Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Count

The count in Ashtanga Yoga is a key component of the practice, helping students maintain a steady rhythm and focus their attention on the breath. In Ashtanga Yoga, each posture is performed with a specific number of breaths, known as the vinyasa count. The count is typically given by the teacher, but it’s important for students to also learn the count themselves as a way to deepen their understanding of the practice.

The primary and intermediate series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga include a total of 72 postures, which are performed in a specific order. In a guided class, they often use a Sanskrit count. The postures in these series are considered “half vinyasa” because we don’t return to the top of the mat in between each one. Some postures, such as Trikonasana A and B, are done as a set and counted together. This is called a vinyasa krama. 

When practicing the postures in Ashtanga Yoga, it’s important to go slowly and move with awareness and intention. The traditional count helps students maintain a steady pace and stay focused on the breath, which can help deepen the benefits of the practice.

Below is a list of the postures in the primary and intermediate series, along with their corresponding vinyasa count. We encourage you to use this list as a reference for your study and practice of Ashtanga Yoga, and to approach each posture with patience, curiosity, and respect for your body.

Remember, the count is not just a way to keep track of the number of breaths in each posture – it’s a way to connect with the deeper aspects of the practice, including the breath, the body, and the mind. As you practice the postures in Ashtanga Yoga, let the correct count guide you into a state of focused awareness and inner stillness, where the true benefits of the practice can be found Surya Namaskar A (9 movements). 

Also, this is to help— not to reinforce dogmatic attitudes. There are a few commonly accepted versions of the Sanskrit count, which also means the there is no singular “correct count.” As a student of Sharath Jois,  I typically teach (and have used) the count as I learned it during the 2010’s in Mysore. In my personal practice, the correct vinyasa count is a breath count that is nourishing to the mind body organism (words from my teacher, Rolf). 

As you begin your practice, remember that this is a yoga mala– a thread of breath upon which the postures are beads. Our awareness and attention to the beads is what makes the yoga mala potent. Of course body movements make this feel good, but whether you go through just the sun salutations, make it through seated sequence, or stop after standing sequence, practice is yours to enjoy. Heck, Even K. Pattabhi Jois added and subtracted from this wonderful practice. This should help with any concerns about making sure one has an exactly  “correct sequence.”

John Scott, Lino Miele, Kino Macgregor, and Ronald Steiner have been incredibly helpful in the creation of this document. 

Here’s a video of Joey Mile’s chanting the ashtanga posture names:

Surya Namaskar A (9 movements)

SETU BANDHASANA (13 movements)