The Astanga Yoga Research Institute

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The brand of yoga taught at the Mysore-based Astanga Yoga Research Institute has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially amongst foreigners. Men and women from all corners of the globe practise this brand of yoga, which is extremely physical and requires a lot of concentration and perseverance

The octogenarian hatha yoga master K Pattabhi Jois founded the Mysore-based Astanga Yoga Research Institute. Today, he and his grandson Sharat jointly run the institute.

The brand of yoga taught at the institute has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially amongst foreigners from Europe, the United States and Japan. Men and women from all corners of the globe practise it separately. This brand of yoga is extremely physical and requires a lot of concentration and perseverance.

The six standardised and graded routines that form the curriculum of the institute, range from the introductory challenging formats to the ending sequences, which, it is reported, have not yet been mastered by students in recent years. This is quite understandable since the culmination of all yoga practices is the realisation of the self or Enlightenment, which as we all know is almost impossible. It is something that we spontaneously realise and which is impossible to plan. One could, however, say that with the explicit methods of contortions and conniving of the body and the breath with the help of K. Pattabhi Jois, we are transported almost to the gateways of the heavens and Enlightenment.

However, the 'Sequence of the Six' has behind it method and gradation. The first or primary series is employed to detoxify the physical body. Next comes the intermediate series, which works at the energy level. It strengthens the 'nadis' or nerve routes and regulates 'prana' or the life force through the linkages of the seven 'chakras' in the body. The next four levels (or the advanced series) are directed towards drawing the subtle energy up the 'sushman nadi' or the central energy channel from the 'muladhara' or root 'cakra' through to the 'sahasra' or crown 'cakra'. The culmination of this psychophysical process is reached with our biological processes producing phenomenal changes in our consciousness. This leads to the blissful ecstasies of 'samadhi' or trans-consciousness.

At the Astanga ashram, students of all ages and abilities practise together. Segregation is practised based on sex. It is funny at times to watch rank juveniles, barely able to see their toes, let alone touching them, practising with advanced adepts flipping on their backs and performing long-duration hand stands. Jois and his grandson are seen from time to time roaming among the practitioners, making adjustments here and there. The presence of Pattabhi, claim some of the students, creates a state of powerful cognitive awareness.

The basic course is programmed in such a way that a minimum of a one-month stay is required. It is advisable to write ahead in advance and inform either Jois or Sharat about your arrival date and the commencement of the course since visitors who have just dropped by have been turned away if the place is full up. This usually happens during the 'tourist season' since that is the busy time of the year.

The capacity of Jois' concrete-floored, tiny studio is 12 persons at a time. Practices begin on the dot at 4 am. Students are divided into batches and classes are conducted in shifts. Classes are held on all days except Sundays, new moon and full moon days. Women practitioners are asked to take a gap of three days in their practice during their monthly menstruation.

The fees
Compared to other yoga classes, the Astanga Yoga Institute's rates are steep. They work out to approximately Rs 12,000 per month or USD 250. There is also an initial signing in fee or initiation fee of Rs 4,500 or USD 100 per student. The fees are only for the yoga lessons.

Boarding and Lodging
The Astanga Yoga Institute does not provide lodge or board facilities. However, lots of lodges and rooms offering hospitality to the foreign guests have sprung up alongside the increasingly popular Astanga Yoga Institute.

How to get there
For the international traveller, the nearest airport is Bangalore. Mysore is well connected to Bangalore by rail and road. There are many government and private buses plying between these two major cities in Karnataka, India. The frequency is as high as every fifteen minutes. Mysore also forms the gateway to the southern hill ranges of the Blue Mountains or Nilgiris.

For further information about the Astanga Yoga Research Institute you can write to the institute:
876/1, 1st Cross,
Lakshmipuram,
Mysore,
Karnataka
Pin Code: 570 004
INDIA
Phone: 091 -821 - 445558
Fax: 091-821 - 520357
Website: http://www.ashtanga.com/