How We Teach

Our Teaching Philosophy & What is Ashtanga Yoga

What is Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic approach to teaching Hatha Yoga, combining breathwork, movement and meditation. It employs the ‘Vinyasa’ approach to postural or ‘asana’ practice - postures are linked with flowing movements that are synchronised with the breath. Put simply, we breathe and move.

The word ‘Ashtanga’ translates to ‘eight limbs’ in Sanskrit, referring to the eight limbs of yoga as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras:

  1. Yama - how I relate to the world

  2. Niyama - how I relate to myself

  3. Asana - postural practice

  4. Pranayama - breath control

  5. Pratyahara - the practice of withdrawing the senses to support meditation

  6. Dharana - the practice of concentration

  7. Dhyana - the practice of becoming absorbed in the process of Yoga / Meditation

  8. Samadhi - the resultant state that arises from working the other 7 limbs

The Ashtanga Yoga framework allows practitioners to explore and build their awareness of the 8 limbs. It creates the perfect conditions for deep transformational experiences in the practice itself, as well as in Pranayama and Meditation.

Our Teaching Philosophy

We founded Ashtanga Yoga Hastings to share the practice we love in an accessible and simple way, underpinned by the highest standards of teaching.

Our approach to teaching Yoga allows our students to find deeper levels of understanding and connection with their Yoga practice, and ultimately themselves.

Relationships are at the heart of our teaching – we take the time to get to know our students, allowing us to understand their individual needs. The Mysore assisted self-practice approach allows us to work in a deep, person-centred way, while the led classes complement this by providing additional support for our students.

At AYH, we focus on cultivating and nurturing a teaching environment in which our students can realise the true potential of Yoga, whatever that might mean for them.

OPENING / CLOSING MANTRAS

ॐ स्वस्ति प्रजाभ्यः परिपालयन्ताम्
Om Svasthi Prajābhyaḥ Paripālayantām |

न्यायेन मार्गेण महीं महीशाः
Nyāyena Mārgeṇa Mahīṃ Mahīśāḥ |

गोब्राह्मणेभ्यश्शुभमस्तु नित्यम्
Gobrāhmaṇebhya Śubhamastu Nityam |

लोकास्समस्तास्सुखिनो भवन्तु ।।
Lokā Samasthā Sukhino Bhavanthu

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||


Om

May all be well with mankind

Let us protect all living things

May our leaders work to protect this Earth & may we all work to protect our Sacred Home

Let all beings be happy and free & may my thoughts, words and actions support and create happiness and freedom

Om, Peace, Peace, Peace

Shanti Mantra - Mandukya Upanishad
The English translation is our own interpretation of this mantra

ॐ सह नाववतु ।
Om Saha Naav[au]-Avatu |

सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
Saha Nau Bhunaktu |

सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai |

तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।
Tejasvi Naav[au]-Adhiitam-Astu Maa Vidvissaavahai |

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

Om

Let this space be safe, nurturing and sacred

A learning place of collaboration & exploration, working with great energy and peace as we awaken and connect with our Divine selves

Om, Peace, Peace, Peace

Taittiriya, Shvetashvatara,katha and mandukya upanishads.
The English translation is our own interpretation of this mantra