UNDERSTANDING ASTANGA YOGA
Astanga Vinyasa yoga is built on a foundation of core principles that are common to many styles of Hatha yoga. but are given special emphasis in this system. If you have an understanding of these principles. it not only helps you to understand the traditional form of the practice. but also makes it possible to modify,’ the form, if necessary, without losing its essence.
The postures of Astanga yoga are so impressive that we sometimes tend to get carried away with the details of the technique to the exclusion of all else. The core principles that underpin this practice are the combined use of a steady, regular ujjyi breath, muscular locks called bandhas, the connecting of breath and movement in vinyasa and the steady point of focus known as drishti.The combination of these powerful techniques is called tristana and it provides the framework for your practice. Although these are all elements practised in other forms of yoga. their combination and emphasis in this practice make it unique. It is these elements that differentiate an Astanga yoga practice from what would otherwise be a kind of stretching or gymnastic routine.
Astanga Vinyasa yoga is built on a foundation of core principles that are common to many styles of Hatha yoga. but are given special emphasis in this system. If you have an understanding of these principles. it not only helps you to understand the traditional form of the practice. but also makes it possible to modify,’ the form, if necessary, without losing its essence.
The postures of Astanga yoga are so impressive that we sometimes tend to get carried away with the details of the technique to the exclusion of all else. The core principles that underpin this practice are the combined use of a steady, regular ujjyi breath, muscular locks called bandhas, the connecting of breath and movement in vinyasa and the steady point of focus known as drishti.The combination of these powerful techniques is called tristana and it provides the framework for your practice. Although these are all elements practised in other forms of yoga. their combination and emphasis in this practice make it unique. It is these elements that differentiate an Astanga yoga practice from what would otherwise be a kind of stretching or gymnastic routine.
