Beyond the Hype: The Real Deal on Ashtanga Yoga

"Ashtanga Remix? We play music and we smile!" My partner's cheeky intro to his class always gets a chuckle. It's a playful jab at the idea that Ashtanga's all about strictness and seriousness. But it got me thinking...what does that mean? Do rigid "Ashtanga rules" really exist? And if so, who made them up?

He's not wrong! Ashtanga is seen as the yoga equivalent of a double espresso - intense, challenging, and not for the faint of heart. Ashtanga can feel like a secret society sometimes, right? You've got the Sanskrit chanting, the laundry list of "rules," and even the infamous "Ashtanga Police" ready to enforce them. It's enough to leave any newbie feeling a bit bewildered, especially when faced with a stern teacher insisting these rules are "time-tested for millennia." Let's face it, some parts of the Ashtanga sequence and the whole "practice" mindset can feel a bit...unwieldy these days. Maybe even ineffective or unhelpful. So, let's shake things up a bit! Here are a few Ashtanga "rules" we might want to rethink.

Well, let's pull back the curtain on this mystical yoga world and see if those rules really hold up. Time to ditch the dogma and get to the heart of Ashtanga!

A misnomer?

Now, here's where things get a little tricky. The term "Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga" was actually coined by the "father of modern yoga," T. Krishnamacharya, back in the 1930s. It really took off in the 70s and 80s thanks to his student, K. Pattabhi Jois. But here's the plot twist: this whole sweaty, dynamic flow we practice today? It's not quite what the ancient sage Patanjali had in mind when he wrote the Yoga Sutras way back when.

Astau-anga means 8 Limbs of Yoga in the Patanjali Sutras

Sure, Patanjali mentions "asana" (postures) as one of yoga's eight limbs, but he basically meant finding a comfy seated position you could hold for a while, like a good meditation cushion. Out of 196 sutras (those wise little sayings), only three are about asanas! And the commentators back then? They were talking about simple seated poses, not the pretzel-like twists of an Ashtanga sequence.

Divinely created!

The idea that the Ashtanga sequence was divinely channeled from some ancient text gathering dust in a Calcutta library? Yeah, that's been debunked. It's now widely accepted, even by the current lineage holder, that Krishnamacharya and Pattabhi Jois created the sequence together. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't just some random experiment. These were experienced teachers, observing countless students, and refining the practice over time.

But let's not get carried away. It's not the ultimate truth, nor is it a magic key to enlightenment. Early on, the sequence was considered a "work in progress." That's why the original teaching space was called a "research institute." But like any institution, things can get rigid over time, stifling any freedom of interpretation.

Talk to the old-timers, and you'll hear wildly different stories about how the sequence was taught back in the day. It varied from teacher to teacher, year to year, and even student to student. Some folks had personalized "advanced sequences" created just for them! They'd practice primary series with full vinyasas in the morning, intermediate in the afternoon, all with hands-on adjustments in a small group setting.

Remember, those early Western students were a dedicated bunch; getting to India wasn't a walk in the park. Their determination and skill pushed the practice to new levels of dynamism. Over time, this all solidified into a "gospel truth," but it wasn't always that way.

Gotta memorize the whole sequence before I even start?

Nope, not true! We all begin by learning the choreography, bit by bit. It's like learning a new dance – nobody expects you to nail it on day one! As my b beloved teacher Joey Miles always says"Where you are is perfect." You start with Surya Namaskar A, and the teacher guides you from there. Forget what's next? Just look to them for a gentle reminder. It's all part of the learning process, and your teacher is there to support you every step of the way.

6 times a week practice!

Okay, let's be real: Ashtanga is built on the idea of showing up consistently. It's called a practice for a reason, right? Think of it like learning a musical instrument or mastering a sport. You need time, dedication, and a whole lot of repetition. Whether you're into downward dogs or warrior poses, the more you practice yoga, the better you'll get.

Even the ancient yogis knew this! Patanjali, the OG yoga guru, basically said, "Practice makes perfect." In the Patanjali's Yoga Sutras the sutra "abhyāsa vairāgyābhyām tan nirodhaḥ" (योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः) translates to: "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. This is attained through practice (abhyāsa) and detachment (vairāgya)."

Want to see real change in your Ashtanga journey? Well, you gotta practice! It might sound obvious, but hey, sometimes we need a reminder. Think of it like learning a musical instrument or mastering a new dance move. Consistent practice is key. You might not notice those gains day-to-day, but look back after a few months and BAM! Progress! So if you're dreaming of nailing that handstand or finally touching your toes, keep showing up on your mat. It's all about the journey, not just the destination.

Does that make Ashtanga "hard"? Not really. It just makes it like anything else worth learning.

How about moon days and off days?

When those eager Western students first landed in Mysore, Pattabhi Jois was like a kid in a candy store. He was so pumped to teach, he'd go seven days a week, non-stop! It took his wife, Amma, to step in and say, "Honey, you need a break!" So, Saturday became the official day off for family time. Somewhere along the line, that switched to Sundays. Shalas worldwide followed suit, like a global game of yoga Simon Says. Then, a few years back, Sharath (Jois's grandson) switched it back to Saturdays for some practical reasons. And guess what? Shalas fell in line again.

Oh, and let's not forget the moon day off! Sure, there's some science behind it - the moon affects tides and our bodies, and can mess with our moods and energy levels. But if you practice mindfully, or aren't doing six days a week anyway, go ahead and hit the mat on moon days! Don't let the lunar cycle dictate your yoga destiny.

A boring sequence ...

Now, the idea of doing the same thing every day might sound a bit monotonous to some. But it has its perks - when you practice similar postures consistently, you start to notice subtle shifts in your mind and body. You become more aware of your thoughts – when they resist, when they settle. You also develop a deeper understanding of your physical self.

You'll observe those tiny victories: hamstrings getting a little more flexible, maybe even getting closer to that elusive lotus pose. While some Ashtanga teachers stick strictly to the sequence, the beauty of Mysore-style Ashtanga is its adaptability. But here's the kicker: it's often when things get tough that people throw in the towel. That resistance, that urge to quit? It's actually a sign the practice is working, an invitation to break free.

So, instead of feeling restricted by the sequence, see it as your path to liberation. It's about pushing through discomfort to discover your true potential. That's where the real magic happens.

Yet those who insist on following the exact same sequence, no matter your body's abilities, are missing the bigger picture. Yoga isn't one-size-fits-all. As Manju Jois once said, we shouldn't turn traditional yoga into a circus. There's room to honor tradition and respect individual limits. It's about finding that sweet spot.

Ashtanga is for the super strong and bendy!

Sometimes, the way Ashtanga Yoga is taught (think those fast-paced, led classes) can leave people feeling a bit intimidated like it's not for them.But here's the truth: when taught well, Ashtanga can benefit everyone, regardless of your flexibility or experience level.

At its core, this practice is all about the breath. If you can breathe, you can do Ashtanga! It just gets a bit trickier when you add in those challenging poses. But remember, it's still a breathing practice. Forget about how many poses you can do or how "good" you look. It's not about completing series or nailing perfect postures.

“Some asanas are not suitable for particular people and may be painful. A Guru will understand this and be able to explain it, so the practitioner of yoga must be certain to follow his guidance.” (Yoga Mala, p. 30).

Ashtanga is about the journey, not the destination.The beauty of Ashtanga is that it can meet you wherever you're at. Out of shape? Older? Super busy? No worries! The practice can be adapted to fit your life. It might look different than someone who's younger, more athletic, or has more time to dedicate, but that's okay. Ashtanga isn't just for the super-bendy or the hyper-focused.

Mysore-style Ashtanga is for everyone – beginner, advanced, young, or seasoned.

Mysore-style offers a chance to ditch external cues and truly turn inward. Yoga's goal is to quiet the mind, easing our suffering. Relying on external cues can hinder that inner exploration. In a quiet room, your practice becomes a meditation in motion.

How about gateway postures?

A sticking point for Ashtanga students is the rigid adherence to the sequence. Some teachers won't let you move on until you've mastered the current pose. That can mean being stuck on a notoriously tricky one like Kapotasana for years. Talk about frustrating! It can make your practice feel stagnant, like you're hitting a wall.

Encouragement isn't always the modern teacher's forte. But, to be fair, there's another side to the coin. Pushing early students too hard sometimes led to avoidable injuries. Now, we've swung the pendulum the other way, becoming overly cautious and hesitant to let people explore their potential. Maybe it's time to bring back some of that early enthusiasm. Let's stop denying people postures just because they struggle with one aspect.

Holding students back because of one tricky pose might be okay for a bit (especially for those eager beavers who need to slow their roll). But in the long run, it's like putting a speed limit on a Ferrari. Imagine an older, less flexible student stuck at that same red light, getting frustrated and maybe even throwing out their back trying to force it.

Yoga is a journey, not a race. Let's embrace that spirit and keep the practice evolving!

Standing up from backbends: the great ashtanga debate

Okay, picture this: Mysore back in the day, just a handful of dedicated students, personalized attention, and a whole lot of freedom. Fast forward to today, and it's like a yoga flash mob! With hundreds (or even thousands!) practicing daily, things had to get a bit more...structured.

Suddenly, it's all about ticking boxes. Can you do this pose? Great, move on to the next one! Never mind how you got there, or if it even feels good in your body. This whole "gatekeeper" mentality can lead to some serious back issues, especially when folks are desperate to prove themselves by progressing to the next series.

And let's talk about that infamous backbend at the end of Primary Series. Guess what? Back in the day, you didn't even see that pose until you were deep into Intermediate! It's like the final boss battle after leveling up your backbend skills gradually. Makes sense, right?

Catching? more like catch-22

In the Mysore slang, this means catching your heels, ankles or legs in backbend, with assistance and from the air. Sometime along the way, some Ashtanga moves, like that ankle-grabbing backbend, have become the ultimate badge of honor. But honestly, it's a move that only a handful of super-bendy folks can do sustainably.

This whole "no pain, no gain" mentality has caused unnecessary suffering for countless yogis. Even those who can do the fancy moves might be doing long-term damage. It's bizarre that this one move has become the yardstick for measuring someone's entire practice when it was never meant to be a big deal in the first place.

So, why the obsession with it? Maybe it's just an easy way to give everyone some kind of attention in a crowded Mysore room. After all, when you've got hundreds of students, it's tough to give everyone personalized feedback. But let's be real, grabbing your ankles doesn't tell the whole story. It's time to focus on the bigger picture, not just the flashy tricks.

Does ashtanga cause injuries?

Let's face it, life's a bit of a balancing act, and injuries can happen anytime, anywhere. You could be running, biking, hiking, or even just taking your dog for a walk! But here's the funny thing: trip over a curb, and you don't blame the curb for your sprained ankle. Yet, in yoga, if something twinges, the practice gets the blame.

Newsflash: ashtanga yoga itself doesn't injure people. It's how people practice that can cause problems.

In those early months of practice, you're basically waking up all those hidden imbalances in your body. So, yeah, you might feel some aches and pains. That's the practice doing its job, digging deep. But remember, not all sensations are injuries. It's about learning to listen to your body, not pushing past its limits.

Think of your body like a rubber band. Stretch it too far, and it might snap! The closer you get to your edge, the higher the risk of overdoing it. Remember, those extreme poses are a choice, not a requirement. Good teachers will guide you toward a practice that respects your body's unique limits. No need to turn into a human pretzel if it doesn't feel right!

Ashtanga is a symphony for Darth Vader

This one's a classic, so ingrained that many teachers have to debunk it regularly. Ashtanga breathing isn't supposed to sound like a heavy-breathing villain! It's free breathing, folks – soft, natural, and definitely not loud enough to annoy your neighbor especially when mats are practically touching!).

But here's the thing: forcing loud ujjayi just messes with your mind. If you're feeling frazzled after practice, try a softer, quieter breath next time. You might be surprised at how much calmer you feel.

Alignment in ashtanga: the Cheshire Cat's guide

In the yoga world, "alignment" is a buzzword that gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean? Think of it like arranging your body like a puzzle in gravity's playground. You want those pieces to fit together smoothly, right?

Ashtanga, though, has its own twist. It's less about achieving the picture-perfect pose and more about building a strong foundation from the inside out. Imagine building a house: you need a solid base before you can add those fancy windows and a rooftop deck.

So, when does alignment matter? Well, it's not a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your unique body and what you want to get out of your practice. If you're nursing an injury or feeling a bit stiff, a few alignment tweaks can be a lifesaver. But sometimes, letting go of that "perfect pose" mentality can actually help you progress faster.

Bottom line? Alignment's a tool, not a rigid rulebook. It's about understanding your body, listening to its signals, and making smart choices. Use it wisely, and your Ashtanga practice will blossom!

To prop or not to prop?

Back in the 80s, Ashtanga was having a bit of an identity crisis. Picture this: a bunch of enthusiastic yogis, fueled by that "Just Do It!" spirit, were pushing their bodies to the limit. Cue the injuries! Enter the Iyengar crew, all about precision and props. They started popping into Ashtanga classes, offering tips on how to protect those precious joints. It was helpful, to a point. But too much talk and too many props started messing with the Ashtanga flow.

My awesome teacher, Joey Miles, doesn't see props as flow-killers. He's all about keeping the flow going even while juggling breakfast, bills, and kids. If a simple prop helps you stay present, why not use it? But he also warns about getting too attached to those props. It's like that comfy couch you can't get off of – props can create a cozy trap.

Props definitely have their place, especially when it comes to injuries. Think of them as yoga's first-aid kit, helping you modify poses and avoid pain. They're a way to create space and support, so you can keep practicing even when life throws you curveballs.

So, props: helpful or hindrance? It depends. Sometimes they're essential for a safe and accessible practice. Other times, they might hold you back from exploring your full potential. It's about finding the right balance for you.

You must be authorized by the Jois's to teach ashtanga!

Turns out, it's a bit of a yoga soap opera. Even authorized teachers have mixed feelings about the process, which has evolved over the years. Some say it's about preserving the tradition, others see it as a bit of a status symbol.

Critics argue it's too focused on Mysore trips and not enough on teaching skills or anatomy. But hey, in India, practice is the teacher training. The real question is, does authorization guarantee a good teacher? Not necessarily. Plenty of amazing non-authorized teachers are out there, sharing the Ashtanga love.

Ultimately, it's up to the students. Some value the lineage and tradition, others prioritize experience and knowledge. The irony? Ashtanga's global popularity is largely thanks to those unauthorized teachers spreading the practice far and wide.

So, is authorization essential? It's a complex issue with no easy answers. But one thing's for sure: the debate keeps the yoga world buzzing!