Ashtanga Yoga

Since 1948, Pattabhi Jois has been teaching Ashtanga Yoga at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. The Ashtanga Yoga methodology was passed down to Pattabhi Jois through his studies with Krishnamacharya, and involves a path of internal purification consisting of the following eight spiritual practices, or "eight-limbed yoga."

The first four limbs – yama (moral codes), niyama (self-purification and study), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control) - are considered external cleansing practices where defects are correctable. However, defects in the four internal cleansing practices – pratyahara (sense control), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (contemplation) - are not correctable.

Ashtanga Yoga is not for beginners or anyone that doesn’t want a serious workout. Ashtanga is physically demanding and is the basis of the more recent “Power Yoga.”