Ashtanga Yoga: My Passion and Path
Traditional Teaching and Preserving the Lineage
Ashtanga Yoga is my deep passion. I teach it in its traditional form, as I learned it from my teachers, Manju Pattabhi Jois and Nancy Gilgoff. I believe it is essential to pass on this practice as I studied it myself because preserving tradition holds profound meaning. In today’s world, we often encounter various approaches that may alter the original series and postures, leading to a loss of their intended purpose. Yoga practice can then lose its healing potential and the very thing that draws us to it—not out of obligation, but from a deep longing for self-realization and personal transformation.
Teaching in the Spirit of Parampara
Parampara is a Sanskrit term that, in the context of yoga and other Indian traditions, refers to the “lineage of transmission” or “tradition.” This concept involves passing down knowledge, wisdom, and practice from teacher to student within a single line or school. Parampara is a fundamental aspect of Indian spiritual and philosophical traditions, including yoga, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the teachings.
Key Aspects of Parampara:
- Transmission of Knowledge: Within Parampara, teachers pass down their knowledge and experience to their students. This includes not only technical aspects of the practice but also philosophical and spiritual elements.
- Personal Connection: The relationship between teacher and student is considered personal and profound. A teacher shares their wisdom while also offering guidance and support along the student’s spiritual journey.
- Integrity and Authenticity: Parampara helps maintain the purity and authenticity of the tradition, ensuring that the teachings remain aligned with their original principles and methods.
- History and Continuity: This concept involves the continuation of a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. It is how wisdom and techniques are preserved and developed across generations.
In the context of Ashtanga Yoga, Parampara includes a lineage of teachers beginning with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, continuing through his students such as Nancy Gilgoff and Manju Jois, and humbly reaching me. This lineage ensures that the practice and teachings of Ashtanga Yoga remain true to the original methods and principles passed down through generations.
The Traditional Approach to Practice
The traditional practice emphasizes personal responsibility, discipline, and the gradual adaptation of postures to the individual needs of the student, fostering a deep connection between body and mind. This approach also maintains respect for the history and methodology, ensuring the authenticity and continuity of the teachings.
I approach this practice holistically, seeing Ashtanga Yoga as an integration of physical, mental, and energetic work into daily life. For me, yoga is not only about practicing asanas on the mat, but about deep work with the breath (pranayama), meditation, and a healthy lifestyle. This approach allows me to understand yoga as a tool for overall well-being and harmony.
Regular practice not only enhances physical fitness and flexibility but also brings mental balance and inner peace. Yoga thus becomes a part of everyday life, helping one to grow and live a balanced life that goes far beyond the physical practice itself.