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Blending history with a dash of yogic humor, Boonchu Tanti’s Ashtanga yoga illustrations capture the essence of the joy and playfulness of yoga.
Ever Wonder What a Typical Morning in Mysore is Like for an Ashtanga Yoga Freak?
November 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Study this little piece of yogic art and you’ll get the idea.
Ashtanga Yoga: Maria Villella on Finding the Balance on your Hands and in Your Life
November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
If you enjoyed the first clip you may be interested in checking out Maria’s
Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series
Ashtanga Yoga teacher Maria Villella demonstrates the entire Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series with strength, grace and control. As you watch, and listen, to the video you will hear the vinyasas for each posture counted, the names of the postures as well as the opening and closing prayers all spoken in Sanskrit.
The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga is known for hip-openers, forward bends as well as Ashtanga Yoga’s trademark ‘jumping back’ and ‘jumping through’ vinyasas to connect the seated postures. Movement coordinated with proper breathing, bandha (internal energy locks) and drishti (gaze) is emphasized in this practice. The Primary Series begins with five Surya Namaskara A’s and B’s followed by the Fundamental Asana which are often referred to as the “standing postures”. Following the standing postures is a series of Seated Postures, and finally the Finishing Postures. In the Ashtanga Yoga system, the First or Primary Series is performed by all beginners and also intermediate and advanced students at least one day per week.
Maria Villella was filmed as she performed her personal practice in a Yoga studio in Santa Monica, California. None of the video was enhanced by special effects such as slow-motion, etc. Maria Villella has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga since 2001 and teaching since 2003. The Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series that Maria is seen performing in this documentary style video represents the practice as she learned it from her teacher.
Available for digital download here.
Ashtanga Yoga Opening and Closing Mantra
April 29, 2011 By 1 Comment
Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga with Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann and Greg Nardi
March 16, 2011 By 2 Comments
Despite the fact that we’re all about 1/10 as flexible as Kino MacGregor, this “Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga” promises to be a great resource for passing on the tradition. We’ll let you know when it becomes available from Miami Life Center. Should be “soon.” [Update: Video is now available here].
Video description:
On this DVD we introduce you to the Ashtanga Yoga system, devised by our teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and traditionally taught in Mysore, India. Including four distinct segments that are meant to be played repeatedly to deepen your yoga journey, this DVD is a perfect at-home practice manual for Ashtanga Yoga. You will learn the philosophical foundations of all yoga practice including a brief history of Ashtanga yoga and the genesis story of yoga itself. The third segment of the DVD details the powerful use of breathing as a connection between the body and the mind. A full one hour practice of Ashtanga Yoga complete with Sun Salutations, Standing Postures, Seated Postures, Backbends and Finishing postures completes your experience. Many modifications are offered so that all levels can enjoy trying the Ashtanga Yoga method. We humbly dedicate this DVD to our teacher, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who passed away in 2009, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy that has touched countless lives around the world. We hope that our teaching carries the brilliant torch of his guiding light to many more students. We hope that you will practice often and experience the healing benefits of the Ashtanga Yoga method.
Ashtanga Yoga Short Forms with David Swenson
March 8, 2011 By 4 Comments
When time is short, an abbreviated yoga routine is always better than no yoga at all. Enjoy the insanely awesome benefits of Ashtanga yoga with these short form routines created by yoga pioneer David Swenson, author of everyone’s favorite Ashtanga Yoga Practice Manual.
15 minute routine
Includes the following asanas:
- 5× Surya Namaskara A
- 3× Surya Namaskara B
- Paschimottanasana B
- Marichyasana C
- Navasana
- Urdhva Dhanurasana
- Padmasana
- Shavasana
30 minute routine
Includes the following asanas:
- 3× Surya Namaskara A
- 2× Surya Namaskara B
- Padangusthasana
- Utthita Trikonasana
- Utthita Parsvakonasana
- Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana
- Virabatrasana A
- Virabatrasana B
- Dandasana
- Paschimottanasana A
- Janu Sirsasana A
- Marichyasana A
- Marichyasana C
- Navasana
- Urdhva Dhanurasana
- Salamba Sarvangasana
- Mathsyasana
- Padmasana
- Utpluthee
- Shavasana
45 minute routine
Includes the following asanas:
- 3× Surya Namaskara A
- 3× Surya Namaskara B
- Padangusthasana
- Utthita Trikonasana
- Utthita Parsvakonasana
- Prasarita Padottanasana A
- Prasarita Padottanasana C
- Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana
- Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana
- Virabatrasana A
- Virabatrasana B
- Dandasana
- Paschimottanasana A
- Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana
- Janu Sirsasana A
- Marichyasana A
- Marichyasana C
- Navasana
- Baddha Konasana A
- Upavistha Konasana A
- Urdhva Dhanurasana
- Salamba Sarvangasana
- Halasana
- Karana Pidasana
- Uttana Padasana
- Sirsasana A
- Balasana
- Yoga Mudra
- Padmasana
- Utpluthee
- Shavasana
Related posts: Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Videos, Primary Series Poster and Intermediate Series Poster
Learn more about each of the poses by following the links to AshtangaYoga.info. Thanks to Stephan at feierabendyogi for linking the poses.
Fresh Set of Ashtanga Yoga Illustrations
January 7, 2011 By 10 Comments
Commitment to Practice
October 27, 2010 By 12 Comments
As I’ve been slowly reading and enjoying Krishnamacharya over the last few weeks, I’ve been impressed by the dedication and commitment the modern sage required of his yoga students. Most folks who take up yoga today, this yogi included, have no idea what it means to practice under the tutelage of a guru. We just sort of show up when it’s convenient or absolutely necessary.
Krishnamacharya, however, was very selective of those he took on as students. As shown in the following examples related by Krishnamacharya himself, he had a number of methods for measuring the commitment and discipline of those who sought his mentorship.
A man suffering from asthma came to me, along with one of my students. After talking with him and testing him, I found that his diet was unhealthy and his habits erratic. He questioned me, “In how many classes will I be cured?” I was not happy with his attitude. I did not take him as a student. If I had, he would not have practiced. He would have told others that he was a student of Krishnamacharya, and that yoga was not working. Disrepute for me and, more so, a bad name for yoga. Not necessary.
Krishnamacharya knew that those with weak commitment would not practice and would not see the benefits of a yoga practice. He wasn’t looking for money; he was looking for commitment.
Another asthma patient had come to me. He too asked me a question right at the beginning: ”What fees do I need to pay?” I replied, “How long have you had this disease?” He replied, “For more than twenty years now.” I said, “Then it will cost you one hundred rupees. Bring one hundred rupees to the next class and we will start the treatment.” [A hundred rupees was a lot of money in those days in India--perhaps like asking for five thousand dollars today.] Surprisingly, the man brought a hundred rupees with him to the next class. From this, I knew that he had sincerely committed to the treatment and would follow what I told him. I told him, “I don’t want a hundred rupees from you. You can take it back. I only wanted to know if you had enough commitment to follow the disciplines and restrictions I am going to suggest to you.”
Just something to think about. Namaste!
Download free PDF article: My Studies with Sri Krishnamacharya by Srivatsa Ramaswami
