Within the next year, Bodhi Yoga will have the honor of hosting special guest teacher Matthew Darling for an in-depth series on the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, a system of Yoga popularized in modern times by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the city of Mysore, South India. The name Ashtanga Yoga refers to the “8 limbs” in Sanskrit. It is a reference to the 8-part method of practice in the ancient text, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In Patanjali’s method, the practice of asana or postures is one part of a comprehensive discipline of self-knowledge and care including physical and mental training. Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic method of choreographed sequences of postures linked with breath and concentration techniques that aim to give practical experience of the 8-limbed method. Each practice includes standing postures, seated postures, back bends (modified to complex) and a closing sequence consisting of inversions (modified to complex), pranayama and seated meditation; all followed by rest.

Class Objectives
January 12: Refining and harmonizing the state of the asana. Understanding the fullness of the sun salutations lending to evolving the standing postures of the Ashtanga Primary Series.

February 8: Accessing and experiencing the progressive nature of Ashtanga Yoga. This session will progress as we will gain strength and flow through the seated postures of the Primary Series. Also looking to how to be connect the finishing postures.

March 15: The inner play of yoga therapy and transitions. Finding your unique and individual place of reference. A fully guided session of the entire Ashtanga Primary Series, placing special attention on transitions.

For more information about Matthew Darling’s story and background in teaching, follow this link.