| Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a method of | | | | It takes several years of daily practice to integrate the |
| asana(posture) practice, which includes Vinyasa. | | | | postures and practice of each series. The series are |
| Vinyasa are the breath initiated movements linking one | | | | practiced sequentially, starting with the Primary Series. |
| posture to the next. There are numerous benefits to | | | | The Primary Series is referred to as Yoga Chikitsa or |
| practicing Asana with Vinyasa. Vinyasa creates heat | | | | Yoga Therapy and develops a radiant state of health |
| in the body, which eases the practitioner into the | | | | and a calm mind. The Primary Series consists |
| postures and produces a purifying sweat. Vinyasa | | | | predominantly of forward bends and hip openers. The |
| activates the breathing system, by deepening the | | | | Intermediate Series is referred to as Nadi Shodhana, or |
| inhale and exhale between each posture. And, the | | | | the cleansing of the Nadies. Nadies are the subtle |
| practice of Asana with Vinyasa stimulates the | | | | energy channels, which underlie the physical form. The |
| cardiovascular system, which strengthens the heart | | | | postures of the Intermediate series include a series of |
| and reduces excess weight. In the Yoga Kurunta, the | | | | back bends as well as arm balances and inversions. |
| sacred text which describes the Ashtanga Vinyasa | | | | The Intermediate series is energizing and deeply |
| practice, it is strongly encouraged not to practice | | | | purifying. |
| Asana without Vinyasa. | | | | After many years of practicing the Primary and |
| The Ashtanga Yoga practice consists of the Primary, | | | | Intermediate Series, the postures of these series are |
| Intermediate and Advanced Series of postures. Each | | | | integrated deeply into the body. The body becomes |
| series is commenced with Surya Namaskara(Sun | | | | light and strong. An even muscle tone is developed |
| Salutations) and continues with a set of standing | | | | throughout the body and the organs are strengthened |
| postures. Then, the postures which are unique to one | | | | and purified. Once the practice of these two series is |
| series are practiced. The practice is completed with | | | | mastered then the practice of the Advanced Series |
| back bending and the finishing sequence. The finishing | | | | of postures is begun. The Advanced Series is referred |
| sequence includes shoulderstand, headstand and lotus. | | | | to as Sthira Bhaga or the stabilizing of radiance. |