Ashtanga & Vinyasa yoga are an in-depth study of the union between body, mind, and spirit. This tends to be more appropriate for the more physically fit individual. Additionally, private instructions are also available, and can be helpful to gain additional understanding of the yoga system of alignment and breath on an individualized level. We teach Ashtanga Yoga in the Tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

Yoga is a philosophy of life which also has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy body and mind.
Ashtanga Yoga, practiced in its correct sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness – physical, psychological, and spiritual. Through this practice of correct breathing ( ujjayi Pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (dristi), we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.

“Ashtanga” literally means wight limbs. They are described by Patanjali as Yama (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control, Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption).
These branches support each other. Asana practice must be established for proper practice of Pranayama and is a key to the development of the yamas and niyamas. Once these four externally oriented limbs are firmly rooted, the last four internally oriented limbs will spontaneously evolve over time.

“Vinyasa” means breath syncronized movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline, and links asana to asana in a precise order. By synchronizing movement with breathing and practicing Mulabandha and Uddiyabandha (internal locks), an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals, which can nourish the body when the sweat is massaged back into the skin. The breath regulates the vinyasa and ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is a light, strong body. There are three groups of sequencing in the Ashtanga system. The primary series (yoga chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body. The intermediate system (nadi sodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels. The advanced series A.B.C.D. (stirtha gah sampata) integrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.

Each level is to be fully developed before proceding to the next, and the sequential order of asanas is to meticulously followed. Each pose is a preparation for the next, developing the strength and balance required to move further.

Breath: the continuity of deep, even breathing cannot be over emphasized in the Ashtanga yoga system. When the breath feeds action, and action is the posture, each movement becomes gentle, precise, and perfectly steady. According to the teaching of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, “breath is life”. Breathing is our most fundamental and vital action and holds a Divine essence; exhalation is a movement towards God and inhalation is an inspiration from God.

Practice: it is said that where there is no effort there is no benefit. Strength, stamina and sweat are unique aspects of this traditional yoga system, seemingly contrary to western perceptions of yoga. This demanding practice requires considerable effort to purify the nervous system. The mind becomes lucid, clear and precise. According to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois “Wherever you look you will see God”. Only Through practice will we realize the truth of what our Guru often says “Everything is God”. –Lino Miele

For more on the ashtanga yoga system, see Sri K. Pattabhi Jois’ explanation on the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute’s Website.

Types of Ashtanga Classes at the Oasis:

Ashtanga Basics – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at Noon & the Sunday 10 AM class at Yoga Oasis West the teacher may take more time explaining the alignment fundamentals of the class, emphasizing the importance of breath & awareness, rather than speed & the simple manifestation of the outer form. This is a class for someone who can put weight on their hands, and some inversions will be explored.
Mondays at Yoga Oasis East at 5pm is a great class to take your first Ashtanga yoga class, as its a smaller class size.