vinyasa yoga

[Guest guest]

Vinyasa means breathing system. The foremost

elements of this system are 1.ujjayi breath practised in a

"free" way. If your breathing is rushed, uneven,

raggged, strained, shallow or incomplete in its exhalation

or inhalation - then it is incorrect and you will

suffer accordingly (with fatigue, soreness, stiffness,

agitation).2. drishti, or looking place. Know which point of

focus is integral to each movement or asana - and keep

it. 3. bandhas. Ahh yes, those seemingly mysterious

bandhas. Pull your lower abdomen in and tighten your

sphincter. Nothing airy fairy or esoteric - just squeeze and

lift. In addtion to these - squeeze your legs and

tighten your hips in every pose. These two actions will

support your bandhas and build and store energy that will

fuel your whole practice and beyond.<br>Skipping

vinyasas, relaxing the body, taking extra breaths while

moving into poses or out, thinking of various directions

that complicate the approach or muddy the breath, gaze

or bandhas - all these will obscure and dissipate

the practice on every level (physical, mental,

spiritual, energetic). This is why taking classes with

teachers who integrate other methods, or reading about

other asana related practices can only mislead and

confuse this practice,leading to possible injury, or

confusion. By all means read Yoga Mala, watch Yoga Works

produced video of Guruji leading primary series, and if

you cannot study with him then do try to study with

an accomplished teacher of Sri Jois's approval (even

if only for a short visit). This practice will

change your life in a profound way. In the Guru's oft

repeated quote* - the all is the ALL.<br>always, missy

there are no short cuts pinky<br> <br>* "Do your

practice and ALL is coming"

[Guest guest]

Sorry, but "vinyasa" does not mean "breathing

system"; rather, it means "sequence."<br><br>These

sequences have been modified by Guruji depending on a

number of factors. <br><br>Full vinyasa is good for

upping one's heat and pushing one's endurance. However,

practicing full vinyasa (or even half vinyasa) when the room

is too hot, or one is so tired injury is likely, is

simply foolish.<br><br>Half-vinyasa is the assumed

standard, but this is modified as well depending on the

ambient temperature of the room, and on time. For

example, on crowded shala days with many waiting to

practice, Guruji tells his students to skip vinyasa for

each side.<br><br>I agree that too much modification

is something to be wary of; but by the same token,

astanga vinyasa yoga IS modified by its top exponents.