About Mysore Class
Mysore style yoga is the traditional way to learn and practice Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi
Jois and R. Sharath Jois.
In a Mysore style room each student practices only up to the place that is appropriate for their ability and experience. The teacher teaches each student
individually and new asanas are given one by one the traditional sequence as the student builds strength, flexibility, concentration and stamina. Hands-on adjustments are often given for
correction, to facilitate awareness and to guide a student beyond their perceived limitations. Advanced and beginner students practice together in the same space side by side. Mysore style
practice ultimately enables students grow and progress at a pace that is safe and ideal for their unique abilities.
From day one students learn how to practice on their own while being guided and supported by the teacher. A student left to their own devices will often
plateau or conversely in a led class will become dependent. Mysore style is self practice under the watchful gaze of the teacher, adjusting when needed, advising as necessary, and advancing
when ready. Students ideally learn discipline, concentration and how to practice in a way that is ideal for their unique nature.
The Ashtanga vinyasa method is intended to be a daily practice. The practice takes place every day except for Saturdays and Moon Days.
Beginners
The best way to learn Ashtanga yoga as a beginner is in a Mysore class. In this context beginners are taught individually and can be guided at a pace that is ideal
for each student. In Mysore classes all students receive one to one attention from the teacher. Students are taught new asanas and progress through the series appropriate to their unique
condition and abilities. In this way the teacher can facilitate the ideal practice for each student. Usually the first week we will start with Surynamaskara A and then we progress at an
appropriate pace. For people new to Ashtanga yoga we require a one month commitment of at least 3 times a week. New students are also welcome to come watch a class for before
joining Mysore Urayasu classes.
The Mysore System
Asanas are taught usually one by one, and in a fixed sequence. If you have trouble with a particular posture, the teacher can offer you a modification or support
that is consistent with the intention of the practice. Students always practice until their last given asana and then wind down with backbends and (if appropriate) finishing sequence. The
teacher will give you the next posture in the sequence when they feels you are ready. When in doubt it is ok to ask the teacher.
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By the teacher
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When you practice yoga in the Mysore class, it is important to wait for the teacher to teach you new asanas. The act of waiting gives your teacher the
opportunity to teach you the posture correctly, specifically for you and to provide support. Waiting also is an opportunity to express respect for your teacher and the practice.
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Adjustments
In a Mysore class students can expect to receive hands-on adjustments from the teacher. If you prefer not to receive adjustments
please do not hesitate to inform the teacher. Generally as a student advances the need and desire for adjustments decreases and in fact most advanced students begin to find them a
distraction. Adjustments are meant to correct alignment, form, overcome preconceived limitations, facilitate awareness and send students in the right direction physically and
energetically. Students should not expect to receive adjustments everyday because this can foster over-dependence on the teacher. In the event that you receive an adjustment that is
painful or uncomfortable you should always immediately inform the teacher. If you need help with a particular asana it is encourage to ask for help. Please do not wait too long to receive
an adjustment, there is always tomorrow and it is usually better to continue your practice than waiting too long and losing your concentration, energy, heat and flow.
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Progress
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In India, a student has only one teacher or guru, so there is no issue of which teacher is in charge. Here and in other countries, visiting teachers are
often invited for workshops which provide a glimpse of what’s ahead and often inspiration. A visiting teacher may allow you to progress farther in the series than you have in your daily
practice with your main teacher. However, your main teacher is usually the more accurate judge of the dedication and intention of your practice. It is usually better to follow their
instruction when you return to your daily practice.
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Commitment to the practice
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The practice room is open between 6:00am and 8:30am Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and between 6:30 and 8:30 Saturday, Sunday. The Ashtanga method is intended
to be a daily practice and students are encouraged to make a commitment to practice at least 3 times a week for a month at a time. Traditionally, we practice every day except for
Saturdays and Moon Days. It may be very difficult at first to commit to a daily practice, and it often takes time to establish this. Regular attendance is encouraged, although a few times
a week combined with a self-practice at home is sufficient. Drop-ins are fine for out-of-town visitors or others with an established practice.
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Cheat Sheets and Memorizing the sequence
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Knowledge of the correct sequence of vinyasas and asanas is as much part of the practice as doing the proper asanas. If you do not know the sequence it is
still ok to attend a Mysore class and rest assured that it will not take you long to learn. In Mysore class it is expected and ok at anytime to ask for assistance or help from the
teacher, especially if you are not sure or clear about the next asana or correct vinyasa. It is better to wait and ask then continue by guessing. If you have a diagram of the Ashtanga
yoga postures, we encourage you to review and study the postures at home instead of bringing it to class. Over time, you will memorize the flow of postures by doing them regularly in
class under the guidance of your teacher. You will be surprised how quickly you can learn the sequence on you own and how quickly you will establish a practice that is truly your
own.
Practice Notes
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Please do not eat 3 hours before practice.
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Please bathe or shower before practice.
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Please do not wear perfumes or scented deodorent, oils (these can cause allergic reactions for others.)
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Please take 3 days holiday during menstruation.
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Please Mention any injuries or illness to your teacher or if you become pregnant.
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Please enjoy your practice!
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Please feel free to ask questions after practice or before.