A Brief Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a style of Yoga which was created and founded by K. Pattabhi Jois. 

This particular sequence of Yoga is known as the Eight Limb Yoga, which has revolved in Pattanjali's (an ancient sage of India) enormous idea. 

It presented that the path of purification consists of eight different types of spiritual disciplines. 

The first four limbs that are present in Ashtanga Yoga are Yama (Social Restraints), Niyama (Self-Discipline), Asana (postures) and the Pranayama (breathwork). 

These four disciplines are cleansing practices which are physically attainable. 

And the other set of four limbs are the Pratyahara (sense control), Dhyana (meditation), Dharana (concentration) and Samadhi (Bliss, Peace or Enlightenment); which are internal work.

It is a common belief that the practice of these eight limbs of Yoga can only be beneficial by practising Ashtanga Yoga correctly.

Without the proper guidance of a Guru, these spiritual endeavours can create confusion amongst beginners.

K. Pattabhi Jois said that while practising these Eight Limbs, the body should be healthy so that it can perform these exercises well.

If ones' body is weak, and the body's organs are not functioning well, practising will result in very little or no progress.

It is essential to understand you are sure that your body will improve. 

And also take necessary steps to keep it more energetic and healthier as you incorporate Yoga for your health goals.

Vinyasa and Tristhana together are Ashtanga Yoga.

The Vinyasa is a style that makes Ashtanga and its principles distinct from the others. 

Vinyasa means the movement and breathing for the body's internal cleansing process.

Only a single breath accompanies each movement.

And sweat is an essential by-product of Vinyasa. 

When you start sweating, it means that you are successfully applying the techniques and practices of Ashtanga Yoga.

While you perform the Asanas in Vinyasa, the body creates heat which causes you to warm up and sweat toxins outside of your body. 

So the more sweat that you produce, the more toxins you release. 

The use of Asanas is to cultivate strength and health for the body. 

The 3 Levels of Ashtanga Practices

The three categories of practices of Ashtanga Yoga have different levels (Primary Series, Intermediate Series and Advanced Series).

They all include some (Standing Series, Seated Series and Finishing Poses).

The Primary Series aims at aligning your body with physically demanding routines.

Following is the Intermediate Series are also known as the Nadi Shodhana, (Nerve Cleansing). This series focuses on opening and cleaning your internal energy channels, which comes from the process of engaging your body's nervous systems.

The final Ashtanga Yoga Practice series would be the Advanced Series which are categorised from A to D. 

Usually, in the Advanced series, your grace and strength are monitored (By Your Guru or A Fellow Advanced Yoga Practice Companion).

Tristhana Yoga - A Sub-Element of Ashtanga Yoga

The Tristhana is also a yoga discipline which results in the union of three spaces of attention and action.

First is your posture; second is your breathing technique and the last is the Drishti (focal point) of your gaze or attention.

All these three should work together to perform a function. 

Breathing techniques are simultaneous and synchronised. 

It is thus vital to make a single breath for each flow.

Usually, Ujjayi Breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama) is the Yoga breathing technique used while practising Ashtanga. 

The Application of this breathwork must also be present even after yoga postures in your daily life.

In essence, what you need to master is holding your postures longer at the same time while filling your lungs.

Ujjayi Pranayama is an incredible breathing exercise that will help calm your mind and relax your body.

Ujjayi Pranayama is also known as the Victorious breath.

Both Ashtanga and Tristhana dabble with the series of Drishti. 

The Drishti is known to be the point of which you gain your focus and attention during a posture. 

It enables your mind to be purified, clear and be present in the moment. 

Finally setting your mind clear and cleansing it from the stresses and anxiety of the external world can be effectively done.

If you follow through the process of the Eight-Limb Yoga Discipline called the Ashtanga Yoga.

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