What is Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga yoga is an embodied, physical vinyasa practice. It follows a specific sequence of postures which strengthens the body, increases muscle and joint mobility, stabilizes the nervous system, cleanses the internal organs and the lymphatic system, improves cognitive function and augments the ability to concentrate over longer periods of time. Each asana is thoughtfully sequenced to create a specific benefit for the physical body and mind. Students are taught individually, pose by pose, and over time the sequence becomes memorized by the student. All poses can be modified to meet the students capacity and needs. This practice is for all bodies regardless of age and injury.

The Ashtanga Yoga method is based on the concept of vinyasa and is the father of all popular vinyasa yoga classes we know of today. Vinyasa in Sanskrit means to place in a specific way. This refers to the sequencing of the asanas (Ashtanga yoga contains 6 series of sequenced asana) and also to the interconnection of breath with specific postures or asanas.

The Ashtanga Yoga method finds its foundations in ancient Tantrik practices. Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari instructed these teachings to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900′s in a cave in Tibet. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the father of the Ashtanga yoga system, learned these teachings while he studied with Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927. Pattabhi Jois in turn taught his grandson, Sharath Jois, who was the most advanced and dedicated teacher and practitioner of this lineage in the modern world. He carried the authenticity of the Ashtanga Yoga lineage until his passing in 2024. The Ashtanga Yoga system is a living tradition. It has been passed on for thousands of years from teacher to student in an unbroken line. This lineage began with sages, seers and gurus. It culminates through Sri K Pattabbhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Jois and every single traditional practitioner today. This direct transmission of knowledge from teacher to student is known as “parampāra” and contains unparalleled wisdom that we hope to continue through our work at Garage Yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga literally means 8 limbed. It incorporates the eight disciplines described in the Patanjali Yoga Shastra. In the practice of Ashtanga Yoga asana or physical postures become the tangible catalysts that helps us to understand, experience, and live the remaining seven limbs.

The eight limbs are:

yama-restraints,
niyama -observances,
asana-posture,
pranayama-breathing,
pratyahara-sense withdrawal
dharana -concentration
dyana-meditation
samamdi-unification of subject and object.

Overall the Ashtānga Yoga practice gifts its practitioners with the ability to live a happier, healthier more mindful existence.

What is Mysore Style Class?

Mysore style is the most traditional and historic method of practicing yoga. It is named after the birth city of the Ashtanga yoga practice, Mysore, India where the late Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois lived and taught continuing the lineage of teachings from his guru, Krishnamacharya.

Mysore class is based on individualized instruction between student and teacher. The teacher gives the student a sequence of postures to perform. During this process the teacher provides personalized and detailed instruction pose by pose. The teacher explains correct breathing, bandha engagement, alignment, gazing point (dristi) and all other necessary elements of the practice. The practice is learned gradually by repetition in this manner. Over time, the student will commit the series to memory.

In this unique class you develop tremendous trust in yourself. You learn to take responsibility for your own yoga practice and it becomes part of you. This method allows students to learn some of the most advanced postures safely and with confidence.

By committing yourself to regular practice of one yoga style and one teaching method you can truly deepen your understanding of yourself on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level. Mysore style practice is for anyone who is interested in expanding their own potential and practice on and off the mat.

It is a common misconception that one needs to be an experienced practitioner of the Ashtanga Yoga system to begin a Mysore style practice. This is not the case at all; in fact the best way to begin the Ashtanga yoga practice is through the Mysore style method.

How many days a week should I practice?

It is recommended that beginning students commit to one month practice with a minimum of attending class 2 times per week to start. Over time, the practice builds to 4-6 days per week, taking Saturdays as rest days. Traditionally the practice is not performed on Full and New Moon days and ladies holiday.

We hope to have you join us in the Garage soon!

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