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MYSORE - STYLE ASHTANGA

Ashtanga Yoga is a challenging, spiritual, and intimate style of yoga based upon a linked sequence of flowing asanas and focused breathing, as developed by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and Shri Krishnamacharya (based on the ancient texts, including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali). Students of all levels practice at their own pace, beginning with the Ashtanga primary series.

"Mysore involves a small group of students who maintain a daily practice, so the teacher becomes very familiar with their progress," explains a JYC Ashtanga teacher. "A teacher can foster and fine-tune the student's progress by observing daily fluctuations of the student's body and mind in relation to the classical series." JYC's morning Mysore classes are taught the same way as they are in Mysore, India at the shala of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois: with constant hands-on guidance and attention. Don't be intimidated by Mysore classes if you've never taken ashtanga. One of the biggest misconceptions about the Mysore practice is that you need to memorize the primary series and become proficient in it before you attend your first class. But the opposite is true. Ideally, the primary series should be learned from scratch. In Mysore class, both beginners and more advanced practitioners are taught with hands-on supervision, care, and constant attention, guiding them to the deepest level of self-reliant practice.

Following Brahmin tradition, the Mysore-style classes are cancelled during the new moon and full moon and are not offered on Saturday mornings. Ideally, Ashtanga students should commit to at least six mornings a week of Mysore practice, whether at JYC or at home.

For the budget-minded, Jivamukti offers a special Mysore rate of $180 a month.See FEES page for details... .