What is Mysore?
Pattabhi Jois.
Here at Portland Ashtanga Yoga, we practice "Mysore-style" Ashtanga.
Ashtanga is a unique type of Yoga that combines a flowing series of postures with breathing techniques. When you practice these together, you develop strength of both mind and body.
You'll learn three fundamental Ashtanga techniques, known as the "tristana." You'll learn to use a resonant in- and out-breath (ujjayi), and you'll practice moving as a result of this deep breathing. Finally, you'll learn specific places to gaze while you're holding the poses or moving between them (drishti).
Ashtanga is a unique type of Yoga that combines a flowing series of postures with breathing techniques. When you practice these together, you develop strength of both mind and body.
You'll learn three fundamental Ashtanga techniques, known as the "tristana." You'll learn to use a resonant in- and out-breath (ujjayi), and you'll practice moving as a result of this deep breathing. Finally, you'll learn specific places to gaze while you're holding the poses or moving between them (drishti).
In a Mysore room, we develop and refine these "tristana" through the practice of six different series of postures (asanas).
They are: Primary Series (First), Intermediate Series (Second), and the Advanced Series (or Third/Fourth/Fifth).
The "tristana" are seeds and each series is a flowerbed. Given consistency, attention, and effort, your own unique yoga practice will flower.
They are: Primary Series (First), Intermediate Series (Second), and the Advanced Series (or Third/Fourth/Fifth).
The "tristana" are seeds and each series is a flowerbed. Given consistency, attention, and effort, your own unique yoga practice will flower.
You will learn and then move through these sequences at your own pace. The specific expression of the postures, and transitions between them, may be adapted to your specific needs.
However, Mysore practice is not a solitary endeavor, as you'll be observed by me (the teacher) and surrounded by others, each doing their own practice. We're all in it together. Eventually, there are even a few poses in which you will assist each other.
You may receive physical or verbal assistance as you request or require.
Generally, you'll most likely learn the poses one at a time, and then repeat them daily or near-daily, which is how you'll imprint them in your memory.
Some people practice six times a week, some practice three times a week, and many practice it when they can.
Also in general, you will learn and practice more poses as your memory of the sequence solidifies, and as you demonstrate competence with the postures you are practicing.
The Mysore setting is terrific for this, as practicing in community somehow elevates most everyone's memory and effort.
It is called "Mysore" because the Mysore style of class was pioneered and brought to the West by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who lived and taught in Mysore, a city in south India.
However, Mysore practice is not a solitary endeavor, as you'll be observed by me (the teacher) and surrounded by others, each doing their own practice. We're all in it together. Eventually, there are even a few poses in which you will assist each other.
You may receive physical or verbal assistance as you request or require.
Generally, you'll most likely learn the poses one at a time, and then repeat them daily or near-daily, which is how you'll imprint them in your memory.
Some people practice six times a week, some practice three times a week, and many practice it when they can.
Also in general, you will learn and practice more poses as your memory of the sequence solidifies, and as you demonstrate competence with the postures you are practicing.
The Mysore setting is terrific for this, as practicing in community somehow elevates most everyone's memory and effort.
It is called "Mysore" because the Mysore style of class was pioneered and brought to the West by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who lived and taught in Mysore, a city in south India.
