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How has Ashtanga Yoga evolved over time?

Suzette Whye

Hey friend,

Great question! Ashtanga Yoga has definitely evolved over time and has come a long way from its origins in India.

To start off, Ashtanga Yoga was founded by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the 20th century. He was a student of the well-known yoga teacher T. Krishnamacharya. Ashtanga Yoga was designed to be a flowing, physically demanding style that focused on building strength and flexibility while calming the mind.

When it was first introduced, Ashtanga Yoga was not very popular and was mainly practiced by a small group of people in Mysore, India. However, through the years, more and more people have become interested in the practice and it has grown in popularity worldwide.

One major way Ashtanga Yoga has evolved is through modifications to the original sequences. Jois himself made changes to the Ashtanga sequence over time, and many of his students have also made adjustments to fit their own preferences and needs. As a result, there are now various variations of Ashtanga Yoga.

Another way Ashtanga Yoga has evolved is through the incorporation of modern practices such as social media and the internet. These platforms have allowed for easy sharing of information and resources, making it easier for people to learn about Ashtanga Yoga and practice it even if they don't have access to a physical studio. There are now online classes, videos, and even virtual conferences dedicated to Ashtanga Yoga.

However, with the increase in popularity, Ashtanga Yoga has also faced criticism. Some argue that the physically demanding nature of the practice can lead to injury, and that there is too much emphasis on achieving certain postures rather than the spiritual side of yoga. These criticisms have led to debates and discussions in the yoga community.

Despite these debates, Ashtanga Yoga remains a popular and respected style of yoga, and its evolution over time has allowed it to reach a wider audience and adapt to modern times. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, there's something for everyone in Ashtanga Yoga.

Thanks for asking such an interesting question. Hope this helps!

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