Ashtanga Yoga in Ipswich
Ashtanga Yoga translates as eight limbs. The Asanas (postures) make up the third limb and these are taught first to the practitioner as a means to purify and prepare the body for meditation. The asanas work to cleanse the nadis (energy channels) in the body allowing the body to become purified and healthy. The practice of Ashtanga Yoga is a powerful practice; each posture is linked by another series of postures called Vinyasa. A breath dictates each movement therefore the practice, once you are familiar with the asanas, can become a moving meditation. As the asanas are added and there becomes control over the mind through a focus on the breath then the other limbs of Ashtanga Yoga begin to take shape and enable us to work towards a pure mind also.
The first limb of Yamas are our moral codes such as Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (Non-violence), these are to be applied whilst on and off our yoga mats.
Niyamas (observance – attitudes and actions) make up the second limb, including elements such as purity and contentment.
Asana is the third limb and Pranayama (breath control) the fourth limb.
The meaning of the Fifth limb of Pratyahara, sometimes can be translated as ‘withdrawal of the senses’ it is useful here though to think of this as having heightened senses, so that all is withdrawn inward. Dharana (concentration) the sixth limb can be developed through our asana practice, which leads on to the seventh limb of Dhyana (meditation).
The culmination of these limbs leads us to Samadhi, achieving a superconscious state.
For more details and to book a place on the next Ashtanga Yoga Beginners Course in Ipswich then please do contact me.