Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga : Tradition, Practice & Benefits

Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga: A Deep Dive into Tradition, Practice, and Benefits

Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga is one of the most revered methods of practicing Ashtanga Yoga, and it holds a special place in the hearts of yoga practitioners worldwide. Named after the city of Mysore in southern India, where it was popularized by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, this style of yoga is based on a unique approach that allows students to learn and practice the traditional Ashtanga system at their own pace, under the guidance of an experienced teacher.

While many modern yoga classes are taught in a set format with a teacher leading the group through each posture, Mysore Style offers a more individualized approach to learning, where students practice the Ashtanga sequences on their own, while the teacher provides one-on-one adjustments, support, and instructions. This method has gained widespread popularity over the years for its emphasis on self-discipline, personalized instruction, and deep connection to the traditional roots of Ashtanga Yoga.

In this article, we will explore the history, structure, and benefits of Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga, along with tips for beginners and insights into how the practice can lead to physical, mental, and spiritual transformation.

The Origins of Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga

Mysore Style is rooted in the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who was a student of the great Indian yogi Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya is often referred to as the “father of modern yoga,” and his influence on contemporary yoga practices is immeasurable. He taught a variety of yoga styles, including Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga Yoga, but it was his student, Pattabhi Jois, who eventually developed and popularized Ashtanga Yoga as we know it today.

In the early 1930s, Pattabhi Jois began teaching a system of yoga, based on the Yoga Korunta, that combined the practice of Vinyasa (linking breath with movement) with a set series of postures, known as Asanas, arranged into distinct sequences. The sequences were designed to purify and strengthen the body, while also cultivating mental clarity and focus. This system became known as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

The term “Mysore Style” refers to the way the practice is taught in the city of Mysore, where Pattabhi Jois opened his first yoga school in the 1940s. In Mysore Style, each student practices the Ashtanga sequences at their own pace and ability level, rather than following a strict, instructor-led class. The teacher offers personalized guidance and adjustments, while the student learns to connect with their breath, movement, and inner experience.

The Structure of Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga

In Mysore Style, students practice a sequence of postures, known as a “series,” which are taught in six main sequences: the Primary Series, Intermediate Series, and Advanced Series. The Advanced Series itself consists of four additional sequences, for a total of six distinct series. Each sequence is designed to build strength, flexibility, and endurance, while also helping to open energy channels and purify the body.

Here is a breakdown of the six Ashtanga series:

1.Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa): This is the foundational series and focuses on building strength, flexibility, and detoxification. The postures are designed to align the body, open the hips, and balance the energy systems. The Primary Series includes standing poses, seated poses, and backbends.

2.Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana): The Intermediate Series works on purifying the nervous system and involves deeper backbends, twists, and hip openers. It aims to strengthen and balance the energetic body, as well as the physical body.

3.Advanced Series (Sthira Bhaga): The Advanced Series requires significant strength and flexibility and is designed to challenge practitioners both physically and mentally. The Advanced Series is divided into four sequences (A, B, C, and D), each with progressively more challenging poses, including arm balances, deep backbends, and complex standing and seated postures. Mastery of the Primary and Intermediate Series is required before progressing to these advanced levels.

How Mysore Style Works: Self-Practice with Teacher Support

Unlike a traditional yoga class where the teacher leads the group through each pose in a set sequence, in Mysore Style, students practice independently within a group setting. This approach is not only more personalized, but it also allows students to develop a deeper connection to their practice and progress at their own pace.

Here’s how Mysore Style typically works:

•Self-Practice: In Mysore Style, each student practices the Ashtanga sequences on their own. They start with the Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) and gradually move through the standing poses, seated poses, and finish with the finishing postures, which include backbends and inversions. The sequence is designed to be memorized, and students practice it according to their individual abilities.

•Personalized Instruction: Although students are practicing independently, the teacher walks around the room offering hands-on adjustments and guidance as needed. The teacher may also give verbal instructions or demonstrate certain postures. This individualized attention helps each student improve their form, develop strength, and work on specific areas that need improvement.

•Pacing: In Mysore Style, students are not expected to keep up with others in the room. If you are new to the practice, you may be taught only a few postures at a time, gradually building up as your strength and flexibility increase. This allows the teacher to focus on you and provide tailored feedback, ensuring that you progress safely.

•Breath Awareness: Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes the connection between breath and movement, which is why the practice is done with Ujjayi breathing (a controlled, audible breath) throughout. In Mysore Style, students are encouraged to develop awareness of their breath, creating a meditative atmosphere even during physical exertion. This breath-movement connection helps to focus the mind and can bring about a deep sense of inner calm and concentration.

The Key Benefits of Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga

Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga offers numerous benefits, both physical and mental. Since each student practices at their own pace, the experience is deeply individual, allowing for personal growth and self-awareness. Here are some of the key benefits:

1.Individualized Attention: Because the teacher walks around the room offering one-on-one adjustments and guidance, each student receives personalized attention. This is invaluable, especially for beginners, as it helps students learn proper alignment, avoid injury, and develop their practice over time.

2.Progress at Your Own Pace: In Mysore Style, students practice the sequence at their own pace, which allows them to move through the postures as their body becomes stronger and more flexible. There is no pressure to keep up with the class or perform at a certain level, which makes the practice accessible to all.

3.Physical Strength and Flexibility: The Ashtanga sequences are designed to build strength, endurance, and flexibility over time. As students continue to practice, they will notice improvements in their physical health, such as increased muscle tone, better posture, and greater flexibility in the hips, back, and legs.

4.Mental Clarity and Focus: The meditative nature of Mysore Style, combined with the emphasis on breath control, helps to cultivate mental clarity and focus. As students learn to quiet the mind and connect with their inner experience, they often experience a greater sense of calm, concentration, and mental stability.

5.Detoxification: Ashtanga Yoga is designed to be a detoxifying practice, stimulating the lymphatic system and encouraging the release of toxins through sweat. The continuous movement in the sequence also helps to promote healthy circulation and improve cardiovascular health.

6.Personal Growth and Discipline: The practice of Mysore Style fosters self-discipline and encourages personal growth. Students learn to listen to their bodies and develop a regular routine. Over time, this discipline can positively impact other areas of life, cultivating a more mindful and balanced approach to daily activities.

Mysore Style for Beginners

Although Mysore Style is often associated with advanced practitioners, beginners can also benefit greatly from this method of practice. If you are new to Ashtanga or Mysore Style, here are a few tips to help you get started:

1.Start Slow: As a beginner, you will likely start with just the Sun Salutations and standing postures. Don’t worry about keeping up with others; focus on learning the sequence and developing your breath awareness.

2.Be Consistent: Mysore Style is most effective when practiced regularly. Mysore style is practiced 5 or 6 days a week. Saturdays, the new and full moon are rest days. Additionally, for women, the first three days of menstruation are rest.

3.Listen to Your Teacher: The beauty of Mysore Style is the individualized attention. The Mysore style instructor, teaches new postures and series as currently practiced postures and sequences are mastered. New postures are taught one at a time. Be open to feedback, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification if you need it.

4.Cultivate Patience: Mysore Style emphasizes slow, gradual progress. Don’t rush your practice; instead, focus on making steady improvements and enjoying the process of growth.

5.Respect Your Body: As you practice, listen to your body and respect its limitations. The practice is meant to be nurturing and supportive, not forced.

Conclusion

Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga offers a unique and deeply personal approach to yoga practice. By focusing on individual progress, breath awareness, and self-discipline, this style of yoga allows practitioners to build strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.

In Caroline Klebl’s Yoga Teacher Training, students learn to practice Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga through personalized, hands-on instruction. Caroline covers the fundamentals of the Ashtanga sequence, the art of individualized teaching, and the integration of breath with movement. Trainees will gain the skills to guide students at their own pace, providing adjustments and modifications to enhance each person’s practice. By the end of the training, participants will be prepared to practice and lead Mysore Style classes with confidence. To learn more and view Caroline’s upcoming teaching schedule, visit Source of Yoga Schedule.