About Ashtanga 

Ashtanga Yoga is a breath and movement system that focuses on three key elements (tristhana): posture, breath, and drishti (looking place) to facilitate an inward exploration of one’s being. This system of yoga practice is grounded in the eight limbs compiled by the great sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. These include a variety of techniques that include yamas (ethics), niyamas (self care), asana (posturing), pranayama (breath), pratyahara (sensory control), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (enlightened view).

All students start with the Primary Series of postures known as “Yoga Chikitsa,” which means yoga therapy. The Primary Series is intelligently sequenced to strengthen and purify the body and mind. The Primary Series reintroduces natural range of motion in the joints of the body to increase mobility, it aids in purifying the body through internal cleansing of the organs, muscles, and connective tissue, and it increases strength of both body and mind through breath, movement, and concentration.

Students learn Primary Series in a progressive manner through individual guidance and instruction. The teacher guides students through the series at a pace that is appropriate for the student to adapt and become proficient in foundational postures before adding more challenging ones.

There is a mistaken notion that Ashtanga Yoga must be difficult and/or administered under a strict set of rules. Patanjali tells us in the Yoga Sutra that asana should be sthira sukham asanam — steady and with a sense of ease, comfort, and joy. In that light, we adhere to the framework provided by the Ashtanga Vinyasa system while taking advantage of modifications and props, as needed, to help you develop your best practice.

In the Mysore practice, you will have the support of the teacher while you move through a practice that is tailored for you. Our practice room is a sanctuary where we come together each day with open hearts and humble egos to explore yoga.

Some things to know about practice at Yoga Shala Nashville:

• We keep the practice room warm and we do not use AC.

• Mysore is a recommended minimum three days a week practice commitment.

• We encourage you to use your own mat, but we do keep a few for those who need one.

• We recommend that you bring a hand towel because you are likely to work up a sweat.

• We ask that you not bring anything into the practice room that you will not be using for practice. This means no cell phones, no bags, and no water bottles unless you are pregnant or have another medical need.

• We support animal and human rights, and we do not sell or promote animal-derived products.