Ashtanga Yoga Series Guides

Śrī K. Pattabhi Jois, together with his Guru, Śrī T. Krishnamacharya, deciphered and collated this now world renowned Vinyasa series referred to as Astānga Vinyasa Yoga, which originated from the ancient Sanskrit text, the “Yoga Korunta.” He later founded the Astānga Yoga Research Institute.

Astānga Yoga is a method of Yoga renowned for its Vinyasa (breathing-synchronized movement) and designed to be practiced daily, six days a week, with a seventh day of rest and meditation. The sequenced postures of the first three series in the practice (Primary, Secondary, and Third) are the most structured of the six series, and designed as such to be practiced diligently, mindfully, ujjayi breath-by-ujjayi breath in sequence. It is important to learn the sequences of postures under the tutelage of a qualified practitioner and teacher since the correct application of each posture very much depends on the ones that precede it. The finishing asana must be performed in their entirety at the end of each practice series, even if your practice concludes with Surya Namaskara or part way through the series.

If there is one truth about the challenging Astānga Yoga practice, it is that, in the words of Śrī K.Pattabhi Jois himself, "Do your practice and all is coming." Or, as my friend Christine Hoar of Bristol Yoga in Vermont says, "Breathe, sweat, pray!"

- Nicole Bacon, Co-Founder of Yoga Mandala