Yoga is a broad discipline, and within this tradition exists a highly structured system known as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. This method is characterized by its demanding nature and precise, fixed sequence of postures. The term “Mysore” describes the specific format used to teach and practice Ashtanga, not a style of yoga itself. This unique teaching environment fosters a deep, internalized practice, distinguishing it from most publicly led yoga classes.
The Ashtanga Vinyasa Foundation
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is defined by a progressive, set series of postures that students must master sequentially, beginning with the Primary Series, followed by the Intermediate and Advanced Series. The system is built upon Vinyasa, synchronizing every movement with the breath to create a continuous, flowing practice. This synchronization produces internal heat, which is thought to purify the body and the nervous system.
The structure is also grounded in the concept of Tristhana, or the three places of action or attention, which must be maintained simultaneously within each posture. The first element is Asana, the physical posture itself, which must be performed with precision. The second is the breathing system, or Pranayama, specifically the audible, rhythmic Ujjayi breath.
The third component of Tristhana is Drishti, a specific gazing point for the eyes during each posture, intended to steady the mind and cultivate deep concentration. By unifying the body (posture), the breath (Ujjayi), and the mind (Drishti), the physical practice becomes a form of moving meditation. The fixed sequence ensures consistency, allowing practitioners to observe their physical and mental fluctuations over time.
The Mysore Method of Practice
The Mysore method is the traditional teaching format for Ashtanga, named after the city in India where the system was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois. Unlike a typical “led” class where an instructor guides all students through the same sequence at the same pace, a Mysore class is a self-practice session. Students arrive during a designated time window and move through their fixed sequence at their own rhythm, guided only by their breath.
This self-paced structure means that a beginner working on Sun Salutations may practice next to an advanced student moving through the Intermediate Series. The environment is quiet, with the only consistent sound being the collective rhythmic breathing of the practitioners. The teacher does not lead the class verbally but observes all students simultaneously, offering highly individualized instruction.
The instructor provides one-on-one attention, including verbal cues, physical adjustments, and personalized modifications. This method fosters a deep relationship between the student and teacher, built on trust. Postures are “given” to the student one by one, and only when the teacher determines the student has integrated the previous sections is the next posture added. This gradual process encourages the memorization of the sequence, transforming the practice into an internal process rather than an external follow-the-leader exercise.
Navigating Your First Mysore Class
A first visit to a Mysore class requires a shift in expectation from standard yoga classes; you are not expected to know the sequence. Upon arrival, you should quietly introduce yourself to the teacher and inform them of any injuries or limitations before unrolling your mat. The class begins with quiet self-preparation, and the teacher will instruct you to start with a limited number of postures, typically the Sun Salutations.
Beginners are usually given only a few postures to practice for many weeks, allowing for the assimilation of proper breathing and gazing techniques. Do not add postures that the teacher has not explicitly given you, as the progression is deliberately slow to build a solid foundation. Your first practice will likely be short, often around 45 to 60 minutes, which is much less than that of seasoned practitioners.
Maintaining an attitude of non-harming, or Ahimsa, is important, meaning you must listen to your body and never push into pain, even when receiving hands-on adjustments. Consistency is highly valued in the Mysore method; practicing frequently, even for a short duration, is considered more beneficial than practicing occasionally for a long time. You should aim to arrive with enough time to finish your assigned sequence and include a final relaxation before the class ends.