| If you are interesting in taking up yoga, Ashtanga yoga | | | | meant to help us acquire a comfortable sitting position |
| may be the kind of yoga for you. This popular form of | | | | to help with meditation. Physically asanas help lower |
| yoga has an interesting history. | | | | blood pressure and cholesterol, maintain a healthy |
| Sri Krishnamacharya at Mysore Palace originally | | | | heart and keep us fit. Mentally, they help lower stress |
| established Ashtanga yoga. Krishnamacharya is | | | | and tensions in our lives. |
| responsible for influencing many modern forms of | | | | The next four steps cannot be practiced. They are |
| yoga practiced today. The Ashtanga Yoga taught by | | | | about creating the perfect conditions for true |
| Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India, is the most faithful | | | | meditation. The fifth step is pratyahara or a withdrawal |
| to Krishnamacharya's teachings. It was originally | | | | of senses. This step is about maintaining attention and |
| developed for teenage boys, but is now popular with | | | | avoiding distractions from our senses. The next three |
| people of all ages. It is an aerobic type yoga, which is | | | | steps deal with the meditative aspect of yoga. Dhara |
| physically demanding. The main focus is on vinyasa, | | | | is concentrating in one direction. Dhyana is |
| which are a series of movements combined with | | | | uninterrupted meditation and Samadhi is being one with |
| specific breathing patterns. There should be one breath | | | | self or total absorption. |
| for each movement. This breathing and movement | | | | There are three sequence groups involved in |
| seeks to make the blood hot. Hot blood will be thin and | | | | Ashtanga yoga. The first is the Primary Series, which |
| aid in purifying the body with better blood flow. It will | | | | focuses on aligning the body and ridding it of toxins. |
| also produce sweat, which will rid the body of harmful | | | | The next step is the Intermediate Series. This involves |
| toxins, leaving the body in a disease free state. | | | | opening and clearing channels and purifying our |
| Ashtanga Yoga seeks to purify the mind and body | | | | nervous system. The last step is the Advanced Series. |
| through the eight limbs or steps of yoga. The first two | | | | This step includes higher levels of flexibility and |
| steps are Yama (control) and Niyana (rules of | | | | combines strength and grace. Advancement through |
| conduct) and are the ways in which we deal with how | | | | each step is only attained after mastering the previous |
| we interact with the world and ourselves. These steps | | | | step. |
| cannot be practiced but are ethical issues. They are | | | | Ashtanga yoga is practiced at an individual's own |
| meant to create an environment that promotes | | | | pace. An Ashtanga yoga class could consist of the |
| positive growth. | | | | entire class being at different levels. It is an independent |
| The third and fourth steps deal with asanas (poses | | | | yoga. The classes will be quiet with no socialization. |
| postures) and pranayama (breath control). Ashtanga | | | | Ashtanga yoga will differ from other types of yoga |
| yoga holds the belief that breathing is basic to life. | | | | due to its focus on vinyasas. It strives to establish |
| Breathing should be even, smooth and possess a | | | | correct breathing, postures, a control of senses and an |
| natural rhythm. Most people do not breathe correctly | | | | awareness of our selves. It is a physically demanding |
| and thereby use only one half their total lung capacity. | | | | exercise, which will result in a light, strong body and a |
| Correct breathing will bring our mind to our heart's | | | | calm mind. |
| center and lead to inner peace. Asanas or poses are | | | | |