Ashtanga Yoga Postures

The Ashtanga Yoga postures, as taught in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, lead to abundant health.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga synchronizes breath and movement through a set series of asanas (postures).

This combination creates intense heat, and thereby rids the body of toxins, removes impurities, and creates vibrant physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

This physical purification creates mental clarity and awareness in all aspects of our personality. From this place we can make sense of the subtler aspects of the Ashtanga Yoga Philosophy .

The Ashtanga Series of Pattabhi Jois contains ‘Six Series’ of postures; Primary series, Intermediate series and Advanced A,B,C,D series.

The Sun Salutations or the Sūryānamaskāra start every practice and are followed by the fundamental āsanas after which the students starts the 'series' they are currently working on.

The primary series is called Yoga Chikitsa or "Yoga Therapy" as it focuses on āsanas that purify the body and restore health. The āsanas are arranged in a sequential order, each posture builds on the previous one, strengthening and returning the body to a state of balance.

New students often find memorizing the order of the Ashtanga Yoga poses a little challenging.

This Primary Series PDF provides a visual reference for your practice. **Remember, the correct Vinyasa for each posture is best learned from a qualified teacher.

With a little repetition your body will easily remember the sequence.

The intermediate series of Ashtanga Yoga is called Nāḍī Shodhana or "Nerve Cleansing". This second series is learned only after the body has been sufficiently cleansed and strengthened. It is important to have a strong foundation prior to focusing on the purification of the nervous system.

The āsanas of the intermediate series are directed towards opening and clearing the subtle energy channels in the body.

The advanced series of Ashtanga Yoga is called Sthira Bhagah or "Steady Strength". These postures are directed towards strengthening the inner spirit of the practitioner. They require a great degree of humility, intense focus, and a steadiness in both body and mind.

Return from Ashtanga Yoga Postures - Primary Series to AYC Homepage