Ashtanga Folk

History

Yogaś-citta-vr̥tti-nirodhaḥ – yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. This is the the aim of practice described in the Yoga Sūtras. In this text, Patañjali gathers earlier yoga ideas into a systematic path: the eight limbs of ethical disciplines, bodily and breath practices, and methods of concentration and meditation oriented towards steadying and clarifying the mind.

In the early twentieth century, Krishnamacharya studied this text intensively with the Himalayan yogi Rama Mohan Brahmachari, learning both the philosophy of the Sūtra and practical applications through āsana, prāṇāyāma and meditation. Krishnamacharya later traveled back to Mysore and shared his learning.

One of Krishnamacharya’s students was K. Pattabhi Jois (1915–2009), who continued to teach Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore and later to students from all over the world. His daughter Saraswathi Jois (b. 1941) and grandson Sharath Jois (1971-2024) have both continued this teaching, welcoming generations of practitioners to the shala in Mysore.

L-R Sharath, Pattabhi and Saraswathi – three generations of yoga teachers, this photo has been used so many times I’m not sure who to credit.

The eight limbs

Ashtanga means eight limbs in Sanskrit. It refers to the eightfold path described in Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras:

  1. Yama – ethical foundations (Ahimsa – non‑harming, Satya – truthfulness, Asteya – non‑stealing, Brahmacharya – moderation, Aparigraha –non‑attachment to the physical world).
  2. Niyama – personal observances (Saucha – purity, Santosha – contentment, Tapas – discipline, Svadhyaya – self‑study and Ishvara pranidhana – surrender to the divine).
  3. Asana – physical postures that support stability, ease, and health in the body.
  4. Pranayama – breath extension.
  5. Pratyahara – turning the senses inward.
  6. Dharana – concentration.
  7. Dhyana – dissolving into pure awareness.
  8. Samadhi – enlightments.

In everyday practice we often begin with asana and breath, but the intention is to support all eight limbs over time, on and off the mat.

The eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, illustration by Maharisha Patanjali.

Asana

In Ashtanga Yoga, the physical practice follows set sequences of postures linked by breath and movement. You gradually build your own sequence over time with guidance.

In a traditional Mysore‑style room, everyone practices at their own pace. Adjustments and guidance, when offered, are individual. It is like personal training in a group – your practice is your own, but you are not alone.

Primary and intermediate series as demonstrated by Sharath in the KPJAYI poster.

Ashtanga in modern life

“Do your practice and all is coming.” Research on yoga and on Ashtanga‑based practices suggests a range of potential benefits for both physical and mental health: improvements in strength, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular markers; reductions in perceived stress and anxiety; support for mood and sleep; and in some cases help with chronic pain, fatigue, and coping with everyday demands. Studies point to the value of regular, long‑term practice, not just occasional classes, and to the importance of practicing in ways that are sustainable and responsive to individual bodies and life situations.