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Hindu Ashrams and Hindu Organizations
Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is more than just a physical discipline. It is a way of life
or rather a path to calm mind and pure soul. It is the harmonization of the
breath with a series of postures that detoxify muscles and organs. Astanga
Yoga involves a certain number of steps, through which a person attains a
light and strong body as well as the composure that all of us so desperately
desire.
Expansion of the Astanga Yoga Institute
Pattabhi Jois Yoga Institute of Mysore has gradually expanded to the various
parts of the world. People in countries such as America, Britain, Japan, etc
are attending Ashtang Yoga classes in the centers that have been opened
there.
The Technique - The Sequence of the Six
The curriculum of the Astanga Yoga Institute consists of six standardized
and graded routines. They range from introductory challenging formats to the
ending sequences. Students have not yet mastered the ending sequences,
comprising of the realization of the self or Enlightenment. However, the
Astang Yoga methods taught by K. Pattabhi Jois do bring one quite close to
the threshold of heaven and Enlightenment. The following steps are followed
under the Ashtang Yoga taught at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute…
- The first step involves a detoxification
of the physical body.
- The intermediate series, which come
next, work to build up the energy level of an individual. The 'nadis' or
nerve routes are build up and the 'prana' or the life force is regulated.
All this is achieved through the linkages of the seven chakras in the
body.
- The four levels that follow are known as
the advanced series. They aim at drawing the subtle energy up the 'sushman
nadi' or the central energy channel, from the 'muladhara' or root 'cakra',
through to the 'sahasra' or crown 'cakra'. This psychophysical process
comes to an end when biological processes start producing phenomenal
changes in our consciousness.
- What follows is the state of samadhi or
trans-consciousness.
The Course
The basic course undertaken at the institute carries on for a minimum of one
month. Students are required to stay there throughout the period of the
course.
A Day at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute
The day begins early at the Pattabhi Jois Yoga Institute. Students are
required to start practice exactly at 4:00 am. With the exception of
Sundays, new moon days and full moon days, classes are held daily.
Accommodation
There are no accommodation facilities at the institute. However, there are a
number of lodges near the institutes where one can get a room easily.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is at Bangalore. The airport is well connected with all
the key cities in India. A few international airlines also operate from
Bangalore.
By Rail
Mysore is well connected by rail to Bangalore as well as Chennai.
By Road
State Highways connect Mysore to the national Highways as well as to the
various cities in India. There are a number of government and private buses
plying between Mysore and Bangalore.
Local Transport
Local buses, auto rickshaws, private taxis and tongas (horse driven carts)
are available for traveling within the city. |