Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is different from many yoga classes in the west
in that the order of poses is completely predefined. A practice will
comprise four main parts: an "opening sequence," one of the six main
"series", a back-bending sequence, and a set of inverted postures,
referred to as the "finishing sequence." Practice always ends with
savasana, or resting pose. The opening sequence begins with 10 Sun
Salutations and then several standing postures. Next, the practitioner
will do one of the six main series, referred to as the Primary series
(Yoga Chikitsa), Intermediate series (Nadi Shodhana) or Advanced A, B,
C, or D (Sthira Bhaga) series level. Newcomers to Ashtanga Yoga practice
the primary series, after learning the standing sequence. The Primary
Series is the most important series as it forms the basis of the entire
system. Practitioners may advance to more difficult series over a period
of years or decades, but the goal of this style is not to learn the
more difficult poses but rather to learn to maintain internal focus
throughout the practice.
Daily or regular practice is highly emphasized in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is traditionally taught in Mysore style
(supervised self practice, named after the city in India where Ashtanga
originates), where each student moves through the practice at his or
her own pace and level. An individual with an established Ashtanga
practice might take between an hour and two hours, depending on his or
her own personal speed, but a beginner will likely have a shorter
practice. Yoga studios which teach Mysore practice are hard to find and
these classes are often only taught by those authorized to teach by the
Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. It is more common to find classes
devoted to a specific series, often at a standardized pace, and guided
by an instructor. However, even traditional Mysore-style teachers offer
"led" classes either weekly or monthly.