Today 31st July 2015 is full moon and this day is marked as special day for ashtangis all over the world as its birth day of Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009).
Guruji’s birth date is understood as auspicious in the lineage of Ashtanga Yoga since the full moon of July each year marks the celebration of Guru Purnima, a significant day of the Hindu Calendar. On this day disciples also perform ceremonies for their specific Guru as an expression of gratitude for their spiritual guidance.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois taught Ashtanga yoga for more than 65 years before passing on May 18, 2009. It was the depth and power of Gurujii himself that inspired his students to have faith in themselves and in Ashtanga yoga. The miracle of Jois’s life and legacy far exceeds his physical presence and is perhaps the very definition of the word Guru.
With more than 65 years of diligent, soulful teaching Guruji maintained the Ashtanga yoga method in its pure form. This dynamic flowing series of postures traces its lineage to an ancient sage named Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta. Combining breathe and movement in Vinyasa, Ashtanga yoga purifies the body through the stimulation of internal heat (agni). Used together with the Tristana method specifically taught by Jois, Ashtanga practitioners concentrate their minds by focusing on three things: breathe (ujjayi breath), posture (asana) and gaze (dristhi).
Guruji used to say, “Ashtanga yoga is for all people, old people, young people, fat people, skinny people, only not lazy people.” Yoga is as strong as you make it and takes you as deep as you are willing to go.
“Practice, practice, practice…. then all is coming.”