Mysore Style: Making Ashtanga Yoga More Therapeutic

October 14, 2019 YTL

Ashtanga Yoga Has Gotten a Bad Rap

Notorious for repetition and memorization of a set sequence of poses and the “strength” of the practice, it is—when practiced mindfully in Mysore style—a deeply personal exploration customized to enhance all the layers of one’s being, foster independence, and promote self-actualization. Mysore style is the traditional way to experience Ashtanga Yoga. Although it is a set sequence of poses, the practice is truly individualized for each student, from beginners to advanced. Practitioners learn at their own unique pace, in their own unique way while in a group setting with a teacher who offers one-to-one support.

hands-on assist with Supta Vajrasana reclined hero’s pose

Practice and All Is Coming

The practice begins with Sun Salutations A and B, also known as Surya Namaskar A and Surya Namaskar B, followed by a standing sequence. Following this, the practitioner progresses through one of six series followed by a standard closing sequence.

The six series of Ashtanga Yoga are:

the Primary Series: Yoga Chikitsa, Yoga Therapy;
the Intermediate Series: Nadi Shodhana, The Nerve Purifier; and
the Advanced Series (a through d): Sthira Bhaga, Centering of Strength.

The primary series includes standing asanas and seated postures. Each posture reflects something about our internal state. Some days you have trouble with balancing postures and notice similar trouble juggling all the different things in your life. Another day you’re not as flexible as the day before, and may find you’re also less fluid in your thinking or actions, or resistant to stretching yourself to a new experience. In any case, Pattabhi Jois gently reassures us.

How Is Ashtanga Therapeutic?

So how is Mysore style individualized and therapeutic? Mana Takai, seasoned practitioner and teacher of the Primary Series, shares how Mysore style is therapeutic in her own life, both as a practitioner and as a teacher.

Mana leads Mysore Rooms in Washington, D.C. (currently online) and clearly sees the therapeutic benefits in her students’ lives. She sees them “become stronger physically and mentally while also finding calm and stillness amidst life’s challenges” as well as “how the practice fosters their acceptance of what is, true independence, and enhanced well-being all around.”

For folks new to Mysore style, Mana totally understands that there may be curiosity and a little fear. Mana offers sincere understanding based on her own experience.

I was afraid to try my first Mysore class too! When I heard of Ashtanga, I thought it was super-strong practice. But instead I found that this practice brings strength, but also calmness and softness. I was also worried about remembering the sequence. But with practice, you easily remember. And the instructor is there is support you, so there’s no need to worry. I’ve worked with teenagers as well as people in their 70s. Mysore is for everybody. Just try for a few weeks. Then decide! Some of the benefits are— -a personal practice that you can take with you anywhere, -familiarity with your postures that makes the practice meditative, -awareness of your personal growth over time, and -a strong relationship with your teacher and personalized support and modifications.

Mana Takai

What Does The Teacher Do In a Mysore Room?

If Mysore style is a personal practice, you may wonder, “What exactly is the role of the teacher?” As Mana explains, the teacher in a Mysore practice offers something valuable and rare.

Looking for Gentle Ashtanga or Online Mysore?

Connect with Mana for live-streaming and live classes, upcoming workshops. and more.