In Ashtanga yoga, led classes are meant
for beginners only. The classical manner of
teaching Ashtanga yoga is called the "Mysore
Style". This means that the students know the
series they practise by heart and each
practising it individually and at their own
pace. The teacher neither demonstrates nor
counts but focuses rather on giving
adjustments.
For one thing, this way of practising and
teaching is most effective for both the
students and the teacher. For another, this is
the only method of teaching that can assure
that the purpose of the practice be achieved
at all: Ashtanga yoga, practised in almost
"noble silence" with its uncompromising
concentration and its sophisticated breathing
technique, cannot be compared with the
"Indian gymnastics" that yoga is often taken
for. It is a moving meditation, the purpose of
which would be rendered impossible with any
talking, explanations, demonstration and
imitation.
for beginners only. The classical manner of
teaching Ashtanga yoga is called the "Mysore
Style". This means that the students know the
series they practise by heart and each
practising it individually and at their own
pace. The teacher neither demonstrates nor
counts but focuses rather on giving
adjustments.
For one thing, this way of practising and
teaching is most effective for both the
students and the teacher. For another, this is
the only method of teaching that can assure
that the purpose of the practice be achieved
at all: Ashtanga yoga, practised in almost
"noble silence" with its uncompromising
concentration and its sophisticated breathing
technique, cannot be compared with the
"Indian gymnastics" that yoga is often taken
for. It is a moving meditation, the purpose of
which would be rendered impossible with any
talking, explanations, demonstration and
imitation.
| The doorplate of the "Ashtanga Yoga Home" of the "Scholar" Shri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India |
Mysore Style
