The Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Program at Yoga Hawaii
From a daily practice, strength and concentration build.
Yoga Hawaii’s Mysore program is under the direction of Aliya Weise, an authorized teacher who has worked directly with Ashtanga master, Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009), and his grandson, Sharath Jois, the current lineage holder.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is the progenitor of nearly all contemporary vinyasa or “flow” yoga asana forms. The father of contemporary Ashtanga Yoga was Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, affectionately known as “Guruji,” or beloved teacher.
Traditional Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes tristhana, the three places of attention, which are posture, breathing and gaze. These three foci purify the body, nervous system and mind respectively, and are always performed in conjunction with one another.
For many decades Guruji taught in Mysore, India, hence the traditional method has come to be called “Mysore-style.”
Guruji always emphasized that anyone can practice yoga, be they young, old, healthy, or sick. Yet, this was never meant to mean that all students are, or should be, taught similarly. Each and every student must be taught in a manner and at a pace that is appropriate for them. The Mysore-style of instruction enables this.
The Mysore Program at Yoga Hawaii
Leah, Rayna, Aliya and Mizuho are here to assist you in your practice.
Unlike nearly all other yoga classes, you are not “led” through your yoga asanas. All students of Ashtanga Yoga commence their instruction in the same manner. You begin with Surya Namaskar A, then Surya Namaskar B is taught, and after both of the Surya Namaskars have been learned correctly, each subsequent asana is added one by one.
Only when one asana is correct is the next one taught.
One always concludes with the closing sequence and taking rest. While you can expect to work through the series slowly, you will see many benefits quickly if you practice diligently. It is considered very important in Ashtanga Yoga not to rush ahead but to rather work consistently so that the vinyasas and asanas purify the body gradually.
The traditional method quickly teaches you independence and confidence in your physical and spiritual practice – a slow, dedicated, patient approach is best. In fact, if one is too quick in his or her practice, it is possible to induce sickness rather than health. The teacher is there to make sure that the posture, breathing and gaze (drishti) are correct before moving the student onward.
Meet the Ashtanga Yoga Mysore team…
The concept of ‘Parampara’
Sharath, Guruji & Saraswati
The Mysore program is taught in a traditional manner, following the idea of parampara.
Parampara is the knowledge that is passed from teacher to student and denotes the most valuable kind of knowledge – that which is based on direct, practical experience. It is considered the student’s dharma (duty) to practice as the teacher taught and, if the time comes, to teach as she or he was taught.
The relationship between student and teacher is one of the most essential practices in yoga, one that is often lost in translation when it travels abroad.
Not all Ashtanga programs follow this tradition; however, Aliya follows the tradition closely, using the methodology he was taught by Guruji and Sharath. This method has proven highly effective with countless students for many decades.
What is the practice schedule?
Ashtanga Yoga is meant to be a daily practice. It is offered in the early morning hours from 6:00AM to 9:30AM, daily, except Saturdays. Moon days (the full moon and new moon) are also observed as “off” days. See the moon day schedule here.
Your start time is flexible; new students should be sure to allow 30 to 45 minutes for their practice.
How can I get started?
On your first morning, just show up! Introduce yourself to Aliya and let him know your background. He will work with you at your starting level. After class you can take care of officially registering for class, at our Om Lounge. If you have not yet purchased your pass or class credits, you can do so at this time.
What does it cost?
Your first month of unlimited morning Mysore classes is at an introductory price of $100 (+ tax). This time period will allow you to see the benefits in your own life and discover if this practice is for you. It gives both teacher and student a chance to get to know each other.
You can purchase your first month of classes online or at our Om Lounge reception desk. Your first month begins with your first practice.
After your first month there are several options available to you. An ongoing Mysore monthly practice pass is $165 for six days a week of practice time. Less frequent options include paying as you go or buying class credits of differing amount. See our class pricing here.
