Ashtanga Yoga is Hatha Yoga
If classical yoga gives priority to breathing exercises, the development of flexibility and relaxation, then Ashtanga Yoga forms the strength of mind and body. In order to achieve the main goal - samadhi (complete balance, spiritual perfection) - eight difficult stages will have to be completed.
Ashtanga Yoga is an eight-step Path to the ultimate Goal - Samadhi (the highest spiritual perfection). This system was proposed several centuries ago by the Indian Rishi Patanjali.
Although the ultimate goal is to achieve spiritual harmony, in Ashtanga Yoga they are very attentive to physical perfection, as the body shell and mental spirit are inextricably linked.
This practice is great for those with a strong body and mind, craving for accomplishments. Ashtanga yoga is often practiced by people who want to take refuge in their own spiritual world from external problems.
Each of the eight stages of the Path is not easy in its own way. The first two, perhaps, are one of the most responsible, since they teach a person the psychohygienic rules of life. If there is not enough desire and willpower to make them your way of life, proceeding to the next stages is simply pointless. In general, if a person realizes that he does not have a willingness to spiritually change himself, he must understand that ashtanga yoga is not for him.
In the process of training, the yogi should pay attention to three important points: the correct posture, point of concentration and even breathing.
Eight Steps of the Path to the Ultimate Goal in Ashtanga Yoga
Patanajali pointed out that in order to achieve the ultimate goal of the Path, eight stages must be overcome in turn. And be sure to adhere to the exact sequence, otherwise a successful result cannot be achieved:
Yama - self-control, tension, self-restraint. This stage involves working on their behavior and thinking, combating vices, establishing harmonious contact with society. This stage borrowed its name from the Indian god Yama, who is the patron saint of death.
Niyama - self-discipline, relaxation, spiritual self-improvement.
The first two steps are of a spiritual and healing nature. They prepare a person for the next stages. If you do not go through yama and niyama, then this is equivalent to moving along the wrong path. Be sure to learn certain rules of behavior, thinking, life.
Asana - the transition to spiritual and physical perfection. This stage involves the adoption of a stable position, certain postures during class. Asanas contribute to the development of the energy system, the ability to concentrate. When combined with proper breathing, a person can get rid of various ailments, overcome emotional and physical stress, rejuvenate and cleanse the body of toxins.
Pranayama (translated as “working with energy”) - special breathing exercises. The yogi masters a special breathing technique that allows you to control the energy of consciousness. Read more about pranayama.
Pratyahara. In order to understand the essence of this stage, one should know about the "tentacles" of consciousness - the so-called "indriyas" that hold the unprepared person firmly. On the fifth step of the path, the yogi learns to control the “indriyas,” that is, to go beyond his physical shell and study the spiritual world. In general, Pratyahara should be understood as detachment from the stimuli of the outside world.
Dharana - maintaining concentration, striving to merge with the Creator.
Dhyana - meditative training. Their goal is to approach samadhi by increasing consciousness.
Samadhi is precisely the goal that is considered ultimate in Ashtanga Yoga. This is the highest level of spiritual accomplishment. This is perfection itself, unity with the divine principle, achievement of absolute harmony.
Yama and niyama
Let's take a closer look at the first two stages of the Path. Just then, while testing himself, a person realizes whether Ashtanga Yoga is really his way. Yama and Niyama include the following rules of life:
arjava - lack of arrogance, simplicity in communication with others;
ahimsa - refusal to do any harm to living beings by a word, action or thought;
mitahara - adoption of the principles of vegetarian, simple, natural nutrition;
asteya - lack of envy;
santosha - good mood;
saaucha - maintaining a clean body;
hri - denial of narcissism, narcissism;
tapas - the direction of all his forces and resources to fight his own vices;
brahmacharya - eliminating the desire for recognition and glory;
kshama - acceptance of other people's opinions, tolerance of dissent;
daya - kindness to all living things, mercy;
satya - purity of statements, rejection of lies and ambiguity, truthfulness;
ishvarapranithana - the acceptance that the Creator is present in all things, a sense of it.
Ashtanga-vinyasa yoga - a special system of hatha yoga
Ashtanga-vinyasa yoga is a modern concept that has developed within the framework of hatha yoga system. The word “vinyasa” is translated as “respiratory-motor system of exercises”, therefore, the basis of practice is the combination of the principles of dynamic movement and breathing techniques. This school was founded by Sri Pattabhi Jois, who taught in Mysore (South India) who wanted to understand the secrets of the teachings.
The main principle adhered to by Joyce, who teaches Ashtanga Vinyasa, is that yoga should not adapt to the limited abilities and weaknesses of students, but rather, a person should cultivate himself in order to achieve the ideal of yoga.
Features of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
vinyasas - motor exercises worked out between performing asanas;
drsti - the need to concentrate on a certain point in the body while taking postures and performing various exercises;
pranayama - the importance of performing the “right” breaths;
dhyana - the chanting of mantras that enable one to attain and maintain a meditative state. Read more about how mantras work.
Those who practice ashtanga yoga go the Way. This is the path of spiritual and physical improvement, which allows a person to be happy.
Of course, this path is difficult, but it is within the power of everyone who is eager for change. If you want to overcome your own weaknesses, experience harmony, are ready to work hard on your body and spirit, then Ashtanga Yoga is just for you.