ASHTANGA MYSORE-PROGRAM

The ashtanga yoga is an eight-limbed yoga system aimed at achieving the unity of body, mind, and spirit. The journey can be long and arduous, and it should begin with the practice of asanas. By practicing these specific bodily postures, we can achieve a strong and flexible body, which will serve as the foundation for progressing in the ashtanga yoga system. The asana practice itself is a very small part of the entire system, but it is very important and indispensable for the "modern" Western person, who tends to neglect their physical body due to their lifestyle.

A distinctive feature of ashtanga vinyasa yoga is that through the practice of asanas, we not only work on healing the physical body, but also prepare numerous higher-level branches, such as pranayama, concentration, or the meditative state of consciousness.

In ashtanga vinyasa yoga, asanas are traditionally taught in the Mysore style (pronounced 'my-sore'). This method combines the advantages of group-led classes and individual practice. The essence of it is that all practitioners in the room perform the sequence independently, according to the rhythm of their own breath, allowing the instructor to give personalized adjustments and instructions to each individual without disrupting the dynamics of the class. This means it is not a problem if someone practices for a shorter time (e.g., beginners) or spends a longer time in the room (e.g., advanced practitioners) during the same class.

The timing of the practice is also specific; Mysore classes are traditionally held in the morning. This is because the time of day known as Brahma muhurta, which is the one and a half hours before sunrise, or as close to it as possible, is considered most suitable for yoga practice. At this time, the air is fresh, the environment is quiet, and after waking up refreshed, we are not yet burdened by the impressions of a hard day’s work. The mind is more easily able to focus and is less prone to wander. The body is clean, and the stomach is empty, creating ideal conditions for practice. Initially, the body may seem less flexible in the early hours, but it quickly adapts to the new routine.

This traditional Mysore teaching method also entails that everyone practices regularly, aiming for six sessions per week; however, most practitioners only gradually achieve this, or may practice less frequently. Saturdays, as well as the full and new moon days, referred to as moon days are rest days, as are the first three to five days of menstruation for women. This might seem like a significant challenge at first, but of course, gradual progression is a crucial component of uninterrupted development in yoga. The teacher monitors the students' progress, and when a student is ready, they are given new asanas to add to their sequence.

It is evident that the conditions are strict and this approach demands a high level of commitment. However, within these frameworks, Astanga Vinyasa Yoga is able to fully unfold its beneficial effects. In addition to automatically adopting a healthier lifestyle to maintain the practice (light meals, early to bed and early to rise, regular life rhythm), the mind also gradually transforms. The Mysore practice almost forces us to be honest with ourselves, confronts us with our flaws that pose obstacles on the spiritual path, and serves as a tool to overcome them.