ABOUT ASHTANGA SPIRIT MUNICH
Yoga is a way of life and a journey of self-transformation to discover your true self. At Ashtanga Spirit Munich Ashtanga Yoga is taught by teachers who have studied in the tradition of KPJAYI and SYC in Mysore, India. Mira Johanna Sattelberger (authorised level II) is a long-term student of Shri R. Sharath Jois, the grandson of the founder of Ashtanga Yoga, Shri K. Patthabhi Jois. Arianna Macciantelli is an advanced student of Lino Miele, who himself studied intensively with Shri K. Patthabhi Jois in India. They both share a strong passion for the practice and are very happy to be able to hold the ASM space.
Yoga is considered as old as human civilization. Yoga is conscious breathing, movement, ability to pause, paying attention to giving and receiving. Yoga can be a philosophy for one, meditation for another, posture or breathing exercises for a third. Yoga has long been known for its various goals, the most important of which are health and well-being through balance in life. The key to progress in yoga, regardless of approach, is continuous regular practice and philosophical study along with personal reflection. Without dedicated practice and self-reflection, yoga cannot develop.
ABOUT ASHTANGA YOGA
Astanga (pronounced ‘ash – tan – ga’) yoga gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness: physical, psychological and spiritual. Through this practice of correct breathing (ujjayi pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (dristi), we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves. Practised in its correct sequential order. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion one acquires steadiness of body and mind.
The word astanga comes from the philosophical system behind yoga based on an eight faceted approach to reaching a state of yoga. It literally means ‘eight limbs’ and these are described by Patanjali as: Yama (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (contemplation). These branches support each other. Asana practice must be established for proper practice of pranayama, and is a key to the development of the yamas and niyamas. Once these four externally oriented limbs are firmly rooted, the last four internally oriented limbs will spontaneously evolve over time.
Ashtanga yoga is one of the many methods taught in the contemporary world. Ashtanga yoga in its living tradition of parampara was defined by and brought to west Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois. It is now continued and honored by the Lineage of the Jois Family as well as every Ashtanga teacher and practitioner today.
‘Vinyasa’ means breath synchronised movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline, and links asana to asana in a precise order. By synchronising movement with breathing, and by practising mula and uddiyana bandhas (locks), an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals, which can nourish the body when the sweat is massaged back into the skin. The breath regulates the vinyasa and ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is a light, strong body.
There are three groups of sequences in the astanga system.
The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels. The Advanced Series A, B, C and D (Sthira Bhaga) integrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.
Each level is to be fully developed before proceeding to the next, and the sequential order of asanas is to be meticulously followed. Each posture is a preparation for the next, developing the strength and balance required to move further.
ABOUT MYSORE SELF-PRACTICE
We teach astanga yoga in a traditional method known as ‘Mysore self-practice’, which originated in Mysore, South India. Students are taught individually within a group environment and practice at their own pace with a highly personalised approach and sometimes adjustments given by the teacher.
Working in this way allows you to focus on your breath and encourages a meditative quality to your practice.
ABOUT PRIMARY LED CLASS
This is a guided class through the entire primary series of Ashtanga Yoga. The teacher counts the traditional vinyasa in Sanskrit as taught in the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India. The purpose of the class is to learn and maintain the correct order of the asanas and correct vinyasa – how to synchronise breathing and movement.
Furthermore, surrendering to the teacher’s count and pacing is an opportunity to increase one’s internal and external strength, stamina and concentration. Over time and with consistent practice, the student will be able to do the entire primary series in an uninterrupted, rhythmic, and meditative flow.