ASHTANGA YOGA has been considered one of the most popular forms of yoga in the Western world since the 1990s. An Ashtanga practice includes a series of poses linked together with breath to form a continuous sequence. The practice is typically non-heated, with no music, just the sound of the yogis' breath as they move together in their practice. The practice demands an advanced level of physical strength, flexibility, and endurance, which explains why many people see it as a rigorous and challenging workout. The Ashtanga sequence begins with a mastery of the primary series (Yoga Chiktsa). As students progress, additional series of postures are given to the student under the careful eye of their teacher.
The word Ashtanga is comprised of two Sanskrit words, “Ashta” and “Anga.” “Ashta” refers to the number eight, while “Anga” means limb or body part. The Eight Limbs of Yoga first discussed by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras brings together eight limbs of yoga philosophy (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Prathyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi) under one umbrella and serve as a prescription for yoga practitioners to lead meaningful life with purpose. The Yoga Sutras are not meant as a religious practice, but a philosophical one, inviting yogis of all levels to lead lives of peace on and off the mat.
The word Ashtanga is comprised of two Sanskrit words, “Ashta” and “Anga.” “Ashta” refers to the number eight, while “Anga” means limb or body part. The Eight Limbs of Yoga first discussed by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras brings together eight limbs of yoga philosophy (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Prathyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi) under one umbrella and serve as a prescription for yoga practitioners to lead meaningful life with purpose. The Yoga Sutras are not meant as a religious practice, but a philosophical one, inviting yogis of all levels to lead lives of peace on and off the mat.
Ashtanga Primary Series Cheat Sheet. Source: Yoga Manchester UK