History of Ashtanga Yoga: Exploring Its Ancient Roots

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Did you know that Ashtanga Yoga, that dynamic practice, dates back thousands of years in India?¹ Let’s dive into the deep heritage and lineage of this eminent yogic tradition.

Ashtanga Yoga is a type of Hatha Yoga famous for its energetic poses and the link of breath to movement.² Its origins lie in ancient manuscripts such as the “Yoga Korunta” by Vamana Rishi and the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, focusing on the eight limbs of yoga.² These old teachings moved through a line of great yoga teachers, like T. Krishnamacharya and his student Pattabhi Jois. They are regarded as pivotal in bringing Ashtanga Yoga to the world as it is today.²

What makes Ashtanga Yoga so special that people all over the globe practice it? Let’s explore the history, teachings, and powerful effects of this ancient and lively yoga.

Key Takeaways

• Ashtanga Yoga comes from India’s ancient teachings, such as the Yoga Korunta and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
• This yoga style evolved through famous teachers like T. Krishnamacharya and Pattabhi Jois, who shaped the Ashtanga Yoga we know today.
• It’s known for its active poses, the joining of breath with movement, and principles like Drishti and Bandhas.
• Ashtanga Yoga classes challenge physically fit and disciplined practitioners, providing an advanced yoga experience.
• It’s become popular everywhere, with passionate individuals and teachers sharing its benefits and wisdom.

The Origins of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga has ancient roots in Indian texts and teachings. The “Yoga Korunta”, written by Vamana Rishi², is a key source. It talks about poses, sequences (vinyasas), and other teachings passed to T. Krishnamacharya². The ideas in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras² also match Ashtanga’s principles, especially its eight limbs.

Ancient Texts and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

The Yoga Sutras², written between 200 B.C.E. and 250 C.E.², are a big deal for yoga. They influenced Ashtanga a lot. The Sutras discuss the eight limbs of yoga, which Ashtanga uses as its base.

The Yoga Korunta and Vamana Rishi

According to history, the “Yoga Korunta” by Vamana Rishi² is Ashtanga Yoga’s original source. It covered poses, sequences, and more. These teachings later influenced T. Krishnamacharya², the man known as the father of modern yoga. So, the core of Ashtanga Yoga comes from Vamana Rishi’s ancient text.

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T. Krishnamacharya: The Father of Modern Yoga

T. Krishnamacharya is known as the father of modern yoga. He was key in making Ashtanga Yoga what it is today.³ Krishnamacharya learned yoga deeply during seven years with a guru. He did this while living in a cave and walking away from normal life.⁴ This legendary figure of yoga was born in a small South Indian village. He was a short Brahmin man born more than a hundred years ago.

Krishnamacharya’s Life and Teachings

In 1931, Krishnamacharya started teaching at the Sanskrit College in Mysore.⁴ He developed the Ashtanga Yoga system then, which he later shared with his top student, Pattabhi Jois.³ His work greatly impacted modern yoga, earning him the title “Father of Modern Yoga.”³ By reviving hatha yoga and creating Viniyoga, he made a lasting mark. Krishnamacharya also wrote four books about yoga, like “Yoga Makaranda” and “Yogavalli.”³

The Sanskrit College in Mysore

³ In the 1930s, Krishnamacharya taught at the Mysore Palace and then opened the Yogashala yoga school, thanks to royal support.⁴ The royal family of Mysore was great patrons of the arts. This helped create a good space for him to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga.⁴ Krishnamacharya found stable ground in 1931 at the Sanskrit College in Mysore. This allowed him to focus completely on teaching yoga.

Pattabhi Jois: The Guru of Ashtanga Yoga

Pattabhi Jois, known as “guruji,” is a key figure in Ashtanga Yoga. He started learning yoga with T. Krishnamacharya when he was 12 in 1927⁵. Jois stayed dedicated to his teacher. In 1933, Krishnamacharya opened a yoga center at the Jaganmohan Palace in Mysore. Here, Jois got the maharaja’s approval to teach.⁵

Jois’s Journey with Krishnamacharya

At 21, Jois was already a well-respected yoga teacher, teaching at the College in Mysore.⁶ He opened his own Ashtanga Yoga shala in Mysore in 1948. He taught the Ashtanga Yoga method he learned from Krishnamacharya there. This passed the knowledge to many dedicated followers.⁵

Establishing the Ashtanga Yoga Shala

Pattabhi Jois started the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, in 1948.⁶ He taught at the Sanskrit College in Mysore from 1937 to 1973.⁶ In 1958, Jois wrote the book “Yoga Mālā.” The English version was released in 1999⁶. Jois kept teaching at his institute with his daughter Saraswathi Rangaswamy and grandson Sharath until he died.⁶

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The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga follows the eight limbs explained in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.⁷ These include principles for everyday life, physical postures, breath control, and more.1⁸

Yamas and Niyamas: Moral and Ethical Principles

The Yamas and Niyamas set the moral code for Ashtanga Yoga.⁷ Yamas are about not harming others, being truthful, not stealing, saving your energy, and not clinging to things.⁷ Niyamas are positive actions like keeping clean, being happy with what you have, working hard, studying yourself, and seeking connection with the divine.⁷

Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara

Ashtanga Yoga’s physical, mental, and spiritual parts start with Asana, or posture.⁷ Pranayama is about breathing in ways that calm the mind and improve focus.⁷ Pratyahara then turns our senses inward, away from the outer world.⁷

Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi

The next steps are Dhāraṇā (concentration), Dhyāna (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss or unity). Dhāraṇā is training the mind to focus on one thing,⁷ while Dhyāna keeps the mind fixed on that to create deep awareness without interruption.⁷ Samadhi is the peak, a state where self-awareness is supreme after passing through the earlier stages.⁸

The Asana practice includes linking breath with movement (vinyasa), with a focus on Drishti (point of focus) and Bandhas (energy locks).⁷

History of Ashtanga Yoga

The Mysore Style and Tradition

Ashtanga Yoga originates from Mysore, India.⁹ There, Pattabhi Jois began the Ashtanga Yoga Shala. He taught a unique style called the Mysore style. In this method, students follow a specific sequence on their own, with the teacher’s support.⁹ This focused on self-practice and personal guidance, defining Ashtanga Yoga’s essence.

Ashtanga Yoga’s Spread to the West

Jois’s Ashtanga teachings soon found fans beyond Mysore.¹⁰ Practitioners in the West began to embrace Ashtanga Yoga with enthusiasm.¹⁰ This led to a global spread of the practice over the last fifty years.

The Primary Series: Yoga Chikitsa

The root of Ashtanga Yoga is the Primary Series, or Yoga Chikitsa. Its aim is to cleanse and strengthen the body. This series follows a specific order of poses. Each pose flows into the next, linked with the breath.¹¹

The Flow of the Primary Series

First, the Primary Series includes Sun Salutations. Then, it moves through standing, sitting, and final poses. As you go through this, you gain strength, become more flexible, and learn the Ashtanga Yoga basics.¹¹

Mastering the Foundations

Getting a hold of the Primary Series is key before moving to harder parts of Ashtanga Yoga. It lays a strong foundation, teaching the Ashtanga Yoga Sequences. This prepares you to dive deeper into the practice.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: The Breath-Movement Synchronization

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a style that focuses on syncing your breath with your movements. It’s also known as vinyasa yoga, where you move from one pose to the next while breathing deeply.¹² This method links each posture with a breath. This creates a seamless flow of movement and breath. It’s great for heating up the body, getting rid of toxins, and staying mentally sharp.

The Concept of Vinyasa

Vinyasa means to link breath with movement in Ashtanga Yoga.¹² With every posture, there’s a specific breath it’s paired with. This continuous flow increases body heat, cleanses the body, and sharpens the mind.

Ujjayi Breath: The Victorious Breath

The Ujjayi breath is a significant part of Ashtanga Yoga. It’s a deep, loud breathing method that’s meant to be calming.¹² This type of breath helps with stress and anxiety. It’s called the “victorious breath” because it helps spread energy all over your body as you breathe in and out. The sound it makes is soothing, aiding in mental calmness.

The Principles and Philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is more than just exercise. It’s a way to discover and change yourself, based on old yoga teachings.¹³ Its core includes Drishti (focus) and Bandhas (locks).

Drishti: The Focused Gaze

Drishti means focusing your eyes during poses. It builds focus and brings you into a mindful state.¹³ Keeping Drishti is key in Ashtanga. It keeps you connected during practice.

Bandhas: The Energetic Locks

Bandhas are special locks in your body. They help control your energy flow and make practice deeper.¹³ With the Bandhas and following the Yamas and Niyamas, Ashtanga builds its philosophy.

Ashtanga teaches overcoming mental and emotional challenges. This leads to clear thoughts and strong, flexible body.¹³ It aims to bring deep attention and mindfulness. This helps in understanding your whole self.

The Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga Practice

Practicing Ashtanga Yoga can change your body and mind. It’s a dynamic form of yoga that boosts strength, flexibility, and heart health. It also helps detoxify your body and improve your health.¹⁴ The focus on breathing and movement improves mental sharpness, reduces stress, and brings inner peace and well-being.¹⁴

Physical and Mental Transformation

Ashtanga Yoga is amazing for the body and mind. It makes your heart healthier, muscles stronger, and body more flexible. It even makes your immune system stronger.¹⁴ The focus on being mindful and controlling your breath helps lower stress, improve focus, and makes you feel good overall.¹⁴

Cultivating Self-Discipline and Focus

It’s a yoga method that builds self-discipline and focus. This has great effects on your life. The clear steps and focus on doing poses right make you commit to your practice.¹⁴ As you practice more, you get stronger mentally and physically. This helps you succeed both on and off the mat.¹⁴

Ashtanga Yoga: A Unique and Transformative Practice

Ashtanga Yoga is a special practice that helps you grow in body, mind, and spirit. It’s a way to understand yourself better. Its history comes from old Indian books and is now practiced worldwide.¹⁵ The poses are done in a certain order. You need to breathe right and think deep thoughts. This makes it different from other types of yoga.

People do Ashtanga Yoga for different reasons. Some want to get fit, others want to focus better. And some want to feel their connection to something bigger. The yoga includes rules to follow, ways to behave, and physical moves. These help you grow and get to know yourself more.¹⁵

Ashtanga Yoga is tough but very good for you. You do special poses and breathe a certain way. This helps make you strong, flexible, and more healthy overall. It also helps relax and clear your mind. Doing it regularly can change your life in many positive ways.¹⁵

Ashtanga Yoga’s story is long and full of wisdom from the past. It’s dedicated to famous yoga teachers, like Pattabhi Jois. No matter if you’re just starting or have done it for years, Ashtanga Yoga always has something to teach you. It’s valuable for anyone wanting to grow and learn more about themselves..¹⁶

Conclusion

Ashtanga Yoga comes from old Indian teachings and texts, making it a deep and profound practice.¹¹ It has grown over time thanks to famous yoga masters like T. Krishnamacharya and Pattabhi Jois.¹¹,¹⁷ This yoga blends the body, mind, and spirit, offering a complete path to better yourself.¹⁷ No matter if you’re just starting or have practiced for years, Ashtanga Yoga is both special and enriching. It enriches life in many ways and is worth exploring.

This look into Ashtanga Yoga’s past and essence shows its enduring value. It draws wisdom from the Yoga Sutras and teachings of top yoga masters.¹¹,¹⁷ Today, it helps countless people work on their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Ashtanga Yoga keeps growing and inspiring people across the globe. It proves the lasting power of yoga to make lives better.

Ashtanga Yoga stands out in the vast world of yoga, offering its own unique journey.¹⁷ By learning its principles and philosophy, you can find a deep connection with yourself and the world. This practice inspires new generations, showing its strong role in promoting well-being and change.

Source Links

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