What else distinguishes ashtanga or the more modern “flow style” variants from traditional hatha yoga practice?
Ashtanga also emphasizes a certain focused gaze or drishti (from the Sanskrit root drs meaning “to see”) in each pose to develop meditative focus. Bandhas (energetic locks) are also employed throughout the practice to produce awareness of internal energy flow and generate internal heat. Mulabhanda (the lift of the pelvic floor), Uddiyana bandha (a drawing in and up of the lower abdomen) and (used to a lesser extent) Jalandhara bandha (the chin lock) are used during the poses. In traditional hatha yoga the bandhas are generally used only in seated pranayama practice. In our power yoga classes, we work with bandhas and drishti following the ashtanga tradition. The pace, variety of poses explored and work toward cultivation of upper body strength are also substantially different than in most basic hatha yoga classes.
Ashtanga also emphasizes a certain focused gaze or drishti (from the Sanskrit root drs meaning “to see”) in each pose to develop meditative focus. Bandhas (energetic locks) are also employed throughout the practice to produce awareness of internal energy flow and generate internal heat. Mulabhanda (the lift of the pelvic floor), Uddiyana bandha (a drawing in and up of the lower abdomen) and (used to a lesser extent) Jalandhara bandha (the chin lock) are used during the poses. In traditional hatha yoga the bandhas are generally used only in seated pranayama practice. The pace, variety of poses explored and work toward cultivation of upper body strength are also substantially different than in most basic hatha yoga classes.
