Mysore
In Mysore Class, the teacher works individually with students to teach them a sequence of postures, breathing, gazing points, and connecting movements.
The practice is a regular, simple discipline of movement and breath. One by one, postures are practiced with linking movements termed “vinyasa”. Breathing is choreographed onto these movements and postures to create a codified system. Over time and through regular practice, individuals learn to develop physical and mental skills which can lead to a spacious sense of awareness and intuition.
With consistency and repetition, students memorize the sequence. The teacher slowly adds more as is appropriate for each student and based on each individual's goals and desires. Working regularly with the guidance makes this practice accessible to anyone.
Students are able to practice at their own pace while surrounded by the energy and inspiration of other students in the room. They are encouraged to start their practice at any time within the timeframe of the class and considering the length of time needed and desired on the mat.
Much of the learning in a Mysore class is based on your relationship with your teacher. The teacher observes your practice daily, and can provide feedback through hands on and verbal instruction. Guidance is offered to students on an individual level, taking into account the skill and capabilities of the practitioner so that their practice can flourish.
Mysore is a city in southern India where the physical practice is rooted. Students work one on one in a group setting, 3-6 day per week with their teacher, developing a sequence of postures and techniques. As one works with their teacher over time, the observes and can provide feedback in hands on and verbal instruction. The practice is developed slowly over time, which allows ease as new habits form.
An ashtanga yoga teacher shares the practice as an extension of their Sadhana after many years of devotion and study which is a way of life for the teacher. As one attends to the practice with care, even what may seem at a glance to be mundane, becomes a sacred foundation for the practitioner to know ones truest nature, developing strength, grace, and clarity.
Sequences
A set of 6 sequences of asanas was developed through which, when practiced regularly over months and years, offer infinite ways for practitioners to explore deeper learning, know oneself, and become established in yoga.
- Primary Series or Yoga Chikitsa (yoga therapy) the first sequence
- Nadi Shodhana, (nerve cleansing) the intermediate series
- Sthira Bhaga (divine steadiness) advanced series
The name "Ashtanga Yoga" is not referring so much to the sequences of postures typically used, but rather has more to do with the lineage, and traditions of learning yoga. The Sanskrit meaning is "eight limbs" in Patanjali's yoga sutras.
These limbs are, yama (moral principles), niyama (observances), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (the practice of meditation) and samadhi (absorption or merging with the divine).