Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga came into my life several years ago, and I mean when I say it came into my life. I did not search for it. It just appeared - or rather a friend invited me to join a Ashtanga Workshop in the Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. I just said yes, because I love trying out new things, not knowing that it will be the start of my Yoga and spiritual journey.
What I love about Ashtanga Yoga that it is always there, the sequence stays the same but the practice is always different each day and it always awaits you. Practicing now for many years taught me a lot about myself and my body. I learned to adapt the practice through my injuries, I learned to be humble and gentle to my body and I learned each and every day is different and everything changes. I value the set sequence as it allows me to deepen the practice in other parts like concentrating on the breath, bandhas, dristhi. The practice is the gateway to discovering your own essence really.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) is a dynamic system which gracefully synchronises breathing and movement. Its objective is to promote a strong flexible body and focused mind.
The Ashtanga Vinyasa practice begins with about five repetitions of Surya Namaskara A and about five repetitions of Surya Namaskara B, followed by the standing sequence and then the sitting sequence, followed by a standard closing sequence.
This is the beauty of Ashtanga Yoga - a structured sequence and routine you will become familiar with. With repetition this practice acts like a moving mediation where we are calming the mind, and where we can find your pace.
Mantras
We are chanting mantras at the beginning and end of an Ashtanga practice to frame the practice, to give us a close and safe container where we explore ourselves.
The opening chant is a blessing of gratitude offered to the lineage of teachers and their students who have enabled this ancient practice to survive through thousands of years so that we can experience its benefits today. The recitation of this mantra cleanses the energy of the space we have chosen to practice yoga, as well as preparing the mind, body and emotions for the forthcoming Ashtanga sequence.
Om
Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde
Sandarshita Svatma Sukava Bodhe
Nih Sreyase Jangalikayamane
Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai
Abahu Purushakaram
Shankhacakrsi Dharinam
Sahasra Sirasam Svetam
Pranamami Patanjalim
Om
Om
I bow to the lotus feet of the Supreme Guru
which awaken insight into the happiness of pure Being,
which are the refuge, the jungle physician,
which eliminate the delusion caused by the poisonous herb of Samsara (conditioned existence).
I prostrate before the sage Patanjali
who has thousands of radiant, white heads (as the divine serpent, Ananta)
and who has, as far as his arms, assumed the form of a man
holding a conch shell (divine sound), a wheel (discus of light or infinite time) and a sword (discrimination).
Om
The Closing Prayer – Mangala Mantra - brings the practice to a peaceful end; sealing in the work done and offering the efforts of our practice to improve the state of the world.
Om
Svasthi Praja Bhyaha Pari Pala Yantam
Nya Yena Margena Mahim Mahishaha
Go Brahmanebhyaha Shubamastu Nityam
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi
Om
May the rulers of the earth keep to the path of virtue
For protecting the welfare of all generations.
May the religious, and all peoples be forever blessed,
May all beings everywhere be happy and free
Om peace, peace, perfect peace