Practice

Practice

Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style

Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style Practice.

About Mysore Class

Mysore style yoga is the traditional way to learn and practice Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath Jois.

In a Mysore style room each student practices only up to the place that is appropriate for their ability and experience.  The teacher teaches each student individually and new asanas are given one by one as the student builds strength, flexibility, concentration and ease.  Hands-on adjustments are often given for correction, to facilitate awareness, stability and to guide a student beyond their perceived limitations. Advanced and beginner students practice together in the same space side by side. Mysore style practice ultimately enables students grow and progress at a pace that is safe and ideal for their unique abilities.

From day one students learn how to practice on their own while being guided and supported by the teacher.  A student left to their own devices will often plateau or conversely in a led class will become dependent.  Mysore style is self practice under the watchful gaze of the teacher, adjusting when needed, advising as necessary, and advancing when ready. Students ideally learn discipline, concentration and how to practice in a way that is ideal for their unique nature. The Ashtanga vinyasa method is intended to be a daily practice.

Beginners

The best way to learn Ashtanga yoga as a beginner is in a Mysore class. In this context beginners are taught individually and can be guided at a pace that is ideal for each student. It is not necessary to be flexible, strong, fit or have any yoga experience at all to join a Mysore class! In Mysore class all students receive one to one attention from the teacher. Students are taught new asanas and progress through the series appropriate to their unique condition and abilities. In this way the teacher can facilitate the ideal pace and practice for each student. Usually the first week we will start with Surynamaskara A and B and then we progress at an appropriate pace. For people new to Ashtanga yoga we require a two week commitment at 5 days per week. New students are also welcome to come watch a class for before joining.

The Mysore System

Asanas are taught usually one by one, and in a fixed sequence. If you have trouble with a particular posture, the teacher can offer you a modification or support that is consistent with the intention of the practice. Students always practice until their last given asana and then wind down with backbends and (if appropriate) finishing sequence. The teacher will give you the next posture in the sequence when they feels you are ready. When in doubt it is ok to ask the teacher.

By the teacher:

When you practice yoga in the Mysore class, it is important to wait for the teacher to teach you new asanas. The act of waiting gives your teacher the opportunity to teach you the posture correctly, specifically for you and to provide support. Waiting also is an opportunity to express respect for your teacher and the practice.

Adjustments

In a Mysore class students can expect to receive hands-on adjustments from the teacher. If you prefer not to receive adjustments please do not hesitate to inform the teacher. Generally as a student advances the need and desire for adjustments decreases and in fact most advanced students begin to find them a distraction. Adjustments are meant to correct alignment, form, overcome preconceived limitations, facilitate awareness, give stability and send students in the right direction physically and energetically. Students should not expect to receive adjustments everyday because this can foster over-dependence on the teacher. In the event that you receive an adjustment that is painful or uncomfortable you should always immediately inform the teacher.  Please do not wait too long to receive an adjustment, there is always tomorrow and it is usually better to continue your practice than waiting too long and losing your concentration, energy, heat and flow.

Progress:

In India, a student has only one teacher or guru, so there is no issue of which teacher is in charge. Here and in other countries, visiting teachers are often invited for workshops which provide a glimpse of what’s ahead and often inspiration. A visiting teacher may allow you to progress farther in the series than you have in your daily practice with your main teacher. However, your main teacher is usually the more accurate judge of the dedication and intention of your practice. It is usually better to follow their instruction when you return to your daily practice.

Commitment to the practice:

The practice starts at 6:30am. The Ashtanga method is intended to be a daily practice and students are encouraged to make a commitment to practice 6 days a week for a month at a time. Traditionally, we practice every day except for one day for rest and Moon Days. It may be very difficult at first to commit to a daily practice, and it often takes time to establish this. Regular attendance is encouraged.  Drop-ins are fine for out-of-town visitors or others with an established practice.

Cheat Sheets and Memorizing the sequence:

Knowledge of the correct sequence of vinyasas and asanas is as much part of the practice as doing the proper asanas. If you do not know the sequence it is still ok to attend a Mysore class and rest assured that it will not take you long to learn. In Mysore class it is expected and ok at anytime to ask for assistance or help from the teacher, especially if you are not sure or clear about the next asana or correct vinyasa. It is better to wait and ask then continue by guessing. If you have a diagram of the Ashtanga yoga postures, we encourage you to review and study the postures at home instead of bringing it to class. Over time, you will memorize the flow of postures by doing them regularly in class under the guidance of your teacher. You will be surprised how quickly you can learn the sequence on you own and how quickly you will establish a practice that is truly your own.

Please note the following: 

  • Please do not eat 3 hours before practice.
  • Please bathe or shower before practice.
  • Please do not wear perfumes or scented deodorant, oils (these can cause allergic reactions for others.)
  • Please take 3 days holiday during menstruation.
  • Please Mention any injuries or illness to your teacher or if you are pregnant.
  • Please feel free to ask questions after practice or before.
  • Please make sure to pay class fees without urging or reminding from the teacher or staff.
  • Please enjoy your practice!

Mysore Practice: 5 days per week  - Wednesday - Sunday

Mysore style:  Wednesday – Saturday:  6:30- 8:30am

Sunday is Led Primary   Sunday: 6:30am- 8:00am followed by conference

Conference  on Sunday:  8:00am – 9:-00am

Zazen (sitting) practice  Wednesday – Saturday 6:00am – 6:30am not obligatory for Mysore students but recommended. (Open to everyone even non-MS students)

Monday & Tuesday Sadhana Siargao is closed  though Sadhana students can self-practice at the shala on Monday or Tuesday morning. Additional Philosophy, Pranayama and Lecture classes will be added to the schedule as we establish the new program.

Moon days are observed so please check announcements and monthly schedule
*Please be aware that schedule may change suddenly so please always check the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/siargaoashtanga or website (www.tarik.com/siargao).

Beginners may join but must commit to at least two weeks minimum and come everyday. We do not offer drop-ins for absolute beginners or trial classes.