Astanga Vinyasa Yoga

The method: The complete Primary Series of Astanga Vinyasa Yoga contains 75 carefully sequenced postures, flowing in a precise and ceaseless sequence from start to finish. Full awareness is required in order to maintain stability, flow, and continuous ujjayi breathing whilst moving, (vinyasa) from the start of the practice through to its conclusion. A complete and absolute concentration develops over time, leading gradually to a heightened sense of awareness and deeper connection to, and understanding of, life, oneself, and others. Fundamental to Astanga Vinyasa is ujjayi pranayama; a particular form of controlled breathing done in conjunction with a subtle energy lock, known as moola bandha.

A regular practitioner will, over time, come to know by heart the precise sequence of postures, breathing, transitional movements, hand positions and gazing points from start to finish.

"There is no use trying" said Alice
"One can't believe impossible things."
"I dare say you haven't had much practice" said the Queen.
"When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day -
why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!"

Sri K Pattabhi Jois (Guruji)

The Teacher: Sri K Pattabhi Jois (guruji) of Mysore, India, is acknowledged and respected with great affection worldwide as the source and foremost teacher of this method. Guruji ran away from home at a young age to study firsthand with Sri T Krishnamacharya for many years. In time he became a professor of Sanskrit and Advaita Vedanta at the Sanskrit college of Mysore. He also dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the study of the curative power of Yoga therapy at his Yoga research Institute in Mysore.

Now aged over 90 years he continues to teach daily classes at his yogashala in Mysore and still undertakes highly popular teaching tours around the world. He is assisted by his daughter Saraswati, and her son, Sharath, who is the worlds most advanced practitioner of Astanga Vinyasa Yoga. When asked questions about the practice guruji invariably responds:

"Practice, practice and all is coming!
99% practice only 1% theory!"

L to R: Jane, Guruji & Rebecca;
His first London visit

He firmly believes that students need to practice under the guidance of a skilled teacher, with sincerity and determination, and that from the practice alone all questions and doubts will fall away, all will be understood, and deep healing will occur. The truth of this is evidenced by the results that are clearly seen in the body, hearts and minds of his many thousands of students who hold him in such high regard.

In 2001, Sri K Pattabhi Jois generously gave me his blessing to teach Astanga, something I consider a great privilege.

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