Ashtanga Yoga

The second verse of the Yoga Sutras says:

"Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind."

Ashtanga yoga is a comprehensive system of yoga taught for 65 years by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, South India until his death at the age of 93 in 2009. Today, thanks to Jois' tireless efforts, Ashtanga is practiced by people the world over.

"Ashtanga" is a Sanskrit word meaning "eight-limbed," as in the limbs of a tree. The two "lowest" limbs have to do with morality and ethics — what to avoid doing and what to do in order to live a virtuous life. The first limb, called the Yamas in Sanskrit, consists of five restraints: not harming, not lying, not stealing, taking care with sexuality, and not coveting. The second limb, the Niyamas, consists of five observances: cleanliness of body and mind; contentedness; discipline; study; and the offering of one's actions to God. Aspects of the Yamas and Niyamas are learned throughout life, even from before one formally starts yoga, but through yoga one naturally advances their application.

The third, next higher limb is the practice of doing postures, or asanas. Practice of this limb purifies the body and stills the mind. The fourth limb is pranayama — breath control — which strengthens the mind. In Ashtanga yoga, pranayama is taught only once a student has mastered postures. Finally, there are the four "internal" limbs of practice — pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadi — essentially deeper and deeper forms of meditation, leading (if one is diligent and blessed and the preceding limbs have been properly practiced) to self-realization, the ultimate end of yoga.

The starting point for practice is the third limb — postures. This is what we primarily teach at Ashtanga Yoga Boston. Over time, regular and diligent practice of the third limb paves the way to the practice of the other seven limbs.

Following the method taught by K. Pattabhi Jois, postures are taught one by one in a specific sequence. New postures are given only when a student demonstrates proficiency with the most recent posture learned.

Right from the beginning, students are taught the three "internal" foundations of asana practice: Ujjayi breathing (long controlled breaths while moving), drishti (gazing point) and bandhas (core energy locks). When practiced together, these three aspects of yoga form a powerful tool for quieting the mind. For an excellent summary of these aspects of Ashtanga yoga from KPJAYI, click here.

Ashtanga is a daily practice. We ask all students to attend class six days per week (there is no class on Saturday). Except by prior arrangement, we do not accept students who attend class fewer than four days per week.

Those who have never practiced Ashtanga should come in to observe class first. Watching class usually answers most questions.

We welcome students without regard to age, gender, race, sexual orientation or level of physical condition. The only requirement is a sincere desire to learn the practice.

Mysore-style and Led Practice

Sunday through Thursday, classes are conducted "Mysore-style." During class, each student does his or her practice, with one-on-one assistance from the teacher. Class is conducted with minimal talking.

Once a week, on Friday morning, class is led, or "counted," in Sanskrit. Everyone practices at the same time.

Moon Days

In addition to there being no class on Saturdays, there is no class on the days of the new and full moon — please check the Moondays & Holidays page on this website for further information.

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