Logic of Astanga Vinyasa

[Guest guest]

When first introduced to the complete first

series of astanga yoga, I felt a bit put off by the

arrangement of the asanas, not to mention some of the asanas

themselves. I guess my opinion wasn't atypical as I've heard

other yogis say the same thing on their first encounter

with the practice.<br><br>But the more I have done

first series on a consistent basis, the more I

appreciate the logic -- if that's the right word -- in the

way it was all put together. Much of like the

movements in a symphony, the asanas of astanga vinyasa

carry one in a harmonious way through various stages of

feeling and expression. There's a definite sense of

balance evident all through the series -- a balance of

intensity of effort, of rest, of flexibility and strength.

<br><br>Practice of astanga vinyasa is to me somewhat like the

recitation of a sutra. A bodily expression of a mantric

thread onnnecting all aspects of my being in wholeness.

With more consistent practice the more will be

revealed.