Mysore Astanga

I am at a Mysore class in Mysore. Astanga class taught the Mysore style is awesome. The teacher does not instruct the class as to what to do, there is no dialogue, no music. Everyone is on their own, practicing the standard astanga series. The teacher is there to help you understand the asana better and provide the right adjustments so you know how far you can go.

I like this approach of teaching, for one can practice on their own and not depend way too much on a group class with special music, fancy yoga outfits and lots of sweet talk. I have never needed music to do yoga or the chakra quack talk ever. So, this style works for me. What is most interesting is that it gives a chance for everyone to breathe the way they want to and however long their breathing patterns are. I notice that in other styles like flow etc, the breathing pattern of an individual is never respected. The sun salutations are so quick and never really coordinated with the long inhales and exhales. In astanga, there is so much freedom to breathe correctly and is a huge plus.

There is quite a bit of importance placed on Padmasana. There are quite a few forward bends, done in the ardha baddha padmasana. It is just a matter of time, before the full padmasana becomes doable.

Although I prefer the vinyasa style of yoga, astanga is interesting too with its standard set of asanas. You do the same thing over and over. One advantage I see is that one can observe the evolution in the asana. The sequencing seems a bit off with forward bends before the backbends. The counterposes ahead of the actual poses. The shoulderstand is performed way before the headstand. In KYM vinyasa, shoulderstand is a counterpose for headstand. So, I don’t understand how Pattabhi Jois came up with this, having learnt from Sri Krishnamacharya.

Astanga is more militant and violent. Lots of jump thru’s and chaturangas. The breathing is so loud, one can generate electricity out of this class and power the entire town of Mysore. I always thought ujjai breath need not be loud. It should be heard only by the person breathing and not perform it for the entire class to hear. Astanga class is all about performance.

Even the adjustments are pretty violent and deep. May be it is a good thing, I am not sure as of now. Time will tell, if such aggressive corrections are good for the body. I notice that the students are addicted to the adjustments. If not for the adjustments, the students might as well practice it on their own. Everybody I speak with in the class talks about the adjustments of the teacher. This is what they come to the class for.

My teacher is Mr.Sheshadri, a small muscular man. Thanks to Steven, for letting me know about him. Mr.Sheshadri can give dramatic adjustments to all the students, even to the big European and American guys, even though he is much smaller compared to the big guys in class. There is a lot of choice for yoga classes in Mysore, most of them compete with one another in how tough they are.

All in all, I am happy to be in a Mysore class in Mysore.

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