Sequence, Poses, and Mantra – Fitsri Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and disciplined fashion of yoga, usually practised by those that have developed energy, flexibility, and stamina by constant effort. It requires dedication and endurance every posture have to be mastered earlier than transferring on to the subsequent.

On this technique, postures are linked by flowing vinyasa actions, synchronising every transition with a gradual breath (ujjayi pranayama). The system follows six fastened sequences, from foundational to superior, and is taught in the identical order world wide, making it a very world apply.

This text focuses on the Major Sequence the primary sequence in Ashtanga Yoga exploring its construction, goal, and the way it lays the groundwork for deeper ranges of apply.

What’s main sequence in ashtanga yoga?

The Major Sequence is the place to begin of Ashtanga Yoga, offering the bottom for all different sequence. It’s a set vinyasa sequence, the place every posture flows into the subsequent in concord with a measured breath depend. This coordination of motion and breath develops each bodily energy and psychological focus.

First launched by Sri Ok. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India, the Major Sequence is commonly used as a each day apply for dedicated Ashtanga college students. In Sanskrit, it’s referred to as Yoga Chikitsa, which means “yoga remedy,” as a result of the sequence is believed to purify and strengthen the physique whereas calming and focusing the thoughts.

Though it’s the first sequence, many practitioners take into account it one of the difficult. It calls for stamina, precision, and conscious alignment. By means of this sequence, college students achieve familiarity with vinyasa transitions and the self-discipline of the Ashtanga technique, constructing the inspiration required for the intermediate and superior sequence that comply with.

Advantages of the ashtanga yoga main sequence

YThe postures of the Major Sequence are organized in a exact vinyasa sequence designed to create refined but highly effective therapeutic results. This circulation helps cleanse the physique’s nadis (power channels), permitting prana the life power to maneuver extra freely. When power flows with out obstruction, the physique begins to heal, purify, and restore steadiness naturally.

With a clearer power circulation, you might discover enhancements in focus, confidence, willpower, and total thoughts physique consciousness.

On a bodily degree, the Major Sequence builds energy and suppleness, particularly within the core, higher physique, and legs. The ahead folds, backbends, and twists within the sequence assist launch stiffness, enhance posture, and help spinal well being. These actions additionally assist in detoxifying the nervous system.

The dynamic nature of the apply generates inside warmth, which helps the discharge of poisons by sweat. Mixed with particular drishti (gaze factors) and managed respiratory, this warmth fosters focus, self-discipline, and meditative consciousness all through the apply.

Ashtanga main sequence sequence(poses)

The Major Sequence of Ashtanga Yoga follows a hard and fast order of postures, historically taught within the Mysore fashion. Earlier than starting the sequence, practitioners carry out 5 rounds every of Solar Salutation A (Surya Namaskara A) and Solar Salutation B (Surya Namaskara B) to heat up the physique, construct warmth, and put together the muscle tissues and joints.

The Major Sequence is split into 4 components:

1. Standing Sequence – 13 foundational standing postures that construct energy, steadiness, and alignment.
2. Seated Sequence – 20 seated postures linked with vinyasa transitions to develop flexibility, hip opening, and core stability.
3. Ending Sequence – 13 postures together with light backbends, shoulder stands, and different inversions to revive steadiness and calm the nervous system.
4. Ultimate Three Postures – a brief closing set, ending with Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for deep relaxation and integration.

In complete, the Major Sequence consists of 49 postures and 35 vinyasas. The sequence is realized progressively: a licensed Ashtanga Yoga trainer first guides college students by every asana with its right vinyasa depend. As soon as memorised, college students practise the sequence independently at school whereas the trainer provides hands-on changes and particular person steering.

All Ashtanga Yoga courses begin with a gap mantra. The opening chant is as follows:

By means of this mantra, you might be ideally bowing right down to your guru and invoking the blessings of the sage Patanjali.

You then begin with Surya Namaskar A and B that are carried out 5 occasions. Then it goes as follows;

1. Standing sequence

The Standing Sequence is the primary a part of the Ashtanga Yoga Major Sequence and focuses on constructing energy, stability, and correct alignment. It additionally units the rhythm of motion and breath that continues all through the apply.

The sequence begins with two ahead folds:

1. Padangusthasana (Large Toe Pose)
2. Padahastasana (Arms-to-Ft Pose)
   In each postures, the drishti (gaze level) is directed towards the nostril. These asanas lengthen the backbone, stretch the hamstrings, and put together the physique for deeper folds.

Subsequent comes a sequence of standing postures for steadiness and hip opening:

That is adopted by two wide-legged ahead folds:

The sequence continues with balancing poses:

The primary vinyasa transition within the standing sequence begins from Utkatasana (Fierce or Chair Pose), transferring into Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I) and Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II). The drishti in Warrior I is on the thumbs; in Warrior II, it’s over the entrance hand. These postures have interaction the legs, strengthen the core, and domesticate focus earlier than transferring into the seated sequence.

2. Seated sequence

After the strengthening and stabilising Standing Sequence, the Seated Sequence shifts the apply inward, calming the thoughts and deepening flexibility. This a part of the Major Sequence is commonly described as its coronary heart, mixing ahead folds, twists, and hip openers that improve focus and launch pressure.

The sequence begins with:

Subsequent come deeper hip openers and folds:

The sequence then strikes into therapeutic folds and twists:

• Janu Sirsasana A–C (Head-to-Knee Ahead Bend variations) — drishti: foot
• Marichyasana A–D (Sage Marichi’s Pose variations) — drishti: alternating between foot, nostril, and facet gaze relying on the variation

From right here, you transition into strengthening poses:

Difficult arm balances and ahead folds comply with:

Subsequent is the household of angle poses, carried out 3 times:

• Baddha Konasana (Certain Angle Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Upavistha Konasana (Seated Angle Pose) — drishti: third-eye
• Supta Konasana (Sleeping Angle Pose) — drishti: nostril

The sequence concludes with reclining and backbend postures:

• Supta Padangusthasana (Mendacity Thumb-to-Foot Pose) — drishti: foot
• Ubhaya Padangusthasana (Each Thumbs-to-Ft Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana (Upward-Dealing with Ahead Stretch) — drishti: foot
• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Paschimottanasana (Prolonged West Stretch) — drishti: foot

From right here, the apply transitions into the Ending Sequence, which restores steadiness and prepares the physique and thoughts for closure.

3. Ending sequence

The Ending Sequence marks the closing stage of the Major Sequence. These postures gradual the tempo of apply, deepen the breath, and put together the physique and thoughts for relaxation. Lots of the asanas are light inversions, which assist enhance blood circulation, calm the nervous system, and promote psychological readability.

The sequence begins with:

From right here, the main focus shifts to seated and balancing postures:

• Utpluthi Padmasana (Elevated Lotus Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Pindasana (Embryo Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Matsyasana (Fish Pose) — drishti: nostril
• Uttana Padasana (Prolonged Foot Pose) — drishti: nostril

The sequence then consists of inversions that problem steadiness and management:

• Sirsasana (Headstand) — drishti: nostril
• Urdhva Dandasana (Upward Employees in Headstand) — drishti: nostril

Earlier than transitioning to the ultimate postures, practitioners relaxation briefly in Balasana (Little one’s Pose) drishti: nostril. The apply then concludes with Padmasana (Certain Lotus Pose) — drishti: nostril — adopted by Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for full leisure and integration of the apply

4. Ultimate three postures

You’ll now be coming into the calming stage the place the asanas will put together you for the final word asana. First, you may be practising Yoga Mudra (drishti – third eye), adopted by Lotus Pose (drishti – nostril) and Lifted Lotus (drishti – nostril). 

The ultimate pose to finish the first sequence is the Corpse Pose which is carried out with closed eyes and relaxation for 10-Quarter-hour.

On the finish of the category, you’ll chant the closing ashtanga yoga mantra that marks the peaceable finish.

How lengthy does it take to finish the first sequence?

The time it takes to finish the Major Sequence is dependent upon every pupil’s tempo, expertise, and bodily situation. On common, a full Major Sequence apply lasts about 90 minutes from the opening mantra to Shavasana.

Nonetheless, mastering the sequence is an extended journey. For some, it could take a month or two to develop into snug with all of the postures; for others, it might take longer. Flexibility, energy, physique sort, and former yoga expertise all play a task in how rapidly progress is made.

Reasonably than specializing in pace, the emphasis in Ashtanga Yoga ought to all the time be on high quality of motion, synchronisation of breath with vinyasa, and sustaining correct alignment in every asana. Persistence and consistency will naturally result in deeper understanding and mastery over time.

Can freshmen carry out the first sequence?

If you’re utterly new to yoga, it’s finest to first construct a basis with primary postures and respiratory methods earlier than making an attempt the total Major Sequence. This sequence calls for energy, stability, flexibility, and psychological focus qualities that develop step by step with constant apply.

Rookies can begin by studying a Half Major Sequence, which introduces key postures at a slower tempo. This permits the physique to adapt whereas sustaining the breath–motion connection that defines vinyasa apply.

As a result of the Major Sequence is bodily demanding, prior expertise with some intermediate-level yoga poses may be useful. This prepares the physique for the stamina and focus wanted to carry every posture with right alignment. Practising beneath the steering of a licensed Ashtanga trainer ensures a protected and efficient development into the total sequence.

Conclusion

The Major Sequence might really feel difficult at first, however keep in mind each yoga pose was as soon as new to you. With regular apply, focus, and dedication, your physique and thoughts will step by step adapt. Though many asanas on this sequence are superior, you’ll solely progress to the subsequent posture when each you and your trainer really feel you might be prepared.

Transfer at your individual tempo and keep away from evaluating your journey with others. Breathe deeply by every motion and keep your Drishti to assist your thoughts keep centred and free from distractions. In time, what as soon as felt inconceivable will develop into a part of your pure circulation.