There is a new video of Sharath doing a conference in Stockholm recently. Enjoy.

Highlights from the Video:

Ashtanga is based on Patanali’s 8 limbs of yoga
Yoga is to control the mind, stop the mind and bring stability to the mind
Incorporate Yamas and Niyamas into your life
The verse sthira-sukham-āsanam, Yoga Sutra 2:46, a yoga postures should be steady and comfortable refers to the state of the posture after a long period of daily practice. At first the pose is not steady or comfortable. That comes with time
No fear, no fun
If you change the vinyasa system, it won’t serve its purpose
Led class is for understanding the vinyasa and breath.
Numbers of breath can change but practice should not be to fast or to slow
Primary Series should be no longer than 1 hr 20, 25 minutes
Sharath was sick as a child. He was in bed for 4 months with no walking
When he practiced as a teenager, Sharath got up at 3:30AM
Asana is not the final state of yoga
Asana is for stability of mind and body and to gain health. You need this to experience the higher limbs and states of yoga
The new rule of studying for two months with an authorized certified teacher is because he is only 1 person and he cannot handle all the students coming in by himself. He teaches from 4AM-12:30PM and then has to be with his wife and children.
Mula Bhanda brings stability to the mind
Jalandhara Bandha is mainly practiced during pranayama
Yoga is a spiritual practice
Yoga should happen within you
Yoga is 24 hours a day
Yoga is not limited to asanas
Do what you can
Don’t compare yourself to others
Do the closing prayer every day. It is for a healthy society, to support the path of truth and the happiness of all beings including animals.

Shanna Small has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga and studying the Yoga Sutras since 2001. She has studied in Mysore with Sharath Jois and is the Director of AYS Charlotte, a school for traditional Ashtanga in Charlotte NC. She has written for Yoga International and the Ashtanga Dispatch. Go here for more information on AYS Charlotte. For information on workshops, please e-mail shanna@ashtangayogaproject.com.

One Comment