Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga: Introducing A Personal Journey into Self-Practice

Introduction

Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga is a practice that comes from Mysore, Karnataka, India. Its rich history and integrative approach make it stand out amongst other practices.

What defines Mysore style are its distinctive hallmarks that create a deeply personal and transformative experience for practitioners. These hallmarks include personalized instruction, the Tristhana method, the Counted Method, self-paced practice, regular commitment, and the development of independence. In this article, we’ll explore each of these elements to understand what makes Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga a unique and enriching journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, these hallmarks offer valuable insights into this remarkable practice.

History

Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga traces its roots to the teachings of Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, a renowned yoga teacher from India.

Krishnamacharya, often referred to as the “father of modern yoga,” played a pivotal role in the development of Ashtanga Yoga. He was a renowned yoga teacher in India and a guru to many, including Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Krishnamacharya’s teachings emphasized the importance of breath control, alignment, and the therapeutic aspects of yoga. While he is not the founder of Ashtanga Yoga, his influence and teachings significantly contributed to its evolution. Jois, one of Krishnamacharya’s students, went on to further develop and popularize Ashtanga Yoga, leading to its recognition as a distinct and influential yoga style.

After studying with Krishnamacharya at Mysore Palace, he began teaching in Mysore, India, in the mid-20th century, and his method gained recognition for its emphasis on personalized instruction, breath-movement synchronization, and the memorization of a set sequence of yoga poses. Over time, Mysore style has spread globally, attracting practitioners seeking a disciplined and transformative yoga experience. Today, it continues to be a respected and influential yoga tradition.

Hallmarks

Personalized Instruction:

The teacher provides one-on-one guidance and adjustments to each student based on their abilities and needs.

Personalized instruction is a hallmark of Mysore style Ashtanga yoga. In this approach, teachers offer one-on-one guidance and adjustments to each student, tailoring their assistance to the individual’s abilities and specific needs. This personalized attention allows for a deeper understanding of the practice and ensures that students receive the necessary support to progress safely and effectively on their yoga journey. Whether you’re a beginner seeking alignment guidance or an advanced practitioner refining your postures, this personalized approach enhances the learning experience.

Tristhana Method:

Emphasis on linking breath and eye focus with movement, creating a meditative and flowing practice.

The Tristhana method is a fundamental aspect of Mysore style Ashtanga yoga, placing a strong emphasis on the synchronization of breath, eye focus, and movement. This integrated approach creates a meditative and flowing practice. Practitioners are encouraged to maintain a deep awareness of their breath while aligning it with specific gaze points and precise movements during asana practice. This Tristhana method not only enhances the physical practice but also cultivates a profound sense of mindfulness, making it a transformative experience for both body and mind.

Counted Method:

Mysore follows the set sequence of Ashtanga poses, allowing students to memorize and advance through the series gradually and autonomously.

Mysore style Ashtanga yoga employs the Counted Method, which adheres to the fixed sequence of Ashtanga poses. In this method, students memorize the series and progress at their own pace, without the need for constant external cues. This approach fosters autonomy, allowing practitioners to move through the series independently. Over time, students become intimately familiar with each pose’s order and alignment, enabling them to advance gradually and confidently through the Ashtanga series.

Self-Paced Practice:

Practitioners move through the Ashtanga series at their own pace, allowing for individualized progress.

Self-Paced Practice in Mysore style Ashtanga yoga grants practitioners the invaluable freedom to advance through the practice according to their unique needs and abilities. Unlike structured classes, where everyone moves in unison, this approach allows individuals to tailor their journey. Whether you’re a beginner gradually mastering the fundamentals or an experienced yogi refining advanced postures, self-pacing fosters a sense of autonomy and ensures that your practice aligns perfectly with your current capabilities and aspirations.

Regular Practice:

Consistency and dedication to daily practice are encouraged for gradual improvement.

Regular practice is a cornerstone of Mysore style Ashtanga yoga. The method emphasizes the importance of consistent and dedicated daily practice. Practitioners are encouraged to establish a routine that involves showing up on the mat regularly. This commitment allows for gradual improvement and a deeper understanding of the practice over time. The benefits of regular practice extend beyond physical progress, fostering mental clarity and a sense of discipline that can positively impact other aspects of one’s life.

Independence:

Practitioners become self-reliant and develop a deep understanding of their practice.

Independence is a fundamental aspect of Mysore style Ashtanga yoga. Through this approach, practitioners gradually become self-reliant in their practice. They develop a deep understanding of the Ashtanga series and the nuances of each pose. With personalized instruction and the counted method, students gain the knowledge and confidence to practice autonomously. This independence allows for a profound connection with the practice, as students take ownership of their yoga journey and progress at their own pace, guided by their inner wisdom and the teachings of their teacher.

Lineage and Parampara

The Parampara of Ashtanga Yoga is a lineage-based transmission of teachings that traces its origins back to the ancient sage Vamana Rishi and, more recently, to Sri T. Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya is considered the modern guru of Ashtanga Yoga, and he passed down this tradition to his disciples, including K. Pattabhi Jois. Jois, in turn, played a pivotal role in popularizing Ashtanga Yoga worldwide. The Parampara ensures that the practice and teachings of Ashtanga Yoga remain authentic and unaltered as they are handed down from teacher to student, preserving the purity of this ancient practice.

Modern teachers, including Jois, his grandson Sharath, and other certified and authorized instructors, have introduced updates to the traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice syllabus/sequence. This can be beneficial as it allows for adaptations that cater to individual needs, making the practice more accessible and safer. However, there’s a potential downside as these modifications might risk diluting the authenticity of the practice and moving away from its traditional roots. Striking a balance between preserving the core principles and integrating valuable improvements is essential for the continued evolution of Ashtanga Yoga.

For a deeper dive into the intricacies of Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga, I invite you to explore this study guide. Here, you will find comprehensive insights that connect the dots of your own practice in ways that