What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Mysore Practice
- Self-Paced Practice: Students memorize the specific Ashtanga sequence and flow through the postures (asanas) at their own speed, guided by their own breath (Ujjayi breath).
- Individualized Instruction: The teacher circulates the room, offering personalized instruction, hands-on adjustments, and support tailored to each student's specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses. This makes it suitable for all levels, including complete beginners or those with injuries, as the practice can be modified accordingly.
- Progressive Learning: Students are taught the sequence bit by bit. Once they demonstrate steadiness and have memorized a portion of the sequence, the teacher guides them to the next posture to learn. This ensures a strong foundation is built before progressing to more challenging poses or series.
- Group Setting: Though the practice is individual, it takes place in a communal environment. This fosters a sense of community and shared energy, even with minimal verbal interaction.
- Meditative Focus: The repetition of the same sequence over time allows the mind to focus inward and enter a more meditative state, with fewer external distractions. The room is typically quiet, with only the sound of the students' breathing.
- Flexible Start Times: Unlike a traditional led class that starts at a specific time, in Mysore style teaching, students can arrive and begin their practice within a designated time window to finish their practice by the ending time.
- Commitment Required: The method encourages patience and personal responsibility as students take ownership of their practice and memorize the sequences.To experience the full benefits and progress effectively, it is generally recommended that students commit to practicing at least three to four times a week.
Led Primary Class
- Teacher-Paced: The instructor calls out the names of the poses and the corresponding breath counts (vinyasas), and all participants perform the movements together, in sync with the teacher's verbal cues.
- Focus on Vinyasa and Flow: The primary goal is to maintain the correct vinyasa (the synchronized system of breath and movement) for the entire sequence, which helps build mental and physical discipline.
- Group Energy: The collective movement and breathing of the group create a focused, high-energy environment, which can be motivating.
- Limited Individual Instruction: Unlike Mysore style, the teacher generally offers very little detailed, one-on-one instruction or hands-on adjustments during the flow itself, as they are guiding the entire group's rhythm.
- Purpose: Led classes serve as an important check-in for students to refine their practice, ensure they are following the correct sequence and breath count, and help refine self-practice habits developed during individual Mysore practice.