Out there in yoga, ashtanga yoga teacher training class is arguably one of the finest practices to learn which is also difficult enough to learn. While many yoga schools are jam-packed with students in other classes like Vikarma and Vinyasa, the number can count on fingers for ashtanga yoga classes. It’s not always the same and not everywhere.
Being the capital of yoga, India has had a fine reputation for practicing and teaching yoga for centuries. Also, many derivatives are born from the same yoga through many decades. The knowledge transformation has been experimenting and evolving while passing further but never trimmed to execute faster. To learn ashtanga yoga, embracing self-discipline and consistency is the ultimate hardship one requires.
Ashtanga yoga class is a parallel example for practicing yoga with patience and dedication.
We all have insecurities in learning something, ashtanga yoga course also is understandably slow for beginners who are on the edge to know the outcome. The great sage who wrote the great scripture “yoga suras” 500 bc is guru Maharshi Patanjali. From the very beginnings of his scripture, Astanga yoga is considered as a great philosophy to acknowledge. With time, practice lead to the required self-growth both mentally and physically.
What is ashtanga yoga after all?
Breaking down the Sanskrit word ‘asthanga’, the two words ‘astha + anga’ is literally known as ‘eight limbs’ which means eight limb practices. Majorly, ashtanga yoga classes are popularly known for it’s breathing practices. But, the interesting fact here in learning is it’s all about accepting the challenge for boy and mind.
Embedded deeply in Indian roots, ashtanga yoga is composed with tantras and philosophy. The eight-limb approach according to the ‘yoga sutras’ are
1. Yama or the principles
The grounded moral codes to follow by everyone are
- Nonviolence (ahimsa)
- Truthfulness (Satya)
- Non-stealing nature (asteya)
- Celibacy (bramhacharya)
- Non-possessiveness (aparigraha)
2. Niyama or discipline
The personal purification rules that helps in discipline and observance for consistent self-growth in yoga class.
- Purity (shoucha)
- Contentment (santosha)
- Endurance (tapa)
- Dedication (swadhyaya)
- Self-study (eshwar pranidhan)
3. Yoga positions or Asanas
The practices or physical postures which are basically the major aspect of yoga. From meditation to spiritual performance, asanas are your daily exercises. These practices balance the mental and physical equilibrium.
4. Pranayama or yogic breathing
‘Prana’ which means ‘life force or breath’ and ‘yama’ which means ‘control’. In a single context, pranayama is referred to as controlling of breath. This is the life that represents yoga in a metaphorical way. Yoga certification courses in India will spoon-feed the content to all their students in schools.
5. Pratyahara or withdrawal of senses
There are five layers of consciousness in controlling our senses respective to the external environment. Surpassing each helps in controlling and turning external senses to balance inner consciousness.
The five withdrawal layers are
- Annamaya kosha (food)
- Vijnyanmaya kosha (intellect)
- Manomaya kosha (mind)
- Ananda kosa (bliss)
- Pranamaya kosha (breath)
6. Dharana or concentration
While many intellectuals are busy in monitoring multiple things at a single instance, we humans are functionally developed to concentrate on one thing at one instance in reality. This bridge can tune variably at yoga training in India.
7. Dhyana or meditation
The tendency to meditate for hours is all bout exploring from the inside. The world is beyond our imagination so do our brain. Focus and imagination power can be dramatically increased with resistance in meditation.
8. Samadhi or salvation
The last stage of ultimate consciousness in ashtanga yoga class. The state of pure bliss and joy occurs when inner consciousness merges with universal consciousness. The transformation of athma to paramathma. The appearance of god as the universal truth for all the human births on earth. Subjectively surprising yet individually eternal salvation. Yoga retreat in India.
