Asana | Pranayama | Mudra | Drshti | Bandha
The Four Main Paths | Astanga Vinyasa | Hatha
Philosophy | Chakras | Mantra | Meditation | Yoga Nidra

Jane being adjusted by Lino Miele

The Primary series of Astanga Vinyasa Yoga takes many years to master completely. Fortunately, the journey is highly enjoyable, engrossing, and rewarding in all sorts of unexpected ways. At first glance, the practice appears to be based upon super fitness and agility alone. In fact, the grace and strength of the method is based upon full awareness and steady, focused breathing. As strength, stamina and flexibility develop, real understanding grows, and the practice becomes a calm, internalised, moving meditation. Many benefits are experienced, including clear thinking, tenacity, tenderness, deep release, and a calm inner strength. A regular practitioner of Astanga will come to know by heart the precise sequence of postures and breathing, transitional movements, hand positions and gaze-points from start to finish. Gradually the practitioner develops strength, determination, stamina, grace, flexibility and self-understanding. The eight limbs, the yamas and niyamas in particular, come to life through practising in such a sensitive and focused manner.

Guruji, London

The postures can be seen as pearls strung onto the thread of the breath (see Pattabhi Jois' book "Yoga Mala"). As each new posture is learned, the necklace grows, and the uniqueness and beauty of the individual practitioner emerges. The breathing remains deep, steady and undisturbed throughout. To reach this point takes much practice and many years. Always remember the true aim of Yoga: "To still the restless mind" whilst practising. Be fully aware, as you work through the postures that what is really required is persistence, determination, steadiness of attention, courage, patience, humility, and a sense of humour!

"To the mind that is still the whole universe surrenders"

Chakras

The word derives from the root car, meaning, "to move". There are various somewhat differing models. A widely accepted teaching instructs that there are seven main Chakras (energy centres) located within and without the body, from base of spine through to the top of the head. No single chakra is more, or less important than the others. Each chakra has a bija mantra which, when chanted, vibrates/resonates in such a way as to awaken/open/clear/strengthen the energies of that chakra. Each chakra has a colour (or colours) relating to it, an element, and particular qualities also. Thus, the muladhara chakra (base or root) colour red, relates to being grounded, secure, and having a good foundation (in asana as in life).

Let go of curiosity, aim for quiet trust and acceptance.
Gradually sensations are felt, understanding grows, and consciousness expands.

Consider the elements, beginning with the heavier, more tangible, moving up to the lighter elements. Thus the element earth relates to the first (or base) chakra, water to the second, and so on through fire, air, ether, then going beyond the material aspect, beyond the tangible, and eventually beyond everyday understanding. Through following the many and varied ancient practices for awakening and clearing the chakras the energy becomes balanced, and physical and spiritual well-being occurs. Simply becoming aware of the chakras, their location, qualities, colours, and the sounds associated with them leads one further into the exploration of self, life and others.

"Surrender all thoughts of the fruits of your actions"
Bhaghavad Gita

© Jane Sleven 2003 - www.yogatree.uk.com