Ashtanga Yoga is the oldest known system of yoga. The master of this system was Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, who passed away in Mysore, India on May 18, 2009 at age 93.  Mr. Jois (1915-2009) taught yoga for over 70 years at his yoga school the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI).  His system of teaching yoga is called "Mysore-style" and this is the ancient, traditional method of learning yoga. 

A complete biography of Mr. Jois and an explanation of the Ashtanga Yoga system and photographs of the complete sequence of Primary series postures can be found on the KPJAYI website.

The Elements of Ashtanga Yoga are

• Asana - the postures. There are over 300 postures in the complete system, which is divided into 4 series: Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, Advanced B.  Most students practice Primary series.

• Ujjayi  - a method of breathing that makes the asanas steady and comfortable.

• Bandhas - engagements of muscles of the pelvic floor and abdomen that create lightness and power.

• Drishti - gazing points to develop steadiness and one-pointed concentration.

• Vinyasa - a precise system of breath and movement.

Ashtanga Yoga has many benefits. Our students say that Ashtanga Yoga

• Builds strength and flexibility;

• Creates radiant health and well-being;

• Improves chronic conditions;

• Heals old injuries;

• Frees one from old habits and patterns of depression, worry and anxiety;

• Builds confidence, courage, enthusiasm and joy;

• Enables one to be at one's best in any situation, no matter how difficult;

• Makes one steadfast, compassionate, and light-hearted. 

Click here to go to our Mysore-Style Ashtanga Page

Tips for Your Practice

Maintain a Regular Practice
Maintaining a regular practice is the most important aspect of Ashtanga Yoga. On days when you're tired or don't feel well, you should still do a practice, and it's fine to do a shorter, slower or less intense practice than usual.  

Ashtanga yogis should get enough sleep, eat a healthful diet and avoid stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs and excessive caffeine.  Ashtanga Yogis are encouraged to complement their asana practice with japa (mantra repetition), chanting, study of yoga texts, and contemplation.  In the Ashtanga tradition, practice is traditionally done in the early morning hours when one is fresh.  Most students have found they are more likely to maintain a practice if it's done first thing in the morning. We offer a chanting class on Sundays at 9:30 am after the Sunday led class at Kentucky Street.

Prenatal Yoga and Ashtanga
Ashtanga Yoga enables women to learn and practice postures and breathing that will prepare the body for the birthing process, expand the chest and abdominal area to create space for the baby, align the spine, and improve circulation to the uterus and other major organs. The practices will include postures, breathing techniques and restorative poses suitable for all stages of pregnancy that will ground you in your own inherit inner power and instincts while reducing fatigue and anxiety. Pregnant women will be given postures appropriate to their level of ability and stage of pregnancy. Phone Laura Spaulding at 505-634-5515 or 585-9642 for more information before coming to class.

All women must have their physician's permission for yoga during pregnancy. Students with a high-risk pregnancy should not attend any yoga classes.

www.kpjayi.org
Official website of KPJAYI, K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

www.rsharath.com
Website of Sharath Rangaswami

www.saraswathiashtanga.com
Website of Saraswati, Guruji's daughter.

Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Charitable Trust is a charitable organization founded on the occasion of Pattabhi Jois's 90th birthday to help support Mr. Jois's charitable projects.  The trust provides fiscal support of charities in India including assistance to orphaned children, mentally and physically handicapped individuals, and endangered wildlife in the Mysore area. Yoga East is the U.S. fiscal sponsor for the Trust and is authorized to accept U.S. donations for the Trust. For more information about the Trust and its current projects, please go to the website. Donations should be sent to:
Yoga East, Inc.
1232 E. Broadway
Louisville, KY 40204
Please include your name, address and phone number with your donation so an acknowledgement can be sent to you.
You can also donate by Paypal. Click the button for secure online donations. You will receive a written acknowledgement of your donation for U.S. tax purposes.

Teacher authorization and certification

List of authorized and certified teachers

Yoga East Appalachia - Classes in Blacksburg, VA

Location:
Y Thrift Store Conference Room
North Main Street
Blacksburg
For more information:
Phone Karen at 540-558-9554

To Register:
Register in person at 
Lancaster House, 402 Washington Street SW, 
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
or phone 540-961-9622

These classes guide you through the primary series of ashtanga or “yoga chikitsa,” yoga therapy, in the tradition of K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. 
Karen is a direct student of Mr. Jois.

Please dress comfortably, bring a mat and a small towel (if you would like to use it as a “prop").    

Karen Cairns with Mr. Jois at his 2007 92nd birthday bash. Karen is a direct student of Mr. Jois and frequently studied with him in India.