Class Guide
Astanga Yoga
Astanga, meaning; eight limbs, these refer to physical postures, breathing, meditation, moral and ethical observations; vinyasa: breath synchronized movement; yoga union; is a dynamic method of practising the asanas, or postures, in the practice of Hatha body, mind harmony yoga. The form referred to here as astanga yoga is a series of postures, scientifically arranged in a sequence, practiced in a non-stop flowing series. Special breathing (ujayii) is used, co-ordinated with movements, known as Vinyasa. Heat is generated within the body, cleansing, purifying, and loosening the joints. Regular practice will lead to better health, flexibility, strength and stamina.
Astanga vinyasa yoga levels explained
Don't get hung up on the levels, if you go to a class and its too slow or too challenging, just consult the teacher after, and they'll recommend a switch. We have four levels now at Yoga Dublin Studios. Each astanga teacher here has experienced different backgrounds in training and practice. So benefit from this, and pick up different aspects to enrich your practice from our pool of teachers. They all follow, with their own emphasis, or insight, derivatives of the basic Primary series, as taught by Pattabhi Jois in Mysore.
Level 1
For both absolute beginners with no experience and for those seeking more gentle asana practice, suitable for all levels, concentrating on the foundations of yoga practice. We concentrate on sun salutations, the first standing postures, alignment, breathing, and creating a flow. Most courses consist one class a week for eight weeks and are 60 minutes in duration.
Level 1-2
You might have completed one Level 1 course, and feel its coming together, or done 2 courses, and want to move on. We shall assume you are familiar with sun salutations, and most of the standing postures, or wish to strengthen them. Less demonstration, and more focus on creating the fluid, flowing, breathing sequence.
Level 2
Introducing more challenging asanas, sun salutations and insights into deeper practice. There is no pressure or imperative to move on from this level, one can try the next level, when knowledge and awareness of the sequence and postures is established, at anytime, or in consultation with your teacher. Classes focus more on flow and fluidity and are 60 minutes in duration. A 'short form' of the Primary Series, those familiar with David Swenson's 'The Practice Manual' might have followed his shorter sequences.
Level 3
This level is for experienced students and those seeking a challenging practice. Class duration is 90 minutes. We get through the standing sequence, and most seated postures to Navasana, a brief closing sequence, obviously not possible to get through the whole sequence in this timeframe. Each week there might be a different focus on an inversion, arm balance, or selected posture or technique, during the sequence.