Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a system of Asana and Pranayama practice revived and popularised by Sri. T. Krishnamachar in the 19th and 20th centuries. The origins of this practice is said to be from a book authored by Sage Vamana Rishi called ‘Yoga Kourunta’. In the recent past, Sri K. Pattabi Jois and Sri. BKS Iyengar (both were students of Sri. T. Krishnamachar) dedicated their lives to teaching this ancient practice in its traditional form to a global audience and further simplified it for the students to practice in their everyday lives.

 Vinyasa from Sanskrit literally means “to be placed specifically”. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic practice of deep breath-work synchronised with specific movements and Asanas, which is meditative and progressive in intensity. It can be characterised by its three foundational pillars (described as ‘Trishtana’ in Sanskrit)-

 1. Ujjayi Pranayam – Ujjayi, from Sanskrit, means ‘victorious’. Metaphorically, it is called victorious breathing because the chest should swell up when breathing deeply through the nostrils. The sound of our breath that we hear during deep breathing, coupled with cold air hitting the back of our neck, is generally an indicator of correct breath-work.

 2. Drishti – Drishti means gaze or vision. Holding our gaze at the correct point forms an integral part of the practice as it helps in centering ourselves and making the practice meditative.

 3. Bandha – Bandha means ‘a bond’ or ‘a lock’. Bandhas are the energetic engagements within our body that make the practice a pain-free and safe process.

 The synchrony of breath-work, gaze, and energetic engagements when observed through these specific movements and postures raises our awareness of our mind and body. The health benefits are innumerable, and a practitioner can expect a light and strong body with regular practice. Over a long period, the practice makes us more aware of our thoughts, thereby helping us regulate our emotions better.