Content of this Blog
Yoga as a school of practice, offers a variety of styles and traditions to improve quality of Life. Among these, Ashtanga Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga are two popular styles of Yoga Practice. Though they sound similar, both the styles have their own principles of yoga Practice.
1. Historical Roots Vs Modern Interpretation
Ashtanga Yoga:
Very popularly known as the Yoga of Patanjali emerged during the 2nd century. It is a comprehensive practice that encompasses 8 different aspects or dimensions of life.
In a 200hrs Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Course at Samyut Yoga, will learn the 8 limbs of Yoga in detail.All these 8 dimensions of life are 8 different methods with which we can create space for self-transformation.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
Based on the philosophical principles of Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali and teaching of Sri Tirumala Krishnamacharya, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was developed by Sri K Pattabhi Jois in the 20th Century.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga specifically focuses on 3 major aspects of asana practice which is popularly known as Tristhana Practice. These 3 aspects are
Vinyasa: Synchronized physical and Vital Movement
Pranayama : Specific way of Breathing
Drishti : Focal points to enhance concentration.
While Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes on spiritual mastery over Mind and Breath, Trishtana Practice helps in building stability of Body, Mind and Breath for the practice of Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali.
2. Philosophical Foundation
Ashtanga Yoga:
It is a comprehensive approach for self discipline and spiritual growth. The eight limbs and other methods prescribed by Patanjali guide every individual towards health, happiness and harmony.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
This modern adaptation focuses more on physical stability, breath management and mental focus.
3. Structured Sequence:
Ashtanga Yoga:
You will hardly find any prescribed sequences of asanas in Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga. Rather asanas according to Patanjali are to gain physical mastery so as to develop a focused mind.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
It is known for its set of predetermined asana sequences called primary series, intermediate series and advanced series.
4. Breathing
Ashtanga Yoga:
Pranayama prescribed by Patanjali as one of the limbs of Ashtanga Yoga is not necessarily synchronized with physical movements. Rather the focus is on gaining Pranic mastery and developing mindfulness by using breath as a focal point.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
Breathing is always synchronized with every physical movement to transform every movement into a rhythmic and dynamic flow of breath and movement called ‘Vinyasa’.
5. Practicing Pace
Ashtanga Yoga:
Practicing Patanjali’s ashtanga Yoga can be slow, meditative and 8 dimensional depending on every individual’s approach.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
It is comparatively fast paced and structured specially to build heat and enhance the detoxification process.
6. Teacher’s Role
Ashtanga Yoga:
The teacher often serves as a guide to help the practitioner navigate through the 8 limbs offering personalized adoption and adjustments of Ashtanga Yoga practice.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
Teachers are just facilitators ensuring that they learn and follow the sequence as prescribed and help them learn the ideology, philosophy and other aspects of Vinyasa.
7. Adaptability
Ashtanga Yoga:
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga is highly adaptable based on every individual’s physical, vital, mental and spiritual needs. There is room for integration and modifications.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
It is less flexible in terms of adoption and modulations. The structure of asana practice remains the same for every individual. One can choose to modify or simplify the postures to avoid injuries.
8. Purpose
Ashtanga Yoga:
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga is to neutralize all the disturbances of the chitta and develop a mental state where one can realize the actual state of consciousness and experience the state of samadhi.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
The very purpose of Ashtanga Vinyasa is to detoxify and prepare an individual to practice the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali by enhancing the physical stability, vital capacity and mental clarity through Vinyasa Yoga.
9. Methodology
Ashtanga Yoga:
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga is not a group practice. It is a spiritual journey that one has to take up as an individual. It is focused on introspective approach and spiritual growth
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
It Is often practiced in a group and is called the ‘Mysore style’ of practice. The energy of the group helps one to sustain the intensity of the practice. However one can choose to practice individually too.
10. End Goal
Ashtanga Yoga:
The ultimatum of Ashtanga Yoga is Samadhi, Moksha or enlightenment.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
The ultimatum of Ashtanga Vinyasa is Purification, Strength, flexibility and discipline.
Below is a comparison table with a few more points.
| ASHTANGA YOGA | ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA |
|---|---|
2nd Century CE | 20th Century CE |
Patanjali | Pattabhi Jois |
Focus On 8 Aspects Of Practice | Focus On 3 Aspects Of Practice |
Emphasizes Meditative State | Emphasizes Preparation For Meditative State |
Asana Is Secondary Component | Asana Is Primary Component |
Pranayama Is A Separate Practice | Pranayama Part Of Asana Practice |
Pratyahara, Dharana And Dhyana Distinct Practice | Concentration Through Vinyasa And Drishti Along With Asana Practice |
No Major Asanas Prescribed | Prescribes Rigid Sequence Of Asanas |
Multidimensional Approach - Suitable For All | Advanced Asana Practice- Suitable For Those Who Are More Physically Inclined |
Destination Point | The Starting Point |
The Yoga Teacher Training in Mysore with Samyut Yoga is a good choice to know more secrets about Yoga which will help rejoice life and prepare you for a wonderful yogic journey.
