Pananjali Ashtanga

The ashtanga in yoga derives from the eight anga or limbs of yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutra. Scholars think that sometime between 4 B.C.E and 3 C.E the text known as the yoga sutra was written by a sage known as Patanjali.

This work is set in four sections made up of short sayings, ( some obvoius others less so ). Which contain a description the human condition and how it may be ameliorated through attention to and practice of the ideas therein. Early in the first section eight parts of yoga are expounded.

Vinyasa is a sanscrit term indicating the wise admixture of things - hence the term ashtanga vinyasa implies the selective practice of multiple techniques from the compendium of ashtanga yoga in order to derive the maximum synergistic benefits.

Vinyasa Ashtanga Yoga is much more than the practice of asana or posture it is a compendium of techniques and attitudes through the practice of which the aspirant may attain self realisation. The aim is to free the practioner from the mental loops which can often distort, delete and overgeneralise our precepiton of daily experience. Yoga is both a journey and a destination.

While in popular modern Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga or Power Yoga ® it is often said DO YOUR PRACTICE ! ALL IS COMMING it is advisable for the aspirant to seek the advice of a teacher in the selection of the techniques which constitute a personal practice. Hence since everybody is different it is wise to clarify what exactly ALL is. The following pages give the basic outline of the limbs of yoga.