About
Mysore Yoga
Mysore
Ashtanga Yoga is the traditional method of teaching, learning and practicing
Ashtanga Yoga as done by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India since
the 1930s. Students of all levels, from the complete beginner to the
advanced practitioner, receive one-on-one guidance from the teacher
while learning and practicing the Ashtanga sequence.
Each
student's practice is individually tailored during the class according
to personal needs and capacity. Since each posture is designed to prepare
you for the rest of the series, beginners tend to have a shorter practice
than more experienced students.
Postures
are given, one by one, in a sequential order. After you are given a
new posture, you practice the sequence through until you get to that
posture, then wind down your practice with backbends (if appropriate)
and the finishing sequence. As you gain strength, stamina, flexibility
and concentration, you progress to the next sequence of postures.
The
advantage of the Mysore-style of yoga is that it is for everyone because
it teaches Ashtanga Yoga according to one's individual capacity. Injuries
are less likely to occur because you only progress to your natural next
level with the guidance of your teacher.
The
most important aspect of Mysore-style practice is not the ability to
do postures - it's making the commitment to attend classes regularly
and establish a dedicated practice. The benefits of yoga come quickly
when you develop a steadfast, dedicated practice, even if you cannot
yet do the postures correctly. Ideally, students attend Mysore classes
regularly at least twice weekly or more.