ASHTANGA YOGA (continued)

Asthanga focuses first on a daily asana practice to strengthen and make flexible the body and sense organs, the fundamental physical state for steadying the mind. Asana is assembled into six different series: Primary (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body; Intermediate (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system; Advanced A, B, C and D (Sthira Bhaga) integrate the strength and refinement of the practice. Each series should be cultivated proficiently before proceeding to the next, taught in correct sequence by an AYRI authorized teacher.

Pattabhi Jois stresses vinyasa, the breathing and movement system (each breath corresponds to each movement) intended for internal cleansing, creating heat and improving circulation; tristhana, three places of attention -- posture, breath and gazing (dristhi) -- which are to be performed in conjunction with each other; and the burning of poisons that surround the spiritual heart, achieved by a diligent and dedicated yoga practice over a long period of time.

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