Sri K Pattabhi Jois, fondly known as Guruji, lived in Mysore, South India, and so classes taught his way are known as Mysore style.
Mysore students practice at their own pace, with individual guidance from the teacher. The focus is on breathing, bandha and asana without distractions.
Mysore students are expected to memorise the postures, which are added slowly until the first (primary) series is completed. Primary series, or yoga chikitsa, helps align and strengthen the body ready for second series, or nadi shodhana, which works on the nervous system. You should have reasonable fluidity and understanding of ALL the primary series postures before moving into second.
A patient, quiet, respectful attitude is expected from students at all times.
Dedicate your practice: Either by chanting (vande gurunam) before starting or allow a mental bow to the universal forces which have led us onto the potent path of yoga.
Be clean: You are unlikely to receive much close attention from your teachers if unpleasant smells are emanating from your body, your mat or your clothes.
Be on time: A rushed practice will lead to irritability. If you have less time, do less. Always complete the closing postures.
Stop as advised: Your teacher may feel you should stop at a certain posture to clarify it before moving on – please respect this view.
Move straight into the “form of the pose”: One breath – One movement.
Respect your practice space: Bring as few belongings into the room as possible, switch off electronics, tidy your space after class and be mindful of fellow practitioners.
Practice with good humour and humility – and enjoy.
Learning the Primary Series
These posture sheets are provided by our friends at Ashtanga Yoga Victoria, in British Columbia (www.ashtanga-yoga-victoria.com). Studying these sheets and practicing regularly helps commit the series to memory.
