Top 5 Things to Do on the Kundalini Mp3s Page
|
Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a system of Hatha yoga popularized in the West by the late Pattabhi
Jois. Ashtanga translates as "eight-limbed path" which refers to the eight core
teachings from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the road of self-purification
leads to union with the Supreme One. The Eight Limbs, which address both physical
and mental cleansing are: yama (morality), niyama (self-purification), asana (postures),
pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (sensory control), dharana (concentration), dhyana
(meditation) and samadhi (union with the Universe).
Ashtanga yoga is an excellent system for logically moving through the body to build
flexibility and strength. Ashtanga Yoga is broken up into six series of postures,
although only the first series and second series are widely taught. The first series
is called the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) and detoxifies and aligns the body.
The second series is called the Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodana) and cleanses
the nervous system while opening the energy centers.
[ + ]
The four Advanced Series (A, B,C, and D) require an enormous level of flexibility
and strength as well as spiritual humility.
Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Pattabhi Jois is characterized by its vinyasa style of
flowing through the yoga postures, emphasizing the pose and getting into the pose
equally. The flow of your breath is important, as you always inhale while raising
your arms over your head and exhale while lowering them down to the mat, utilizing
a particular pranayama known as Ujjai breathing.
The vinyasa flow in Ashtanga Yoga is a variation of Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation.
The purpose of vinyāsa is to activate the fire or agni element in the body, creating
heat, which improves circulation and increases the body’s natural detoxification
through sweating. The warming of the body also improves flexibility and relaxes
tendons, resulting is a reduced risk of injury while a student is practicing an
advanced asana.
To establish a good Ashtanga yoga practice, you will want to try to build up to
3 to 5 session a week for at least 45 minutes. You hold each position for no more
than 5 or 6 breaths in order to maintain the heat you are generating in your body
for detoxification.
[ - ]
|