregor Maehle’s book on Pranayama, I loved an expression he used to describe yogis performing pranayama as astronauts of inner space. I suddenly thought, "That’s what I want to be." Yoga transforms you into an astronaut of the incredibly vast inner galaxies. That’s also why I added pranayama and meditation practices to the end of my Ashtanga ritual—because it makes a huge difference. For all the wanderers and seekers out there, I can only recommend giving this journey a try. You will discover an entire new universe that was just waiting for you. Embrace the practice, and let it guide you to depths within yourself that you never knew existed. As you journey inward, you will find not only peace and clarity but also a profound connection to the world around you. This path is one of continuous growth and discovery, offering endless possibilities for transformation. So step onto your mat with an open heart and mind, explore the galaxies within.