classes

Mysore Ashtanga Frequently Asked Questions

Is mysore a “real class”? Yes.

Is there an instructor there? Yes, the instructor is there giving you verbal, and non-verbal hands-on instruction, and helping you progress through the Ashtanga series at the rate appropriate to your individual body/mind understanding.

It seems like only the really advanced students are going to the Mysore class. Is it okay if I go even though I don’t know what I’m doing? Yes! Try to remember that when you unroll your mat in any class that you are stepping into your own personal yoga room. Use the other people in the room for inspiration, for energy, note that you are part of a community, or not. If it is distracting for you to see what others are doing put more effort into focus on you and your practice.

I’ve heard that it is “self-led”, and “self-paced”, what does that mean? What that means is that instead of the instructor standing up in front of the class, beginning the class together, taking the class through the exact same postures and ending the class together (all the while giving the same instructions to everyone in the class). Attending the mysore classes gives you the flexibility to arrive when you want allotting yourself the amount of time you need for your practice. If you are a beginner you will have the opportunity to discover yoga in the way that is best for your individual needs. As an advanced practitioner you will be able to explore your breath, your pranayama practices, or maybe your second series poses in both cases without trying to conform to the pace of the rest of the class.

I don’t want to have to think and I feel like because I don’t know all of the postures and their correct order I have to be constantly thinking and looking at my guide. The beauty of the mysore class is individual attention. PLEASE, don't hesitate to ask if you are lost or need help! This format more than others, encourages self-responsibility from the student. Because repetition is the key to this practice, trust that over time you WILL start to remember what comes next. Allow yourself to open up to the idea of your own inner teacher. The quietness of a mysore room allows for this deeper cultivation of self knowledge.

I have never done yoga before and would like to start going to the Yoga Shala in the morning, can I start with Mysore classes? Yes, teaching someone from the onset via the mysore style is an exciting and rare opportunity for most of us, and we love it!

Why is there no mysore class on the full and new moon days? Observing the special energetic qualities and taking a day of rest on these days is the recommendation of Mr. Jois.

Why is it called Mysore? I’ve heard it is because you can say “oh my sore butt” after attending.
The ‘Mysore Style’ method is named after the city where our teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois lives and teaches, continuing this teaching style from his teacher Krishnamacharya. Mysore is the second biggest City in the State of Karnataka in southern India. Mysore is also the home of the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois has been teaching the method of Asthanga Vinyasa Yoga here as taught to him by his teacher T Krishnamacharya since 1937.