ashtanga yoga
     Ashtanga translates as Eight Limbs referring to Patanjali's sutras written more than 2000 years ago in which he systematizes an approach to yoga.  The third of these limbs is Asana, a device that connects the mind and body through use of the breath.
    The Ashtanga Asana system began its development when in the early 20th century, Krishnamacharya went to his guru in the Himalayas.  There he was instructed in the Yoga Korunta, an ancient text writen on a dried palm, and learned the asana practices.  In the 1920's, a twelve year old boy named Pattabhi Jois (pictured above) became his student.  The asana practice that was taught to him by Krishnamacharya has become the current Ashtanga system.
    The word asana translates most literaly as "seat", holding the meaning of postures or modes of sitting.  Ashtanga Yoga organizes postures in six series.  The first, Yoga Chikitsa is intended to align and purify the body.  The second, Nadi Shodhana, works mainly with the nervous system.  The remaining four series integrate strength and movement.  The primary series is the beginning as all series are intended to be practiced progressively under the guidance of a qualified teacher.  It introduces the principles that synchronize breath and movement, linking the body to the mind.  In this way, it is a foundation for the other limbs of yoga.
    Ashtanga is a Vinyasa system.  It is a dynamic, scientific, purposeful approach.  The specific moves are done with specific breath.  The integration of each asana is maximized as we return to a neutral position between.  The physical work then affects the subtle layers and the nervous system, essential for yoga, bringing about profound physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual results.  

links:
www.KPJAYI.org The official site of Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswamy
Official Ashtanga Homepage Listings of all Ashtanga workshops, Certified & Authorized teachers, great online store.
Sharath's website Ashtanga Yoga.
www.miamilifecenter.com
www.youtube.com/user/angeliquesand
www.cafepress.com/yoginiwear

closing mantra
om
swasthi-praja bhyah pari pala yantam
nya-yena margena mahi-mahishaha
go-bramanebhyaha shubamastu nityam
lokaa-samastha sukhino-bhavanthu
om

may prosperity be glorified
may administrators rule the world with law and justice
may all things that are sacred be protected
and may all people everywhere be happy and free
atha yoganusasanam
yogas chita vrtti nirodhah

now begins the study of yoga
yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind

-Patanjali's yoga sutras
I-1, I-2