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Ashtanga Yoga Philosophy

Ashtanga Yoga Philosophy - Patanjali to Pattabhi

Asthanga Yoga Philosophy originates between 200 BCE to 250 CE with the Sage Patanjali.

Patanjali compiled the existing Yoga knowledge of his time and wrote a book called the Yoga Sutras. This book of 196 sutras, or verses, make up what is commonly called "Classical” or “Raja” (royal) Yoga.

In the first chapter of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali gives us the classical definition of Yoga: yogascittavrittinrodha. "Yoga is channeling or controlling the fluctuations of the citta".

The citta is the sum total of the mind. It consists of the sensory mind, ego and intellect.

Most of us believe there is more to life than is directly obvious. Asthanga Yoga provides us with the tools to explore and uncover the deeper aspects of our existence.

Directing the citta allows us to see our true Self and gain direct experience of the Ultimate Reality.

The term Ashtanga Yoga originates from the second chapter of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras where he defines the 8 practices or the 8 limbs of Yoga.


Sri K Pattabhi Jois , (Guruji) the 94 year old yoga master from Mysore, South India, calls the system of asana (postures) he learned from his teacher Krishnamacharya "Ashtanga Yoga".

He teaches a form of Hatha Yoga and believes it essential to enter the 8 limbed path through asana.

Most forms of "flow" yoga classes in the west trace their origin in part to the vinyasa-asana system of Sri K Pattabhi Jois.


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