Ashtanga Yoga - Understanding The Method, An Interview With Manju Pattabhi Jois #Yoga #Ashtanga #ManjuJois #AshtangaYoga

Interview with Manju Pattabhi Jois 

Ashtanga yoga according to K. Pattabhi Jois, the “mother” of all dynamic yoga styles, has the reputation to be almost exclusively asana-focused and very rigorous. Its teachers are semi-gods that will stop their students from practising if they don´t like what they see. Only the best and the bravest can hope to make it at least through the first out of many series of asanas in ascending difficulty. Is this actually true? Ashtanga Yoga Germany has asked Manju Pattabhi Jois, the most experienced active practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga yoga on the planet. 

Shri Manju Pattabhi Jois

Thomas: Shri Manju Pattabhi Jois, you are a yoga practitioner and teacher, born in India and now living in California with your family. You initiated your yoga studies with your father (Shri K. Pattabhi Jois) at the age of seven years, and you started assisting him in hisshala in Mysore at the age of fifteen. You have about fifty years of practising and teaching Ashtanga yoga, holding a certification from the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore. You were already teaching for decades before your style of yoga spread to the West. And you know the Western mind and approach to life very well. You are truly an authority concerning this style of yoga, someone that can bring light into darkness.
Manju, the opening chant of the Ashtanga yoga practice expresses devotion to Patanjali and the teachings of the yoga sutras: 

Om Vande gurunaam charaanara vinde / Sandarshita svaatma sukhaava bhodeh / Nih shreyase jaangalikaayamaane / Samsaara haalaahala mohashaantyai // Aabaahu purushaakaaram / Shankha chakraasi dhaarinam / Sahasra shirasam shvetam / Pranamaami patanjalim / Om. 
(En.: I bow to the lotus feet of the guru awakening the happiness of ones own self revealed (…). To Patanjali (…) I salute..) 

What is originally the purpose of this asana (posture) and pranayama (breath control) practice? 

Manju: Asana is to maintain health and a strong body. Pranayama is to keep your respiratory system in working order. Asana and pranayama are part of the eightfold path(ashtau anga). They are not just a physical exercise. They are a means to keep people in a healthy condition for the practice of dhyana (meditation). They support people in their physical, mental and spiritual development. 

Thomas: Are we Westerners perhaps misunderstanding this? Manju: Perhaps you haven´t found a good teacher. 

Thomas: Why was your father (Shri K. P. Jois) not teaching theory?
Manju: My father knew all these old teachings. He used to teach theory but now there are so many students and they are usually only interested in learning asana, not in the philosophy. It became a fashion to go to Mysore and study with my father but people don´t ask for theory. So he focused on teaching asana. If you practise asana, you will change, physically and mentally. 

Thomas: Let us shed some more light on the relation of this practice with health aspects and the purpose of the yoga practice in general. I myself have been injured by a poorly trained and over-ambitious Ashtanga yoga teacher. I have seen many students with torn muscles, tendons or ligaments and I do know of students that needed medical treatment after their adjustments. What do you think of such teachers that try to adapt students to the ideal picture of the asana, if the body is ready or not? 
Manju: The practice should be adapted to the yogi(ni) – not the other way round. There are many unexperienced teachers out there. It is important to help people in the postures but when you are looking for a teacher, find out about his background. You have to be very careful.
Thomas: Many people seem to believe that Ashtanga yoga is about contortion and handstands and that the best teachers must be the ones that can put their feet onto their shoulders, like in a Chinese circus. What do you think of that?
Manju: That is not true. Breath, bandhas and focus are the actual core elements of this practice. Being a contortionist isn´t what it takes to be a great teacher. You must have the right mind. 

Thomas: Many teachers here in Germany think that Ashtanga yoga has to be very rigorous. If a student “fails” in one asana, these teachers will stop him, not letting him progress in the practice even if he can do all the asanas that follow in the series (perhaps he will never know). What do you think of that? 
Manju: A teacher that is stopping you is a bad teacher. The teacher has to encourage the students, give them another posture to try. There is always a workaround. A teacher must like to give. Knowledge has no ending. This is how I have learned as a boy and what I have taught afterwards. 

Manju as a boy in Mysore in the 1950s

Thomas: How was it taught originally by your father at his yoga school in Mysore? 
Manju: My father was not that rigorous. A good teacher likes to give. My father had that quality. 

Thomas: When I was visiting your father´s school in Mysore in 2006, he did seem to have a rigorous approach. People got stopped when they were not proficient at what they were doing and would consume too much attention from the teachers. But this seemed an appropriate approach for a 90-year-old man with 65 students. He had to be efficient. Manju: It was not at all like this before. My father loved to teach. He loved to move people forward. But there are now too many students. It is hard to give attention to so many people. My father originally gave constant supervision but it all became too big. He had to introduce rules. For young teachers with only a handful of students a different approach is appropriate. 

Thomas: What do you think of teachers in the West that feel entitled to stop practitioners, that just do not share information or do not give modifications to students?
Manju: This is not appropriate. If you stop people you destroy their spirit. You deprive them of the possibility to develop. This is absolutely bad. These teachers do not understand what this practice is about. Do not ever stop the students but encourage them. Then people will love you.

Thomas: Do such teachers put their ego above the progress of their students? 
Manju: Yes, it is their ego. They try to control the students. And that is also why we now have so many yoga styles because the students love the yoga but do not want to be controlled in such a way. 

Thomas: Should we teachers try to share as much of our knowledge as we can and should we give students modifications so they can progress in their development?
Manju: We should give modifications. That is what a good teacher can give to his students, modifications. 

Thomas: In old pictures of yoga schools in India, the students are boys or young men. The Ashtanga asana practice does seem to be adequate for strong young persons. But if we understand the asana practice as a means to promote health, it seems that especially older or infirm people could benefit the most from it. Can this marvellous system of asana andpranayama be practised also by persons that are not strong and not 20 years old?
Manju: Yes. All people can practise. Old, sick – anyone can practise. Once you start, you will have a benefit. 

Thomas: Is it legal to modify poses for persons that practise with determination but simply have a certain handicap?
Manju: Yes, always modify to help people enjoy postures. The teacher must put this into action. 

Thomas: When I watched Indian students practise Ashtanga yoga asana, they seemed to be a lot less concerned about perfection and more “relaxed”. Many Westerners think they “work harder”. Do they miss the point of the practice? 
Manju: Yes. They (the Westerners) kill themselves. They push too much. This is a confused attitude. 

Thomas: From what you tell us, it seems that there was a big change in the style of teaching Ashtanga yoga since the 1970s. What happened to it in the 1980s, 1990s? 
Manju: It all has to do with supervision. When my father and I came to the USA in 1975, we taught asana, pranayama and chanting to a handful of students. But today, it is hard to give so many people attention. Anyone can put down their carpet. My father gave constant supervision originally but it all became too big. He had to introduce stricter rules. 

Vidwan Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, Shri Manju Pattabhi Jois
at the Ashtanga Yoga Nilaya in Mysore

Thomas: My question also referred to another aspect. Do you think that the Western students gradually turned Ashtanga yoga into a circus art in Mysore, with Western egos trying to top each other, competing, trying to prove themselves and earn respect by, e. g., incorporating postures from the Advanced Series like handstands into the Primary Series? Manju: Yes. The Western students like to change everything and everyone wants to develop their own style. They are going over the top for fame and fortune. 

Thomas: Have people that started learning Ashtanga yoga in the 1980s, 1990s experienced sort of a “reduced” version of the original?
Manju: Yes. Those that came in after 1985 don´t know what they are doing. Many of those that came in later are brainwashers and ego trippers that love to control others. 

Thomas: What do you think of Western teachers that say that they (or their respective Western master) are the ones that teach the “real”, “authentic”, “pure” Ashtanga yoga and put others down? 
Manju: They are all wrong. Please stay away from those types of characters that put others down. They won´t succeed.

Thomas: Is there something else that you as a genuine Indian Ashtanga yoga master would like to tell us Western students? 
Manju: I don´t call myself a master. I am but a messenger. I try to keep up with what I learnt as a kid. I am trying to get Westerners to understand the method by teaching it in the original way.

Quotations, even in extracts, not permissible unless written approval has been obtainedfrom www.ashtanga-yoga-germany.com

Manju´s website: www.manjujois.com
Thomas´ website: www.ashtangamunich.com

Many thanks to Tom Hoppel, Budapest for his support. 

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The Health Benefits Of Surya Namaskar/Sun Salutations www.ashtangabyAllen.Com, Private Yoga Lessons In Philadelphia And Ashtanga Healing Therapy Clinics Worldwide #Yoga #Ashtanga #AshtangaYoga

Science Proves Ashtanga Yoga Is Good For You #Yoga #Ashtanga #AshtangaYoga #YogaHealing #AshtangaHealingTherapy

Great news! Scientists have proven what we yogis have been experiencing for ourselves: that yoga can have a profound impact on our physical health and mental wellbeing, fast.

Here’s the skinny.

In collaboration with the University of London, Pattabhi Jois-authorised Ashtanga teacher Charlie Taylor-Rugman gathered a sample group of 22 complete yoga beginners (10 males, 12 females) and taught them the Ashtanga Primary Series for eight weeks.

Each class was 60 minutes long and followed the same sequence each week, with specific emphasis on alignment, breath, and mindful movement.

Each week students were guided through Sun Salutations, standing postures including Trikonasana (Triangle) and Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Fold), then Dandasana (Staff), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) and Purvottanasana (Upward Plank).

This was then followed by three seated finishing poses and final relaxation.

The results speak volumes.

After eight weeks, participants demonstrated significant improvements in upper body and core endurance, trunk and hamstring flexibility, shoulder and ankle-calf flexibility, as well as a reduction in total body fat percentage.

Results also suggested there were beneficial effects on the subjects’ overall mental wellbeing.

Said one participant, “When I took place in this study, I was a complete beginner. I’m amazed at the transformation in just eight weeks. I’m noticeably more flexible, stronger, and feel much calmer.”

Yoga works.

This study is a huge step forward in solidifying the hearsay about how yoga can help and heal.

Said Charlie Taylor-Rugman, “I have practiced yoga for more than 20 years, and working in this study has demonstrated what I’ve known for years: that yoga works. What’s more, anyone can reap the benefits of the practice in a short space of time.”

While the Hatha yoga texts may tell us much on how asana contributes to our health, Western science is now beginning to broaden the picture by offering fresh perspectives and insights and blending Eastern philosophy and practice into its toolkit.

The mystical and mythical is merging with our own particular brand of homegrown logic, revealing the deeper dimensions of yoga and expanding our understanding of the practice.

Studies like this help yoga shed its former ‘just for hippies’ shadow, letting it be taken more seriously by the medical profession as part of a holistic approach to maintaining health and preventing disease.

How does yoga work?

I asked Charlie why he thinks yoga works. He said the immediate impact of moving the body in a controlled and focused way, emphasising on the breath, is that is feels amazing. It encourages the production of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-happy chemicals, which act to calm the mind.

Secondly, people today are living increasingly sedentary lives. We’re generally sitting down for longer and spending less and less time moving around.

Looking at the evolutionary history of humans, you’ll see that we’ve developed to move around almost constantly at a moderate pace, which isn’t supported by our modern 21st century lifestyles.

The truth is, when we move the body, the brain produces a whole range of chemicals which enhance our mood, alleviate depression, help fight disease, and encourage our internal organs to function more effectively. This is science, not New Age speculation.

Ashtanga yoga’s unique qualities makes it effective.

Not all styles of yoga focus on breath, movement, and drishti (or gaze) the way Ashtanga yoga does. The study advocated that these three magic ingredients combined brings mental focus and a connection with the body through which the practice becomes centered.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 2, Verse 2) clearly tell us that yoga is a breath-focused practice and that only by controlling the breathing can we start to control the mind.

There’s also value in emphasising alignment in a way that is relevant to the needs of a student.

A good teacher is always looking to help students find the balance between strength and flexibility, and this is one of the key factors in good alignment, not just getting your heels properly aligned in a standing posture.

Only this way does the student reap the rewards of practicing yoga postures and protect themselves against injury.

Sound yoga anatomy and physiology are key.

Charlie studied anatomy (the structures of the body) and physiology (how it all works) for many years and his teaching style is very focused on encouraging sound physiological principles.

In the study, participants were taught Reciprocal Inhibition, or contracting one group of muscles in order to relax another group of muscles. Charlie also encouraged using closed kinetic chain (CKC) techniques in certain postures to allow participants to move into postures more deeply.

Said Charlie, “Incorporating techniques like Reciprocal Inhibition and the use of closed kinetic chain movements in the postures really helps people progress quickly in their asana practice.”

“These techniques are easy to learn and they really help you develop the appropriate strength and flexibility you need to deepen your asana practice. More people should know about them and use them.”

And the study results certainly support this. The average study participants saw a 40 percent increase in hamstring flexibility, a 42 percent improvement in arm strength, and a 32 percent development in core stability after just eight weeks.

Be an agent of change.

While change is inevitable, we’ve seen a lot of contemporary yoga styles, teachings, and teachers emerge in recent years, not of all of which has been positive. The highly esteemed, effective practice of linking the breath with movement, student-centered alignment, and drishti are becoming lost.

It’s great that we can now find yoga on every street corner as opposed to unrolling our mats in stuffy village halls, but concerns that the practice is becoming weaker and dumbed down are legitimate.

Studies like this one helps us understand what yoga is, how it works, and what about practice is important. It isn’t about the latest Lulu-wear, the rapidity through which we can knock out asana, or a rockin’ soundtrack. It is about moving, breathing, and bringing focus and balance to the body and mind.

Note: As of March 2015, the study is awaiting publication. For more information, you may contact Charlie atyogicharlie@yahoo.com. You can find further information about Charlie here.

Katherine Smith

I am a yoga teacher and writer filled with wanderlust. I host yoga retreats across the globe intended to uplift, nourish and stir the soul. I have a finely tuned appetite for adventure and a healthy thirst for cocktails and coffee. I am part of a new generation of women who are wild, wise, authentic and free. I have chosen to cast off what convention dictated and become a master of my own destiny. I am inspired by simple pleasures. I am passionate about all things wellbeing, making people happy and standing on my hands.
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Tips For How To Choose A Yoga Teacher By Allen Barkus, Available For Private Lessons In Philadelphia And For Clinics Worldwide. #Yoga #YogaTips #Ashtanga

Tips For How To Choose A Yoga Teacher
By Allen Barkus

https://www.ashtangabyallen.com/  This post has been viewed over 6,000 times worldwide.



As a yoga teacher who has been teaching teachers for many years there are some very important things I recommend you to consider before choosing a yoga teacher, both private and for going to classes at a yoga studio or gym. Ideally I recommend a studio.  A good teacher understands the practice is purely about you and can guide you towards a lifetime practice to keep your body and mind healthy. A not-so-good teacher does not take the time to understand an individual student's' needs, potentially leading to injuries. Recently one of my former students whom has physical limitations trusted a new teacher at a studio and ended up becoming seriously injured, leading me to want to share these guidelines:

1. The first thing you should ask your teacher is about their own personal practice. The guideline I use before teaching a teacher to teach is that they should have 5 years of personal daily practice, not just going to classes. There is a lot to be learned from a personal practice. In Ashtanga yoga the traditional way to learn is Mysore style, a guided practice that allows you to progress only as you are ready and able.

 Ideally your teachers should be experienced and follow a direct yoga lineage. My teachers were taught by Manju Jois, whom brought Ashtanga/Vinyasa yoga to America in 1975 along with his father. I started my practice in 1998.  In 2004 Manju became my teacher and continues to be my exclusive teacher.  Manju's father, K. Pattabhi Jois, originated the modern Ashtanga practice. Pattabhi Jois was taught by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, also the teacher of B.K.S. Iyengar, and is considered to be the "Father of Modern Yoga".

2. Should you go to a yoga studio or gym? Having a yoga studio focused on a style that suits your needs, physical, emotional and/or spiritual is ideal. If a yoga studio is not available to you, yes there are good teachers that teach at gyms. I met my first teacher at a gym.

3. Once you do get to get to a class there are some very important things to keep in mind. The first thing is the time on your mat is purely about you and your teacher should understand that. I've encountered situations when teachers bring their personal issues into their classes, not a healthy environment for students. A good teacher understands their students have busy lives and that is their time to focus on themselves for personal fitness and healing. The second thing to keep in mind is that a good teacher will take the time to observe you and get to know you and your limitations before giving assists in asanas/poses. In one case I had a teacher at a studio that had never seen me before stand on me, something that could have easily injured me, when he could have easily given me a more gentle/thoughtful assist.  The third and possibly most important thing is that you have to be mindful of your own body and not to do things you are not ready to do, an easy way to get injured. Yoga is a life practice; Every body is different and some things will be easy for you and some things harder. Therefore you should be just focused on your own practice, not what anyone else is doing. If something is too hard for you, just take a break and do child's pose.
Your teacher will explain what that is.

 If you make a commitment to your practice you will be amazed about what you are able to accomplish. One of my students lost 70 pounds in 8 months just doing his practice with no other life changes. He also healed a serious breathing problem and some other issues.

4. What about yoga online videos, streaming classes, DVD's, and books? I personally think these sources and be both helpful and damaging without the guidance of a personal teacher since basics including proper breathing and alignment need to be understood. If proper alignment is not practiced injuries can easily happen and an experienced teacher will alter asanas/positions to your personal needs and abilities. Also if not doing proper breathing/pranayama you are doing stretching, not yoga. Therefore if not breathing properly you are not gaining the full benefit of the practice.

By Allen Barkus. Allen has been practicing Ashtanga yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2004. His initial teacher training was with David Swenson and has been the student of Manju Jois since 2004. Manju, along with his father, introduced Ashtanga/Vinyasa yoga to America in 1975. His studies focus on Healing Therapy. He is available in Philadelphia for private lessons and clinics and travels around the world teaching clinics. www.AshtangabyAllen.com

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