In modern yoga, there are more than a dozendirections. Most of them were formed in the process of a long historical practice. The difference of styles is based on the categories of complexity, dynamics and ideological content of each of them. Ashtanga vinyasa yoga belongs to the modern trend, which is becoming increasingly popular not only in India, but also in the West and in Russia. So, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga - what is it, what are the features of this style?
History
Yoga has been around for millennia.It goes back to India. Previously, it was a cultural and religious trend, today it is for many a path to health, like fitness and sport. However, there are people who perceive yoga as something more than therapeutic gymnastics. This was once Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). It is he who is the founder of such a movement as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, which still continues to live within the walls of the Institute in Mysore (India) and beyond. After the death of Pattabhi, his grandson Sharath Rangaswami continued his work.
The ideological basis of the new trend was the rejection of the adaptation of yoga to the weakness, the imperfection of the practitioner - on the contrary, he should strive to develop himself as far as possible to the ideals of the current.
Features
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is actuallya kind of hatha yoga. It is characterized by the dynamics of performing asanas and a special breathing technique. It is sometimes called tough practice, since doing it requires a lot of strength, flexibility and stretching from the practitioner. The word "ashtanga" in Sanskrit literally means "eight basics." This is a clear indication of the eight principles underlying the method of yoga.
There is a certain fixed foundera sequence of asanas on which vinyasa yoga is based. Complexes of movements are interconnected by vinyasas (hence the second part of the name of the practice). This is the harmony of movement and breathing (pranayama), bandh (tension of certain muscles) and drishti (concentration). The main component, due to which the practice can be considered spiritually finished, is dhyana - a meditative state or contemplation of the moment.
Levels
Vinyasa yoga includes six levelsarranged in a hierarchical sequence by category of complexity. There is an assumption that there is a seventh level. But information about him is completely classified or disclosed only in narrow circles of the Indian school of vinyasa yoga.
Первая ступень считается самой главной, базовой.Due to the powerful rush of blood to the tissues of the organs and the increase in its temperature, it cleans and prepares the body for further training. Each level has its own name and is characterized by a certain set of asanas and vinyas complexes.
First stage | Yoga Chikitsa |
Second stage | Nadi Shothana |
Third stage | Sthira Bhaga 1 |
Fourth step | Sthira Bhaga 2 |
Fifth step | Sthira Bhaga 3 |
Sixth Stage | Sthira Bhaga 4 |
Asanas
When performing most vinyas usedspecial breathing technique - ujaya. Asanas are quite dynamic and include almost all the muscles in the process. Of course, at the first training session, this causes a particularly strong sweating, even fever. It seems that the blood literally boils. But after practicing, the practitioner feels light and energized. This is achieved through activated blood circulation and harmonization of the flow of energy - prana. As the Vinyasa Yoga levels are comprehended, the body becomes strong, the mind becomes calm. Balanced by breathing, it acquires rhythm. Asanas are already performed easier and faster, attention concentration increases, dhyana increases and improves.
Vinyasa yoga for beginners is a complexexercises, more precisely, asan for strengthening the abdominal muscles, back, arms and legs. They are performed in a certain rhythm of movement and breathing. The number of breaths in one complex varies from 5 to 80. In addition, each complex includes two mandatory asanas and vinyasas. By complexity, they increase each time and literally challenge the practitioner, his strength of mind, and endurance.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
In 1958 the book of Pattabhi Jois was published."Yoga Mala". The word "mala" from Sanskrit means "wreath." It is very accessible explains all aspects of the practice of Vinyasa yoga. In 1999, the book was translated into Russian and today is a desktop for many instructors, students and followers of Pattabhi. Moreover, on the basis of this practice, other approaches to hatha yoga have been developed. Most often they represent a unique synthesis of two (less often more) styles.
An example of such a phenomenon can serveVinyasa Flow Yoga “Flow” from English means “stream”. The direction is the same connection of breathing and movement. But the difference between the styles is in the asana and vinyas execution algorithm. Ashtanga vinyasa yoga sequence of movements suggests a clearly fixed, in vinyasa flow yoga there is no such thing. Everything happens in random order. Continuous movement and breathing persist.
If ashtanga yoga requires a practitionerconstant physical stress, then vinyasa flow yoga is a wave-like flow with alternation of tension and relaxation. The continuous flow of movement of this practice eliminates the loss of concentration, distraction to vain thoughts.
Benefit
Like any other direction and style,Vinyasa Yoga has tremendous therapeutic value for humans. In addition to a complete cleansing of the body, it eliminates the excess energy in the body, balances the mental and physical processes in it. Thanks to the power asanas, you can get a great fitness shape, get rid of extra pounds, improve coordination, become more flexible in the physical and psychological sense. As a spiritual practice, ashtanga yoga helps calm the mind, resolve all internal conflicts. The first thing that comes under the beneficial effect of this practice is the nervous system and the senses. In addition, Vinyasa Yoga helps to strengthen the strength of the spirit, increase endurance.
Who will do?
Yoga is an ancient effective practice thatcarries harmony and enlightenment. However, there is nothing absolute, and every phenomenon in this world has a flip side. So, despite its wellness charge, ashtanga yoga is not for everyone. Indeed, for its practice, as already mentioned, requires a certain physical training. Teenagers with an excess of energy, young, strong people - this is the cohort that can practice this direction. Even at the first stage they have a hard time.
Однако современные йога-центры искусно adjust, simplify this practice for people with modest abilities. Due to this, so-called puppet yoga styles appear. Of course, they relate only partly to spiritual practices.
Contraindications
К практике аштанга-виньяса-йоги следует подходить consciously and with care. It is strictly contraindicated for people with injuries and pathologies of the spine, the presence of serious diseases of internal organs and the musculoskeletal system. Also, do not start classes in the absence of even minimal flexibility. Alternatively, it’s better to choose a smaller direction.
How long is the lesson?
The classic Ashtanga yoga class lastsan average of 30-40 minutes. However, each yoga center has its own individual program. So, two forms of education are known: the Mysore class (in honor of the city-cradle of this style of yoga) and the lead class.
At the Mysore class practice is built individually.under each student. Depending on the physical abilities of some, the program is longer, and others - in short. It also depends on how long the student has been developing in this direction. Each is engaged in a particular rhythm of breathing and movement. The instructor stands in the middle of the hall and controls the whole process. This format is basic, and it can be practiced by both beginners and experienced students.
Led classes are analogous to advanced courses.On them, the students demonstrate their achievements, strengths and skills that they have gained thanks to Mysore classes. Now the group moves and breathes in a single rhythm, which, of course, has a tremendous health effect. Classes are held, as a rule, in the morning, in the range between 7 and 9 o'clock.
Безусловно, можно пробовать заниматься Vinyasa yoga and independently, at home. For this there are tutorials and video tutorials. By the time this practice will already be determined by individual abilities and the desire of the student. However, it is worth remembering that this can be traumatic, and it only involves the physical side. For full immersion in practice you need an instructor, a teacher. He will not only follow the correct performance of the asanas, but will also carry on certain spiritual work. At present, it is believed that the right to teach ashtanga-vinyasa yoga is only the person who has undergone special training and dedication, which provides a yoga center in Mysore. Therefore, people who have decided to seriously plunge into this style of yoga, you must first learn about the qualifications of the instructor.
Skeptics reviews
Supporters and followers of Vinyasa Yoga todayquite a bit of. However, despite this, this trend has opponents or skeptics. They take yoga in its classic version with static, “hanging” asanas, full and measured breathing. And to perform dynamic Vinyasa, in their opinion, is meaningless, and it may even be dangerous. After all, yoga itself is a calm practice. It should not contain jumps, jerks, the execution of which involves vinyasa yoga.
Однако этот стиль все же имеет место, более того, He has a lot of fans and followers. This direction has already covered almost the entire world. Even famous people practice it, for example Sting, Madonna, Tom Cruise. Apparently, it really carries a charge of positive energy, a healing effect, and deservedly belongs to one of the most popular and effective areas of yoga.
