video of Guru Ji, Dr.Ray and Chuck Miller at UCSC 1986
". . . I have found (the) yoga to be very supportive. It helps relieve psychological symptoms, because one starts to feel good about one's body image and self-esteem, and it gives one hope. I found Ashtanga to have the most dramatic impact--it's not easy, one must work at it--but it is the most effective practice . . . "
--Lynne Pinette
an excerpt from the book, Ashtanga Yoga for Women
--Lynne Pinette
an excerpt from the book, Ashtanga Yoga for Women
About Ashtanga Yoga
video of sri k. pattabhi jois, circa santa cruz, 1986
Breathe. Ashtanga Yoga is a grounded practice. By following the breath while practicing yoga, you are able to clear the mind and release outworn modes of being. Old beliefs and can fall away, peace comes in the process. The practice gives us the energy and insight to know ourselves. Yoga means union with our true self. Practicing Yoga (sadhana) purifies the body and mind and develops focus or concentration. It is defined in the Yoga Sutras as Chitta Vritti Nirodha: yoga is controlling the thought waves of the mind. The extended benefits of a regular yoga practice include a healthy, strong, flexible body as well as a more balanced, relaxed outlook.
Ashtanga has eight limbs. (ashto = eight, anga = limbs. Patanjali (the founder of yoga) describes yoga as having eight limbs; These limbs are: Yama (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (posture or seat), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (relaxed detachment), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (contemplation). These branches support and build upon each other.
Ashtanga has eight limbs. (ashto = eight, anga = limbs. Patanjali (the founder of yoga) describes yoga as having eight limbs; These limbs are: Yama (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (posture or seat), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (relaxed detachment), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (contemplation). These branches support and build upon each other.
