Some Frequently Asked Questions
Who can practice Ashtanga Yoga?
"Anyone can practice. Young man can practice. Old man can practice. Very old man can practice. Man who is sick, he can practice. Man who doesn't have strength can practice. Except lazy people; lazy people can't practice Ashtanga yoga"
- Sri K Pattabhi Jois.
Do I need a teacher to learn Ashtanga Yoga?
Resources such as books or videos are beneficial but learning under the guidance of an experienced teacher is recommended, as each one of us are different when it comes to body type and mental grasping. Teacher's watchful supervision and help is crucial in understanding the postures of the asanas. While correcting and assisting the students physically and verbally , the teacher also guides in aligning their body properly while also paying attention towards their breathing pattern, which are all integral to the practice.
What should I do before coming to the class?
To practice comfortably, one should empty their bladder, clear their bowels and take a shower before starting the practice.
We always practice on an empty stomach. In case practising in the afternoon or evening please allow 3-4 hrs gap after a meal.
What should I wear for a yoga class?
Breathable clothes like cotton which will support you in every twist and turn making you feel comfortable throughout the practice.
What is the right time to practice in a day?
The best time to start the practice is early in the morning when the mind is calm and air is pure. In case morning is not suitable then during sunset is also good. It is recommended to have a consistent practice pattern, following the same time everyday.
Which place is suitable to practice yoga at home?
When doing your home practice, find a room which is clean from dust and distractions, with a little ventilation and dim lighting. The room which is ideal for meditation is ideal for Ashtanga practice with a free space good enough to accommodate your yoga mat.
How should I breathe during the practice?
Breathing should be done through the nose only and never through the mouth. Through out the practice breathe normally without holding the breath.
What are the benefits of this practice?
To build strength, stability and health.
To get rid of toxins and purify the body.
To increase focus and get rid of duality.
To be sensitive towards self and others, making us more compassionate and respectful.
To build discipline and delve deeper into the spiritual aspects of yoga.
These are only few to mention. Many more benefits can be experienced with consistent practice.
Why there is no practice on moon days?
It has always been the tradition in Ashtanga Yoga to rest from asana practice on new and full moon days (tithis). When asked why we shouldn’t practice on these days, Guruji Pattabhi Jois was fond of saying, “Two ‘planets’ [grahanas] one place, very dangerous." What he meant is that on these days, the sun and moon are in a line relative to the position of the earth. Consequently, the gravitational forces are combined, and the effect of these ‘planets’ are more pronounced. One definitive effect is that the ocean’s tides are higher and lower on these days. Similarly, our body and its organs like brain, heart, lungs, etc are more than 70% water. The upheaval seen in the tidal structure can be seen affecting the entire mind body functioning.
Why no practice during the ladies holidays (first three days of menstrual cycle) ?
During ladies holidays, the energy forces in the body move downwards to help the uterus clean itself and get rid of all the unwanted fluids. So, A break from practice is followed so that the body’s natural flow is not disturbed. Also giving our inner body sometime to cleanse and effectively replenish later. So, first 3 days definitely no practice. On the 4th and 5th or whenever our last day of period is, we avoid inversions.