Ashta and Anga are two Sanskrit terms that make up the word Ashtanga. Eight is symbolised by the word “Ashta,” while the word “Anga” denotes a limb or bodily component. As a result, Ashtanga is the integration of all eight limbs of yoga into a single, comprehensive discipline. The Ashtanga Yoga School’s eight limbs of yoga are a representation of the many schools of the yoga sutras’ philosophy. All eight limbs of yoga—Yama (moral principles), Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi—are integrated according to the Ashtanga philosophy (oneness with the self).
Ashtanga pose progressions
Sun Salutation A and Sun Salutation B are typically performed five times each at the start of an Ashtanga practise. There are next five repetitions of a series of standing postures, followed by a set of seated poses. Your instructor will walk you through the advanced series, which consists of Advanced A, Advanced B, Advanced C, and Advanced D, once you have mastered these three position sequences.