What is Astanga Yoga?

The Yoga philosophy of Patanjali takes a leaf from the Sanskrit text for its definition on Ashtanga Yoga. In Sanskrit, Ashta means eight and Anga means limbs. Astanga yoga was popularized by the Yoga guru Shri. K. Pattabhi Jois. The concept of Power Yoga, (general term used in the west to describe a fitness based approach through Yoga) is closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice. The eight limbs play an important role to help us lead our life in a healthy manner by strengthening our endurance and minimizing stress. Let us closely determine what each of the eight limbs signifies:

Yama - It dwells on the ethical and honorable foundation of human behavior. The Yama can be further categorized into ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), brahmacharya (celibacy), asteya (no stealing) and aparigraha (no envy, jealousy or possessive behavior).

Niyama - It emphasizes on the restraint and control one has to go through in his or her life. It consists of santosh (joy), tapa (patience) swadhyaya (self study), and shoucha (purity) and eshwar pranidhan (dedication towards the Almighty).

Asana - It is the practice of Yoga exercises for the safety and wellbeing of your body and soul.

Pranayma -Breathing exercises to attain control of your breathing pattern.

Pratyahara - Isolation from the noise and temptation of the world. It emphasizes on training your mind to give absolute focus and making it an abode for positive vibes to dwell in.

Dharna - Sharp concentration to learn, understand and imbibe without any element of interruption or disturbance.

Dhyana - Meditation and concentration on the purpose of life, in the larger scheme of things. Emphasis on long term goals and mission in life.

Samadhi - Attaining a state of endless bliss and peace. Realizing your mission in life, also known as reaching a level of enlightenment.

There are six different Astanga series which a student performs at his or her own pace. The first is the Yoga Chikitsa. It is the yoga therapy which deals with detoxifying the body and building strength, stamina and flexibility. There are a series of 75 poses which take about two hours to complete. The exercises begin with the “surya namaskar” (sun salutation) and moves on to standing exercises, sitting exercises, inversions, backbends, and relaxing exercises.

The second set of series called Nadi Shodana deals with cleaning and strengthening of the nervous system. The Nadi Shodana exercise can be done only if the Yoga Chikitsa is done well. The exercises in Nadi Shodana follow the same sequence as the first series of exercises but there are some more poses introduced.

The next four set of exercises are called Sthira Bhaga which means divine permanence. These are prescribed only for students who are extremely advanced in the field of Yoga exercises and poses.

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