In Ashtanga Yoga we practice different sequences of postures. Beginning with the primary series, followed by intermediate series, and then the advanced series. The idea of progressing through a set sequence, which increases in intensity and complexity, appeals to many. As Ashtanga Yoga is known for its vigorousness and challenging approach, it sometimes attracts those of us who feel somewhat driven, are ambitious, and like to achieve and succeed. We feel drawn to the idea of successively adding postures, once one has been mastered.
This is where the learning begins. Competitiveness, especially with ourselves, has no place in Yoga. Although when starting out progress is noticeable quickly, there are certain areas of the practice which we will find hard to master. These areas can be quite different from person to person. Each of us has their own individual history, which is reflected in the physical expression of our being. Every lived experience is manifested somewhere in our body. For that reason the challenge in our Yoga practice doesn’t only lie in reaching into different physical ‘shapes’, but there are strong emotional and mental components linked to them; differing for everyone.
That is what makes Yoga so unique. It is a holistic practice combined in one. When we practice postures we are often positively surprised what our bodies are capable of doing. We practice with great breath awareness and are asked to move in directions we sometimes feel are impossible or scary to reach. Thus we are often confronted with strong emotions. Sometimes an emotional release can happen in unexpected moments even in a seemingly simple posture.
Primary Series
The primary series is known for its detoxification and realigning effects. It is also called Yoga Chikitsa, which means Yoga Therapy. This series helps in negotiating the asymmetry we experience in our bodies, strengthening us, and making us limber in just the right places. It can be quite a magical experience after some time of practice, how much better one starts to feel on all levels.
Even the primary series includes some fairly advanced postures. Its intensity has to be acknowledged and can’t be underestimated. Of course there are always alternatives offered to postures you might not yet be able to do. Many students remain in this series and continue to face different challenges within its practice for a long time.
Intermediate Series
Once the primary series has been mastered – and if your teacher deems you ready – they might introduce you to the more difficult intermediate series step by step. Also referred to as second series, its Sanskrit synonym is called Nadi Shodana, which refers to the purification of the nervous system. Its’ quality and feeling is very different to the primary series. It is hard to explain, as it is a felt experience. We are moving deeper and deeper into our being, which can be confronting both physically and mentally. As is typical in Ashtanga Yoga nothing can be omitted, many different kinds of movements have to be attempted.
At the beginning an extensive group of backbends is introduced, which is physically demanding and intense. This is followed by twists and then a series of foot-behind-the-head postures, which are again a very different kind of challenge. Next comes a series of strong postures, which require a lot of upper body and internal strength, and balance. This is topped up by a delightful set of seven headstand variations, which feel amazing in that they seem to ground us, balance the great intensity of the previous postures, and introduce a deep calm and serenity.
Advanced Series
If second series was strong requiring a high level of commitment, the following sequences; third, forth and fifth, can only be skillfully mastered if one adopts a yogic lifestyle, and dedicates ones time and energy mostly to this practice. The Advanced series are called Sthira Bhoga, which translates to strength and grace. Again a distinct difference can be felt in the level of strength, sensitivity, focus and courage needed to embark on this series.
True Opening
Those of us who are by nature especially ambitious and striving, will soon learn that once one aspect of the practice has been mastered, that the next challenge is waiting for us. It is neverending, and we come to understand that dwelling on the joy of loving the journey and being contented with what there is in the here and now, is the highest goal to ‘achieve’. It is interesting to notice that once we have progressed to learning pranayama followed by meditation, the spiritual awakening is not something we can ‘do’. Yoga is not anything we can ‘do’, rather it is a state of being.
It is only when we have dropped our ambition and expectations of the practice, when we have eradicated our ego or the wrong understanding of the self, that we come to realise that what is really worth pursuing is not the accomplishment of a particular posture, but the mastering of our mind; leading our mind into the ‘state of Yoga’; a different way of ‘being’.
Read about the use of the Drstis in Ashtanga Yoga
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