The main difference of this style of Yoga to other styles is the focus on vinyasa, literally the intelligent putting together of things . The student moves into and out of each asana (pose) in
a well-defined set of movements, called Suryanamaskara or Sun-Salutation, which are combined with specific breathing patterns
(ujjayi breathing). The purpose of vinyasa is to create heat in the body, which leads to purification of the body through increased circulation
and sweating. It also improves flexibility, which allows the student to practice advanced asanas without risk of injury.
Other components of Ashtanga Yoga include bandhas (internal locks) and drishti (gaze).
There are six series altogether. Practice begins with a set number of Sun-Salutations and standing poses, then the student
moves to either the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, B, C, or D, depending on his or her skill level, and closes his practice
with a group of finishing poses. Ashtanga Yoga is traditionally taught in Mysore style (supervised self practice). Each student moves through their practice at his or her own pace and level.
Bandhas
There are three bandhas, or internal body locks, prescribed in the different postures. The banda is a sustained contraction
of a group of muscles that assists the practitioner not only in retaining a pose but also in moving in and out of it. The
mula bandha, or root lock, is performed by tightening the muscles around the pelvic and perineum area. The udiyana bandha, often described as bringing the navel to the base of the spine, is a contraction of the muscles
of the lower abdominal area. Jalandhara bandha, throat lock, is achieved by lowering the chin slightly while raising the sternum
and the pallete bringing the gaze to the tip of the nose.
Drishtis
There are nine drishtis that instruct the yoga student in directing his or her gaze. Each pose is associated with a particular
drishti. They are:
- Angusta ma dyai: to the thumb
- Broomadhya: to the third eye, or between the eyebrows
- Nasagrai: at a point six inches from the tip of the nose
- Hastagrai: to the palm, usually the extended hand
- Parsva: to the left side
- Parsva: to the right side
- Urdhva: to the sky, or inwards
- Nabichakra: to the navel
- Padangushta: to the toes
