ABOUT ASHTANGA YOGA
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic form of physical hatha yoga. It consists of 6 series of yoga asanas (poses). Each student works progressively through the series at their own pace, as taught traditionally in Mysore, India (read more below). Although Ashtanga Yoga looks very 'physical' from the outside, it is in fact a method of yoga that works to heal mind, body and spirit from the inside out. Through using the tools of breath, body connection and inner focus (tristana), a spiritual and holistic practice is established. Ashtanga Yoga is meant to be practiced 6 days a week. Not to attain any physical accomplishment, but to establish a daily ritual for physical, mental and spiritual fulfillment.
Traditional ashtanga yoga has its origin in Mysore, India. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois popularised this style of yoga in the 70's and onwards. When he passed, his grandson Sharath Jois continued the tradition after being Pattabhi Jois student and assistant for many years. This direct transmission of knowledge is called 'parampara'. It creates a lineage of transmission from student to teacher. From the very first yogi Shiva thousands of years ago, to the modern yoga practitioners today.
Inger was blessed to learn ashtanga yoga in Mysore under Sharath Jois direct guidance from 2018-2024. And received the blessing to teach the method in 2022 (authorisation level 2). Through multiple trips to Mysore, Inger learnt how ashtanga yoga is not only a physical practice, but first and foremost a method of healing and personal transformation. The physical practice merely being a gateway, where the potential of yoga is realised for the unique individual practitioner.
Yoga is for everyone, as is ashtanga yoga. It is a practice that can be adjusted to each individual, from beginner to 'advanced' practitioners alike. Whether you are completely new to the practice, or have practiced for years. Ashtanga Yoga has a spectrum of potential as wide as there are human beings on earth. Whether you are looking for a therapeutic practice to heal from injury, a dynamic practice to challenge your physical and mental potential, or somewhere in between. Ashtanga Yoga is a practice for all, a practice for life.
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ABOUT MYSORE STYLE
Mysore Style is the traditional way of practicing and teaching ashtanga yoga. Mysore is self practice in a group setting, where you will receive individual assistance from the teacher. While simultanenously having time and space to do your own practice.
The mysore room exists for all 'levels' and experiences of students to practice together. Guided by the energy of the room, and the teacher holding the space. One intention of the mysore room, is to create a space where the participants can cultivate their sadhana (yoga practice). A mysore program is typically open 6 days a week, with 5 days of mysore style, and one led class per week. This creates a community for the students to develop their yoga practice in a safe environment,
There are many benefits of practicing ashtanga yoga mysore style. One of the main intentions of the mysore room, is to create independent practitioners. Giving the student the chance to develop their own practice over time. The teacher is there to guide the students when needed, but ultimately, the practice exists for each person to own for themselves. This is done by creating trust between teacher and student over time. Where an environment of learning transmits the knowledge of yoga through daily yoga practice.
One common misconception of the mysore room, is that you have to know the entire ashtanga yoga sequence before joining this class. The reality is that any and all practitioners are welcome in the mysore room. From complete beginners to experienced practitioner. If you are new to the practice, the teacher will help you to memorize the sequence. Over time you will gradually learn to do the practice by yourself, and keep learning the practice one asana at a time. All are welcome in the mysore room.
Inger teaches ashtanga yoga 'mysore style' online 6 days a week. See 'online classes' to book your spot to practice with Inger online.
Inger giving physical adjustments to students practicing mysore style.
Photos from Ashtanga Yoga Linz, Austria. 1 month Mysore Program August 2024.