Ashtanga Vinyasa - A Great Form of Yoga for Healthy Life

Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga recorded by the sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta, an ancient manuscript " said to possess lists of several different groupings of asanas, as well as highly original teachings on Vinyasa, bandhas, drishti, mudras and philosophy. In Sanskrit, ashtanga means eight limbs, which refers to the eight limbs of yoga laid out in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This method of asana practice was interpreted by T. Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois from an ancient text known as the Yoga Korunta, which they claimed described a unique system of hatha yoga developed by Vamana Rishi. The ashtanga method stresses daily vinyasa flow practice using mula bandha, ujjayi breathing, drishti and uddiyana bandha. There are 6 different Ashtanga series, with the help of which a student progresses at his own space.

Eight Limbs

Eight limbed yoga is what Ashtanga yoga reflects and it's the 8 various practices inherent in its teaching. The name given to these 8 practices are yama, niyama, pranayama, asana, dharana, pratyahara, dhyana and samadhi. When translated to English, these mean moral codes, self study, breath control, posture, concentration, sense control, meditation and absorption into the Universal.

In this type of yoga, the first four limbs are considered as external. Their main objective is to connect you with the physical world and incorporates practices to help make those connections more consequential and gentle. Enhanced flexibility, relief from stress, coordination, balance, endurance and strength  are some benefits of practicing the four external cleansing limbs. Some experts also opine that you can keep away from ailments such as digestive problems and joint pain by practicing this yoga. The second four limbs of this type of yoga are the internal cleansing practices. These are developed to help control your mind and are intended to help you control the six spiritual positions. When one practices these mental control techniques, the mind gets completely refreshed.

Ashtanga Classes

Today, several yoga studios offer yoga teacher training in ashtanga vinyasa through ashtanga classes. Here, the students are instructed about the various poses, generally in the primary or secondary series. 'Shala' is the name given to the studio. Once the students are well versed with the order of poses, they could often opt for self led or Mysore style practice. This presents a great opportunity for the students to practice at their own speed and the level of their capability and of course under the guidance of a teacher and in the company of other students. In the Mysore method, each pose is mastered by the students in sequence and are given new poses to work on when they are ready for it.

Yoga is a form of exercise which relies on the belief that the body and the breath are closely connected with the mind. This ancient art creates harmony when one controls the breath and holds the body in steady asanas. There are several physical and mental benefits of these asanas that are much beyond imagination. Remember, by doing all the asanas in this type of yoga, one can be mentally and physically fit to a great extent. That's the reason there are many yoga schools or studios offering ashtanga yoga teacher training India, which can put a spark among many who have adapted themselves with the unhealthy and hectic life.