Sequence, Poses, and Mantra – Fitsri Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and disciplined fashion of yoga, usually practised by those that have developed energy, flexibility, and stamina via constant effort. It requires dedication and persistence every posture should be mastered earlier than shifting on to the subsequent.

On this methodology, postures are linked via flowing vinyasa actions, synchronising every transition with a gentle breath (ujjayi pranayama). The system follows six fastened sequences, from foundational to superior, and is taught in the identical order around the globe, making it a really international apply.

This text focuses on the Major Collection the primary sequence in Ashtanga Yoga exploring its construction, goal, and the way it lays the groundwork for deeper ranges of apply.

What’s major collection in ashtanga yoga?

The Major Collection is the place to begin of Ashtanga Yoga, offering the bottom for all different collection. It’s a set vinyasa sequence, the place every posture flows into the subsequent in concord with a measured breath depend. This coordination of motion and breath develops each bodily energy and psychological focus.

First launched by Sri Ok. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India, the Major Collection is usually used as a every day apply for dedicated Ashtanga college students. In Sanskrit, it’s referred to as Yoga Chikitsa, which means “yoga remedy,” as a result of the sequence is believed to purify and strengthen the physique whereas calming and focusing the thoughts.

Though it’s the first collection, many practitioners take into account it probably the most difficult. It calls for stamina, precision, and conscious alignment. By this sequence, college students achieve familiarity with vinyasa transitions and the self-discipline of the Ashtanga methodology, constructing the inspiration required for the intermediate and superior collection that observe.

Advantages of the ashtanga yoga major collection

YThe postures of the Major Collection are organized in a exact vinyasa sequence designed to create refined but highly effective therapeutic results. This movement helps cleanse the physique’s nadis (power channels), permitting prana the life drive to maneuver extra freely. When power flows with out obstruction, the physique begins to heal, purify, and restore steadiness naturally.

With a clearer power movement, it’s possible you’ll discover enhancements in focus, confidence, willpower, and general thoughts physique consciousness.

On a bodily degree, the Major Collection builds energy and adaptability, particularly within the core, higher physique, and legs. The ahead folds, backbends, and twists within the sequence assist launch stiffness, enhance posture, and assist spinal well being. These actions additionally support in detoxifying the nervous system.

The dynamic nature of the apply generates inside warmth, which helps the discharge of poisons via sweat. Mixed with particular drishti (gaze factors) and managed respiratory, this warmth fosters focus, self-discipline, and meditative consciousness all through the apply.

Ashtanga major collection sequence(poses)

The Major Collection of Ashtanga Yoga follows a hard and fast order of postures, historically taught within the Mysore fashion. Earlier than starting the sequence, practitioners carry out 5 rounds every of Solar Salutation A (Surya Namaskara A) and Solar Salutation B (Surya Namaskara B) to heat up the physique, construct warmth, and put together the muscle tissues and joints.

The Major Collection is split into 4 components:

1. Standing Sequence – 13 foundational standing postures that construct energy, steadiness, and alignment.
2. Seated Sequence – 20 seated postures linked with vinyasa transitions to develop flexibility, hip opening, and core stability.
3. Ending Sequence – 13 postures together with light backbends, shoulder stands, and different inversions to revive steadiness and calm the nervous system.
4. Closing Three Postures – a brief closing set, ending with Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for deep relaxation and integration.

In complete, the Major Collection consists of 49 postures and 35 vinyasas. The sequence is realized progressively: a licensed Ashtanga Yoga instructor first guides college students via every asana with its right vinyasa depend. As soon as memorised, college students practise the sequence independently at school whereas the instructor gives hands-on changes and particular person steering.

All Ashtanga Yoga courses begin with a gap mantra. The opening chant is as follows:

By this mantra, you might be ideally bowing right down to your guru and invoking the blessings of the sage Patanjali.

You then begin with Surya Namaskar A and B that are carried out 5 occasions. Then it goes as follows;

1. Standing sequence

The Standing Sequence is the primary a part of the Ashtanga Yoga Major Collection and focuses on constructing energy, stability, and correct alignment. It additionally units the rhythm of motion and breath that continues all through the apply.

The sequence begins with two ahead folds:

1. Padangusthasana (Huge Toe Pose)
2. Padahastasana (Palms-to-Ft Pose)
   In each postures, the drishti (gaze level) is directed towards the nostril. These asanas lengthen the backbone, stretch the hamstrings, and put together the physique for deeper folds.

Subsequent comes a collection of standing postures for steadiness and hip opening:

That is adopted by two wide-legged ahead folds:

The sequence continues with balancing poses:

The primary vinyasa transition within the standing sequence begins from Utkatasana (Fierce or Chair Pose), shifting into Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I) and Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II). The drishti in Warrior I is on the thumbs; in Warrior II, it’s over the entrance hand. These postures have interaction the legs, strengthen the core, and domesticate focus earlier than shifting into the seated sequence.

2. Seated sequence

After the strengthening and stabilising Standing Sequence, the Seated Sequence shifts the apply inward, calming the thoughts and deepening flexibility. This a part of the Major Collection is usually described as its coronary heart, mixing ahead folds, twists, and hip openers that improve focus and launch pressure.

The sequence begins with:

Subsequent come deeper hip openers and folds:

The sequence then strikes into therapeutic folds and twists:

• Janu Sirsasana A–C (Head-to-Knee Ahead Bend variations) — drishti: foot
• Marichyasana A–D (Sage Marichi’s Pose variations) — drishti: alternating between foot, nostril, and facet gaze relying on the variation

From right here, you transition into strengthening poses:

Difficult arm balances and ahead folds observe:

Subsequent is the household of angle poses, carried out thrice:

• Baddha Konasana (Sure Angle Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Upavistha Konasana (Seated Angle Pose) — drishti: third-eye
• Supta Konasana (Sleeping Angle Pose) — drishti: nostril

The sequence concludes with reclining and backbend postures:

• Supta Padangusthasana (Mendacity Thumb-to-Foot Pose) — drishti: foot
• Ubhaya Padangusthasana (Each Thumbs-to-Ft Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana (Upward-Going through Ahead Stretch) — drishti: foot
• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Paschimottanasana (Prolonged West Stretch) — drishti: foot

From right here, the apply transitions into the Ending Sequence, which restores steadiness and prepares the physique and thoughts for closure.

3. Ending sequence

The Ending Sequence marks the closing stage of the Major Collection. These postures gradual the tempo of apply, deepen the breath, and put together the physique and thoughts for relaxation. Most of the asanas are light inversions, which assist enhance blood circulation, calm the nervous system, and promote psychological readability.

The sequence begins with:

From right here, the main focus shifts to seated and balancing postures:

• Utpluthi Padmasana (Elevated Lotus Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Pindasana (Embryo Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Matsyasana (Fish Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Uttana Padasana (Prolonged Foot Pose) — drishti: nostril

The sequence then consists of inversions that problem steadiness and management:

• Sirsasana (Headstand) — drishti: nostril
• Urdhva Dandasana (Upward Workers in Headstand) — drishti: nostril

Earlier than transitioning to the ultimate postures, practitioners relaxation briefly in Balasana (Youngster’s Pose) drishti: nostril. The apply then concludes with Padmasana (Sure Lotus Pose) — drishti: nostril — adopted by Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for full rest and integration of the apply

4. Closing three postures

You’ll now be coming into the calming stage the place the asanas will put together you for the final word asana. First, you may be practising Yoga Mudra (drishti – third eye), adopted by Lotus Pose (drishti – nostril) and Lifted Lotus (drishti – nostril). 

The ultimate pose to finish the first collection is the Corpse Pose which is carried out with closed eyes and relaxation for 10-Quarter-hour.

On the finish of the category, you’ll chant the closing ashtanga yoga mantra that marks the peaceable finish.

How lengthy does it take to finish the first collection?

The time it takes to finish the Major Collection relies on every pupil’s tempo, expertise, and bodily situation. On common, a full Major Collection apply lasts about 90 minutes from the opening mantra to Shavasana.

Nevertheless, mastering the sequence is an extended journey. For some, it might take a month or two to turn into comfy with all of the postures; for others, it may take longer. Flexibility, energy, physique kind, and former yoga expertise all play a task in how shortly progress is made.

Somewhat than specializing in velocity, the emphasis in Ashtanga Yoga ought to at all times be on high quality of motion, synchronisation of breath with vinyasa, and sustaining correct alignment in every asana. Endurance and consistency will naturally result in deeper understanding and mastery over time.

Can inexperienced persons carry out the first collection?

In case you are utterly new to yoga, it’s greatest to first construct a basis with fundamental postures and respiratory methods earlier than trying the total Major Collection. This sequence calls for energy, stability, flexibility, and psychological focus qualities that develop progressively with constant apply.

Learners can begin by studying a Half Major Collection, which introduces key postures at a slower tempo. This enables the physique to adapt whereas sustaining the breath–motion connection that defines vinyasa apply.

As a result of the Major Collection is bodily demanding, prior expertise with some intermediate-level yoga poses may be useful. This prepares the physique for the stamina and focus wanted to carry every posture with right alignment. Practising below the steering of a licensed Ashtanga instructor ensures a secure and efficient development into the total collection.

Conclusion

The Major Collection could really feel difficult at first, however bear in mind each yoga pose was as soon as new to you. With regular apply, focus, and dedication, your physique and thoughts will progressively adapt. Though many asanas on this sequence are superior, you’ll solely progress to the subsequent posture when each you and your instructor really feel you might be prepared.

Transfer at your individual tempo and keep away from evaluating your journey with others. Breathe deeply via every motion and preserve your Drishti to assist your thoughts keep centred and free from distractions. In time, what as soon as felt unattainable will turn into a part of your pure movement.