Written by Karyn Grenfell, Ashtanga Yoga Castlemaine, formerly Melbourne
A traditional Ashtanga led class is counted in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. This is the basis of the whole Ashtanga system and connects the student to the lineage of Ashtanga yoga. The teacher counts the vinyasa (movement & breath) from the very first breath of Surya namaskara A – “Ekam”. Through to the very last breath before resting – “Sapta, jump through, lie down and take rest”.
Between the very first breath of the practice and the very last breath, every breath is counted. By doing this we are staying conscious of our breath, conscious of where we are, conscious of this present moment. Every breath is accounted for as we weave each asana (posture) onto the thread of our softly resonating, even breath.
Each asana has it’s own vinyasa count which leads the student into and out of the pose. When arriving in the specific asana, we hold it for five breaths, maintaining focus on our breath, with the underlying qualities of steadiness and ease, then the vinyasa count will lead us out of that asana and onto the next. Ideally, when new asanas are given/taught in the Mysore class, the correct vinyasa count for that asana should also be explained to the student. Knowing the correct breathing for the asanas we are practicing also enables us to explore the energetic flow of the sequence and connects us with the drishti (gaze points) of each asana and the internal energy locks (Mula and Uddiyana bandhas). Of course, this internal learning takes time, there is no rush. So we start by noticing our breath, becoming conscious of our breath, and slowly, slowly connecting this to the healing sequence of asanas in whichever series we are working on.
Knowing the correct vinyasa and teaching this accordingly is the responsibility of the teacher and comes after many years of practice and experience. This is the way I was taught by Sharathji, one pose at a time. It’s not about being able to “do” the asana, it’s more about embodying, having an intimate knowledge of the vinyasa, of the movement of breath. When this happens the practice shifts from a physical practice to a moving meditation.
Attending led classes enables the student to deepen their familiarity of where the inhale and exhale sits in each asana, it helps the vinyasa to become second nature. Led classes also act like a mirror by allowing us to observe if unconstructive habits have crept into our practice or where we have lost connection with the breath. This experience feeds back into the student’s Mysore/self practice routine, allowing focus and connection to grow and ultimately deepen their experience of yoga.