Shri K. Pattabhi Jois is known as the father of Ashtanga yoga. He was a master of yoga, Sanskrit, and philosophy, and was affectionately known by his disciples as “Guruji.” He was a remarkable man who advocated for spiritual practice as a means of profound development. As a result of the techniques he received from his Guru, Shri T. Krishnamacharya, Guruji organized the Ashtanga yoga practice into the shape we are familiar with today. In this article, we will delve into the life, teachings, and profound impact of this visionary yogi.
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History of Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding style of yoga that has its roots in ancient Indian traditions. It was popularized in the 20th century by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who was a disciple of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a renowned yogi.
The origins of Ashtanga Yoga can be traced back to the ancient text called the Yoga Korunta, which is believed to have been written by Vamana Rishi. However, this text was lost over time, and it was Krishnamacharya who claimed to have rediscovered and revived the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga.
In the early 20th century, Krishnamacharya taught Ashtanga Yoga to his students, including Pattabhi Jois. Jois went on to refine and systematize the practice, creating what is now known as the Ashtanga Yoga system.
Pattabhi Jois opened the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, where he taught and spread the practice to a wider audience. Over the years, Ashtanga Yoga gained popularity globally, attracting students from various backgrounds and cultures.
Today, Ashtanga Yoga continues to be practiced by many individuals around the world. It is known for its emphasis on strength, flexibility, and breath control, as well as its spiritual and meditative aspects. While the physical practice of Ashtanga Yoga remains consistent, variations and adaptations have also emerged to suit different practitioners’ needs and abilities.
Who is the father of Ashtanga yoga?
The father of Ashtanga yoga is frequently referred to as Pattabhi Jois. Jois studied under Krishnamacharya, whom some people believe to be the originator of contemporary yoga. Jois developed and spread the Ashtanga yoga method after studying it with Krishnamacharya. He established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, where he instructed students from all over the world in the Ashtanga yoga system.
Ashtanga yoga is an eight-limb form of yoga that places an emphasis on a fluid, active practice. The methodology consists of a predetermined series of breath-synchronized postures as well as certain methods for controlling breath, focusing, and meditating. The contribution of Jois was to systematize and spread this branch of yoga, opening it up to practitioners all over the world.
It’s crucial to recognize that the Ashtanga yoga method has roots that stretch back many centuries, even though Jois is commonly regarded as the founder of the style. The Ashtanga yoga method combines components of numerous different yoga techniques and is based on the eight-limbed path of yoga that Patanjali described in the Yoga Sutras. However, Jois made a huge contribution to the growth and acceptance of Ashtanga yoga, and many practitioners of this dynamic and demanding form of yoga continue to draw inspiration and guidance from his legacy.
The Birth of a Legend
The journey of the Father of Ashtanga Yoga begins with his birth in a small village. Growing up, he displayed a deep sense of spirituality and an unwavering dedication to self-discipline. These qualities would lay the foundation for his future endeavors and pave the way for the development of an extraordinary practice.
Early Life and Influences
During his formative years, the Father of Ashtanga Yoga was exposed to various spiritual and philosophical teachings. Inspired by ancient texts and guided by eminent gurus, he embarked on a quest to explore the realms of the mind, body, and spirit. These early influences shaped his understanding of yoga and set him on a path of self-realization.
The Journey of Pattabhi Jois as the Father of Ashtanga Yoga
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, also known as Guruji, began his journey as the Father of Ashtanga Yoga at the age of 12 in India. Under the guidance of his guru, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, Pattabhi practiced yoga in secret, inspired by the ancient text called the “Yoga Korunta” by Vamana Rishi.
At 14, Pattabhi left home and reunited with his guru at the Sanskrit University of Mysore. Krishnamacharya established a yoga shala under the patronage of Mysore’s king, where Pattabhi and B.K.S. Iyengar demonstrated Ashtanga yoga to the public.
After the passing of the maharaja, Pattabhi took on Krishnamacharya’s legacy and founded the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in 1948. The institute attracted students from around the world, who helped spread Ashtanga yoga globally.
Pattabhi’s teachings reached the United States through American students visiting the institute. His style gained popularity, and he traveled extensively, sharing his knowledge and inspiring practitioners through demonstrations.
Pattabhi Jois’s dedication to preserving and spreading Ashtanga yoga’s wisdom left a lasting impact on the global yoga community. His journey as the Father of Ashtanga Yoga continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace the transformative power of this ancient practice.
Teachings of Pattabhi Jois
Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga, imparted several key teachings to his students. Here are some of the core principles and teachings associated with Pattabhi Jois and his approach to Ashtanga Yoga:
- Tristhana: Tristhana refers to the threefold aspect of Ashtanga Yoga practice. It includes the coordination of breath (pranayama), posture (asana), and focal points for the eyes (dristi). Practicing all three aspects simultaneously helps to enhance concentration, internal awareness, and energy flow.
- Vinyasa: Vinyasa refers to the synchronized movement and breath in Ashtanga Yoga. Each movement is linked with a specific breath, creating a continuous flow between postures. Vinyasa helps to generate heat and purify the body while cultivating a meditative state of mind.
- Primary Series and Six Series: Pattabhi Jois organized the asanas into a specific sequence known as the Primary Series. It is the foundation of the Ashtanga Yoga practice and focuses on building strength, flexibility, and detoxification of the body. Jois also introduced additional series (Secondary, Intermediate, and Advanced) for more advanced practitioners to further deepen their practice.
- Breath and Bandhas: Jois emphasized the importance of ujjayi breath, a deep, rhythmic, and audible breath, throughout the practice. He also taught about bandhas, which are energy locks in the body. The three main bandhas—mula bandha (root lock), uddiyana bandha (abdominal lock), and jalandhara bandha (throat lock)—help to control and redirect energy within the body.
- Practice with Dedication: Jois encouraged students to approach the practice with dedication and commitment. Regular and consistent practice, known as “Abhyasa,” is considered essential to progress and gain the benefits of Ashtanga Yoga.
- Guru-Student Relationship: Jois emphasized the importance of the guru-student relationship. He believed that direct guidance from an experienced teacher is vital for the proper transmission of the practice and to ensure safety and correct understanding.
FAQs on Father of Ashtanga Yoga
Pattabhi Jois, an Indian yoga master who lived from July 26, 1915 to 18 May 2009, created and popularized Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, a flowing form of yoga.
K. Pattabhi Jois popularized the Ashtanga vinyasa yoga style of yoga as an exercise during the 20th century. It was frequently marketed as a dynamic variation of traditional Indian (hatha) yoga.
Ashtanga yoga emphasizes physical stamina and strengthening muscles. Your body becomes stronger, more toned, flexible, and regulated as a result of Ashtanga yoga practice.
Ashtanga yoga, also known as Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, is a type of yoga that was created in the 20th century by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and T. Krishnamacharya.
Pattabhi Jois studied yoga under his mentor Sri Krishnamacharya and also attended Mysore’s Sanskrit College, where he became a Sanskrit and Advaita Vedanta professor.
