What is Ashtanga Yoga?
During Ashtanga practice, students follow a set series of vinyasas, which means movement connected by breath. Each asana has a corresponding Drishti — a specific place to direct your gaze while in the pose. One of the main goals of ashtanga is to establish a consistent daily practice. Just roll out your mat, and let your breath guide you, finding meditation in motion.
Ashtanga comes with the benefits of strength, flexibility, stress management, and inner peace. Because the series is so demanding, you will get very strong really fast. There is no part of the body that doesn’t work hard in this practice. The ultimate purpose of Ashtanga practice is the purification of the body and mind.
What is MySore
Way back in the ’40s, a yogi named K. Pattabhi Jois developed Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga after about 20 years of studying under some amazing yoga gurus like Krishnamacharya. He set up the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (known as the KPJAYI) in Gokulam, Mysore.
In Mysore yoga practice, the students practice their yoga sequence at their own pace in the set order, but without the teacher calling out the names of postures. The instructor still provides directions and physical assistance, but this is one to one, rather than to the whole group. It is also traditional that in a Mysore practice, the yogi will master one asana at a time in sequential order, and will not move on to the next asana until they have mastered the current one. Mysore-style classes are often taken on a daily basis, practicing every day except Saturday or days of the full and new moon.
Karma Yoga KPJAYI level-2 Mysore Shala
In Karma Yoga, Mysore-style classes are guided by our lovely KPJAYI level-2 teacher Fatima. Practice starts at 6:00 am till 8:30 am every weekday while students commence as per their convenient timings. Mysore students also practice the one-day Ashtanga LED series Friday morning.
Fatima often does some hands-on adjustments if she thinks she could guide you a little deeper into the pose. She might also give you new postures to practice if you seem ready to go further in the series. There’s a lot of focus on the breath in Ashtanga yoga so when you walk in the room you will be able to hear everyone breathing deeply and calmly.
From our shala, you’ll be watching the sunrise every single day, which apart from the practice reminds you to be grateful.
Is Mysore Good for Yoga Beginners?
Mysore-style is definitely suitable for beginners. Imagine having your own, one-to-one yoga instructor with you every day. Someone to keep an eye on your form, remind you to breathe and motivate you when you need it and hand-on adjust you when required. You’ll have a private yoga class while actually being in a group class.
One of the best things about a Mysore style practice is that you start at your own pace. When you start learning the sequence, you only go as far as you can. Fatima will guide you into more postures as you build strength and flexibility.
For those interested in starting ashtanga, your flexibility, strength, and skill aren’t nearly as important as your commitment to consistency. As there is no start or end time of sessions, your practice remains as per your convenience.
