Traditional Ashtanga YogaThe source of traditional ashtanga yoga or Classical Yoga is an ancient text called the Yoga Sutras. From this text come most
modern practices and definitions
. 
Today the very popular asana system of Sri K Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) - is also called "Ashtanga Yoga". Sri K. Pattabhi Jois says, "Ashtanga Yoga is 8 limbs yoga". Guruji's focus and emphasis on the study of Ashtanga Yoga starts with the 3rd limb or asana. We must purify our bodies in order to move to deeper aspects of the mind and spirit. As students of Yoga we must continue to learn and share our knowledge. Many students attend "ashtanga yoga" classes at their local studio, which gives the body a very thorough workout, and yet they learn nothing about the other 8 limbs. It is then easy to understand how some people might believe this practice is simply an alternative form of exercise and not a complete philosophy of living.
We must understand that Ashtanga Yoga is a set of practices that eventually leads to the full integration of our personality. Practicing this system of asana is important because it results in a "comfortable sitting position" from which we can then practice pranayama and eventually meditation. 
Thankfully, Sri K Pattabhi Jois has given us a thorough and systematic method of practicing asana, the 3rd limb of Patanjali's 8 limbs. The practice of asanas will help us open our bodies and our minds and allow us to understand reality as it is, not as we would like it to be. Then with time and patience, the Ashtanga Yoga Postures will bring us to a point where we can assume a "stable, comfortable" sitting position, which allows us to explore Patanjali's definition of Yoga: "Yogaschittavrittisnirodhah" (controlling the fluctuations of the mind). Return from Traditional Ashtanga Yoga to AYC Homepage
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