What is Ashtanga Yoga According to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois?
Ashtanga Yoga, as taught and popularized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915–2009), is a powerful, traditional system that unites vigorous physical practice with breath, focus, and discipline. Revived from ancient teachings and systematized by Pattabhi Jois under his guru T. Krishnamacharya, this method integrates flowing sequences (vinyasa), precise breath control, and mindful awareness to purify the body, steady the mind, and awaken spiritual potential.
Pattabhi Jois emphasized that Ashtanga is far more than exercise: "Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory." Through consistent, dedicated effort (abhyasa), it leads to deep transformation—physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional balance, and ultimately self-realization.
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois taught Ashtanga as the practical expression of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, where "Ashtanga" literally means "eight limbs" (ashta = eight, anga = limbs). These interconnected limbs form a complete system for ethical, physical, and spiritual development:
Yama (Ethical Disciplines)
Moral guidelines for harmonious living: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (moderation), aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
Niyama (Personal Observances)
Self-disciplines for inner growth: shaucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (austerity), svadhyaya (self-study), ishvara pranidhana (surrender to the divine).
Asana (Physical Postures)
The foundation of the physical practice—postures that build strength, flexibility, stability, and prepare the body for long meditation.
Pranayama (Breath Control)
Regulation of breath to expand life force (prana), calm the mind, and generate internal heat for purification.
Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)
Turning attention inward, detaching from external distractions to cultivate inner focus.
Dharana (Concentration)
Single-pointed focus on an object, breath, or mantra to steady the wandering mind.
Dhyana (Meditation)
Sustained, effortless concentration leading to a state of meditative absorption.
Samadhi (Union / Enlightenment)
The ultimate goal—blissful oneness, self-realization, and liberation from ego and suffering.
The Ashtanga Vinyasa System: The Physical Practice
Pattabhi Jois taught Ashtanga through dynamic, flowing sequences where movement (vinyasa) is synchronized with breath. Each posture flows into the next with precise counting, creating internal heat (tapas), detoxification, and meditative rhythm.
The system includes six progressive series:
- Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) – Yoga therapy: heals, aligns, and strengthens the body.
- Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) – Nerve purification: cleanses energy channels and nervous system.
- Advanced A, B, C, D (Sthira Bhaga) – Divine stability: cultivates profound strength, balance, and grace.
Practitioners begin with the Primary Series and advance only when ready, under a qualified teacher's guidance (traditionally Mysore style).
Key Elements of the Practice
Ujjayi Breath
The "victorious" or "ocean" breath—deep, controlled, audible nasal breathing that builds heat, steadies focus, and supports endurance.
Drishti (Gaze Points)
Specific focal points for each posture to sharpen concentration and turn the practice inward.
Bandhas (Energy Locks)
Mula Bandha (root lock) and Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock) to control energy, stabilize the core, and enhance strength.
Ashtanga Yoga: A Path to Transformation
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois taught that consistent, devoted practice purifies the nervous system, strengthens the body, steadies the mind, and opens the door to spiritual awakening. He stressed discipline, patience, and surrender: "Do your practice and all is coming."
Ashtanga is a complete lifestyle—integrating physical vitality with ethical living, breath mastery, and meditative depth for holistic growth.
Experience Authentic Ashtanga in Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, offers the ideal setting to immerse in Pattabhi Jois's teachings—amid spiritual energy, expert guidance, and the sacred Ganges. At Ashtanga Yoga in Rishikesh, we honor the traditional method through Mysore-style self-practice, led classes, and workshops—helping you connect deeply with this timeless lineage.
Final Thoughts
Ashtanga Yoga according to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois is a disciplined, transformative path that unites the eight limbs of Patanjali with dynamic physical practice. Through breath-synchronized movement, unwavering commitment, and inner focus, it leads to physical health, mental peace, and spiritual realization.
Whether you're beginning your journey or deepening your practice, Ashtanga invites you to "do your practice"—step by step, breath by breath. Join us at Ashtanga Yoga in Rishikesh to experience the full depth and power of this sacred tradition.