Bikram Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga

The literal translation of Ashtanga yoga is "eight-limbed yoga," and is considered to be the pathway to internal cleansing, refinement, and purification. Ashtanga yoga is required to reveal the "Universal Self," and encompasses the following eight spiritual practices:

Yama - which are moral codes
Niyama - which refers to self purification and self study
Asana - which are postures or poses
Prāṇāyāma - the control of one's breathing
Pratyāhāra - the control of the senses
Dhāraṇā - concentration
Dhyāna - meditation
Samādhi - which is being absorbed in the "Universal"

The first four "limbs" of Ashtanga yoga; yama, niyama, asana, pranayama are deemed to be external cleansing practices. Flaws, weaknesses and deficiencies in these external practices can be corrected. On the other hand, defects in the internal cleansing practices of pratyahara, dharana, dhyana—are considered uncorrectable and dangerous to the mind if the correct Ashtanga yoga method is not followed.

In the modern western world, Ashtanga is often referred to as "power yoga," and is often the yoga style of choice for athletes. Most Ashtanga yoga classes do not incorporate a lot of meditation, but they involve considerable development of strength and stamina. Ashtanga yoga poses are more challenging and physically demanding than those performed in other methods of yoga. Also, students move rapidly from one pose to another, in a continuous flow of movement, building strength, stamina, and flexibility.

Ashtanga yoga is suitable for people in fairly good or excellent physical condition but should be avoided by those who are very out of shape physically. People who are new to yoga, and/or not in very good physical condition should attempt other types of yoga first, and work their way up to Ashtanga.

Ashtanga yoga integrates a focus on breath control as well as focal points for the eyes while the students perform a particular series of poses prescribed by the instructor. The focus remains on breathing and visual focal points as the students move gracefully and fluidly from one pose to the next. Proper warming up of the muscles of the body is extremely important before attempting ashtanga yoga. Sometimes the classroom is heated as well. Warmed up muscles are more flexible,and less likely to be strained by the physical demands of ashtanga yoga.

Ashtanga is currently one of the most popular types of yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga

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