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