The Source: My Journey in Ashtanga Yoga
Following the lineage of the Sharath Yoga Centre, I share the traditional Mysore-style Ashtanga practice as I experienced it at the source in Mysore.
Shata koti Namaskaram, a hundred crore salutations, to my Guruji for his blessings. I am humbled to receive the coveted privilege of spreading the practice of the age-old Ashtanga yoga parampara.
Leading from darkness to light, the Guru that he was. We as his students have a bigger mission: to celebrate his life with the best of what he has given us. Here I am, bowing in gratitude at his feet.
A teacher transmits what he has learned for a reward, whereas a Guru, through his grace, enters your heart and enables you to comprehend Divinity. I am forever grateful for the grace of my Guru.
This Mysore trip has been different. Without him around, I am learning to understand his teachings and feel his presence from within. My earnest effort is to uphold the great parampara that we are privileged to be a part of.
Mysore, to me, is always a Tapasya, a penance to open horizons for a better understanding of life. I am back to base with renewed zeal, hoping to do justice to the lineage of Ashtanga yoga.
This was my routine for a month in Mysore. Waking before dawn, arriving at the Shala at 3:15 am to wait, and dedicating the day to practice. It is a life-changing and purpose-driven experience.
A glimpse of what really happens in the shala. No distance is too far when the purpose touches the heart for a greater good. The genuineness of this collective energy is palpable.
My Mysore trip in 2022. It is always a memorable journey and a great way to end the year, filled with practice, friends, nature, and beautiful memories, including receiving my authorization from Guruji.
About The Source: My Journey in Mysore
This cluster isn't just a collection of images; it is an invitation to understand the discipline behind the practice. The early morning trips to Mysore are where I refine my own sadhana to ensure the instruction I provide at my HSR Layout shala remains true to the teachings of Guruji Sharath Jois. When you practice here, you aren't just learning poses; you are learning a method that values consistency over intensity.
The practice of Ashtanga Yoga is often misunderstood as merely a series of demanding poses. My time in Mysore, waking up at 3:15 AM to wait for a spot at the shala, taught me that the true essence lies in the tapasya—the disciplined austerity of showing up every single day.
Parampara, the unbroken lineage of teacher to student, is the foundation of my teaching at my home-shala in HSR Layout. Whether we are practicing Surya Namaskar or breaking down the intricacies of the Primary Series, the goal is not to achieve the perfect posture, but to cultivate a steady, unwavering mind.
When you join my classes, you are stepping into a traditional Mysore-style environment. You will receive hands-on adjustments tailored to your body's unique alignment, guided by the principles I have absorbed from years of study under the guidance of my Guru. We focus on the Tristana method—Asana, breath, and Drishti—to help you build a self-practice that you can carry home with you. This is not a drop-in fitness class; it is a space for those who are serious about deepening their connection to themselves and the tradition.
If you are looking to start your journey or refine an existing practice, know that the path requires patience. I am here to guide you through the process, ensuring that the ancient wisdom of this tradition remains accessible, practical, and grounded in your daily life in Bangalore.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
7
Authentic Ashtanga: My Mysore Parampara
17
My Ashtanga Yoga Teachers and Lineage
Yoga Teacher Training and Authentic Practice in Mysore
Ashtanga Mysore Yoga Classes
Ashtanga Vinyasa: Authentic Mysore Style Practice
My Yoga Journey: Teachers and Tradition
More from Yoga Workshops & Intensives by Sanjana Sekar
More services by Sanjana Sekar