"Yama, niyama, asana,
pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi are the
limbs leading to the goal of yoga" -Yoga Sutras 2:29
Yama is an ongoing cultivation
of peace - both internally and in action. This includes acts
of honesty, integrity, and modesty. Through these, the yogi builds
self-will and vital energy.
Niyama are actions towards
oneself including purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study,
and surrender to the Divine. Creativity of the highest quality
is manifested through these practices. All those seeking to improve
themselves, their families and communities practice yama and
niyama without naming it so. These are natural acts of the highest
human potential and goodness.
Asana is literally described
as a seat. This may be a "seat" for meditation such
as a cushion or blanket or the actual yogic position that one
assumes for a meditative practice. There are many asanas described
and practiced. Some are easily attained while others are more
difficult. Yogasanas (yoga positions) have many proven benefits
for health and wellness. The first step to spiritual development
is through a healthy body.
Pranayama is the practice
of cultivating and harnessing prana (vital life-force) from the
air we breath. Prana may be observed through our respiration,
blood and lymph circulation and the activity of the nervous system.
The yogis also speak of 72,000 nadis (subtle pathways), which
are super highways of this vital energy comparable with the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine.
Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana are
practices of redirecting the mind inward from its many wanderings
and confusions. When the mind is fixed on one particular object
in such a way that all preconceptions dissolve, meditation floods
the mind.
Samadhi is the culminating
practice of yoga. In Samadhi, the yogi approaches mastery and
the goal of Self-Realization, experiencing a deep inward bliss.
However, even Samadhi is a practice and the yogi is continually
developing and refining the limbs of yoga.
Current practices
Often there is some confusion when trying
to understand different yoga styles including the various schools
of "Ashtanga Yoga".
Since we recognize many traditions of yoga including differing
Ashtanga traditions, we often distinguish the method taught by
K Pattabhi Jois as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Vinyasa refers to the
moving and breathing system and the sequencing of postures in
series.
Jois learned yoga forms and vinyasa from one of the 20th centuries
great yogis, the renowned Krishnamacharya who in turn learned
from his guru Ramamohan Brahmachari in Tibet. Jois was to be
entrusted by is teacher to continue sharing the vinyasa yoga
method which he has done in an unbroken thread for nearly 70
years.
The method taught by Jois emphasizes postures
and movement synchronized by deep rhythmic breathing. The external
forms are meant to inspire an awakening of a meditative mood- "the
mind floods toward Self."
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois passed away in 2009. His grandson Sharath
Rangaswamy now directs the Main Shala (K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga
Yoga Institute) in Mysore, India.
For those interested in study at the Main Shala in Mysore, it
is now quite easy to enroll:
Register here at http://kpjayi.org/practice.html
Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI)
# 235 8th cross 2nd main 3rd stage
Gokulam, Mysore 570002, Karnataka, India
www.kpjayi.org
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