Lineage
The first teacher in the Ashtanga vinyasa lineage was Tirumali Krishnamacharya, who systematized ancient yoga techniques into an approachable method for study by householders. This took place in Mysuru India in the early 20th century.
Pattabi Jois was the long time student of Krishnamacharya who refined and shared the ashtanga vinyasa methodology with many others, teaching in India and around the world. Pattabi Jois shared the practice with the world beyond India. His students, children and grandchildren (Saraswati, Manju & Sharath & Sathu) have continued sharing and refining the practice after his passing in 2009.
Today, Pattabi Jois’ students (there are many), which include Dena Kingsberg & Steven Dwelley, family members Manju Jois, Saraswati Rangaswamy and many other dedicated and well known students continue to share this valuable and life changing practice with yoga practitioners around the world. These are our teachers.
Methodology
The Ashtanga Yoga method systematizes thousands of years of accumulated knowledge and is designed to heal and strengthen the body, including the mind and heart, on many levels.
The practice of asana and pranayama (postures and calculated breathing) practiced on a regular schedule, is where we begin. The practice is learned slowly over time and is the product of an individualized relationship between the student and instructor. Over time practice becomes refined. The benefits of practice are many. Ashtanga can help cultivate strength, flexibility, heal from other physical practices, free you from unwanted habits feel calmer, happier or even smarter. With regular and devoted practice, over time we can create balance, maybe some clarity, maybe some internal harmony. Results vary but effects can be felt even after the first practice.
There are six series of postures in the Ashtanga method. Yoga Chikitsa, ‘yoga therapy’ is the title of the first series and is designed to help refine and calm the digestive tract/internal organ system as well as to help transform the physical body into something — well stronger, and more supple, and balanced. The ashtanga method cultivates self-discipline, focus, and clarity. Ultimately the goal of the eight limbed path (asta=eight) is to nurture uncluttered awareness and a peaceful and expansive countenance.