Ashtanga Yoga, which literally means “eight-limbed yoga”, is a system outlined in text compiled prior to 400CE by the ancient sage Patanjali. In this text, called the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali uses variegated theory and praxis from older yoga traditions and finally systemises and describes an 8-part method of practice.

Together, these limbs encompass the complete yogic philosophy - from morals and ethics (“Yamas” & “Niyamas”) to physical movement (“Asana”), breathing (“Pranayama”), withdrawal of the senses (“Pratyahara”), to meditate (“Dharana” and “Dhyana”) and finally enlightenment (Samadhi).

The third limb on the path that Patanjali defined as Asana, as practiced today, has its basis in the teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya (1888-1989). Krishnamacharya, referred to as the father of modern yoga was a scholar of the Vedas, Sanskrit, yoga philosophy and Ayurveda to name a few. He studied yoga with a Tibetan master whose ashram was but a small cave. Upon returning to India, Krishnamacharya honored the promise he had made to his teacher to spread the knowledge he had received and began to teach in Mysore. It’s therefore easy to understand why many people often refer to Mysore as the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga.

Krishnamacharya was the teacher of many yoga legends such as K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009), the founder of Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in 1948, B.K.S. Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar Yoga, and B.N.S. Iyengar. He taught many people who went on to spread and influence the practice in the West, including his son T.K.V. Desikachar, Indra Devi, and others.

Moving forward to today, this diaspora of Ashtanga practitioners has, as is common in the history of traditions, led to differences in interpretation of the method, while still maintaining enough continuity for students to clearly identify the practice tradition.

One such tradition is referred to as Tristhana, and is used in Ashtanga to refer to the three most important pillars of the practice namely: breathing system (Vinyasa), posture (Bandha), and looking place (Drishti). Ujjayi breathing slows down and lengthens the breath and is the foundation of vinyasa. The alignment of the body in asana is achieved through bandha that activate the flow of energy in the body. Drishti completes the trio and helps us practice both focus and stability. These three pillars transform our physical asana practice into a mind-body experience, or moving meditation.

Tristhana is the basis in all six series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. (Primary, Intermediate and four Advanced Series). Each series is a set of asanas that are traditionally practiced in a specific order and taught in a Mysore style with the teacher giving the student a new pose when they are ready. Hence the importance of a supportive and understanding student/teacher relationship.

The Primary series, or Yoga Chikitsa meaning yoga therapy, is aimed at purifying both the body and the mind. The asanas build strength and flexibility in the body, while mind-body awareness and willpower are improved through regular practice. Learning the entire Primary Series requires patience as it can take up to a few years. The duration depends on the student’s physical structure, ability, dedication and discipline to the practice, under the guidance of a good teacher. A six-days-per-week practice is encouraged, with Saturday (or Sunday) and the days of the full and new moon taken as rest days.