- Ashtanga Second Series Poster
- Ashtanga Second Series Chart
- Ashtanga Second Series
- Ashtanga Second Series Poses
- Ashtanga Second Series Chart
- Ashtanga Second Series List
As observed at Ashtanga Yoga School Bellingham
Level 1- All levels
Level 2-Some experience is helpful. Physically demanding. Stamina required.
This DVD contains the complete Second and Third Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It is designed for those already proficient at First Series. Ashtanga Yoga should be learned under the guidance and supervision of a qualified instructor and then this program may be utilzed as a tool to enhance personal practice rather than the sole avenue of learning. The Second Series is known as Nadi Shodana, which means 'nerve cleansing.' This series focuses on the energetic regions of the spine, pelvis, and hips. Experience traditional pacing and vinyasa of Ashtanga's intermediate second series. Students must have experience with second series in the Mysore classroom up to eka pada sirsasana.
Level 3-Experienced ashtanga yoga practitioners with excellent stamina and physical ability.
Filed Under: Ashtanga Tagged With: Ashtanga, Intermediate Series, Primary Series, Vinyasa, Yoga About David Robson David Robson is a practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga, in the tradition of KPJAYI. Modified Ashtanga Intermediate Series. In this video we’re giving you a modified version of the classic Ashtanga Second Series. Typically, the Second Series is introduced to the student once the Primary Series has been mastered. However, here we give you many modifications to make it more accessible for all levels. This class flows at a. The names of the yoga poses that make up the Ashtanga Primary Series give clues to their ability to promote the health of the physical body but not just – many Ashtanga poses are named after an animal or natural phenomena that symbolises the essence of a specific quality of life-force.
Level 4-Advanced practitioners with ability to progress beyond the primary series
Level 5-Advanced practitioners and teachers with abilities up through the majority of the second series
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Ashtanga Second Series Poster
Mysore | All Levels: Practice of yoga within the Krishnamacharya lineage done individually in a group setting with an instructor
Led Primary | level 3: Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois
traditional sanskrit count only
done just like David Garrigues in this video: https://davidgarrigues.com/shop/a-guide-to-primary-series
Led 1/2 Primary | level 2-3: The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga with either:
some elements of the seated postures left out
closing postures omitted
count sped up to finish earlier
a few second series postures thrown in for good measure
Note: This is a basic overview and generalization of asana difficulty. No one other than yourself can decide how far to push your body. Some postures are taken very simply without much effort by some, and others are taken with great difficulty. There is so much variation. Please consult your doctor when it comes to how much yoga you can take.
Level 0: This is a class without much physical exertion, typically asana classes at this level are for people with disabilities such as being bound to a wheelchair or reliant upon a walker. Level 0 classes typically involve breathing, discussion (conference) on yamas, niyamas, and philosphy, as well as discussions of yoga sequencing specific for an individual. On the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion this class is a 11-12 or “fairly light”.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) is in Surya Namaskara and would be considered a Level 1 or 2 posture depending on application in this scale.
Uthitta Hasta Padangustasana is part of the standing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga and would be considered a Level 2 posture in this scale.
Level 1: This is a class for beginners. These classes will involve basic classical as well as adapted postures of the primary and intermediate series of Ashtanga Yoga and common asana taught in the Krishnamacharya lineage as well as in sacred texts such as the Siva Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Level 1 classes are typically more educational and informative, with plenty of time to transition between postures. On the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion this class is a 13-14 or “somewhat hard”.
Bakasana is a posture done in a sequence in the primary series and the second series. It would be considered a Level 3 posture in this scale.
Level 2: This is a class for students with a developing practice. Typically level 2 classes will involve quick transitions and as much as one full hour of continuous motion. Classes with a level 1-2 designation offer students a choice to take things to the higher or lower level by individually selecting when and how to push your limits. Level 2 postures include all standing postures of Ashtanga Yoga and Surya Namaskara A&B done without props. Level 2 can best be defined as “progressing towards intermediate”, while Level 1-2 could be defined as a class designed for those either transitioning from Level 1 to Level 2 or who can attend the class as a beginner who has the ability to exercise constraint. On the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion this class is a 14-15 or “hard”.
Level 3: This is a class for intermediate students. Level 3 is exemplified by the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga, with up to 2 hours of challenging and continuous movement. Students without a developed practice should shy away from or attend with caution any class with a Level 3 designation. Classes labeled “level 2-3” are classes with advanced postures that students may avoid. On the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion this class is a 14-15 or “very hard”.
Level 4: This is an advanced level class by most students standards. Level 4 is the first half of the second series. This is for students who have been practicing every day for over 5 years and who are in very good condition with minimal or no injuries. Any class marked Level 4 should be avoided entirely by beginners, and should be undertaken with great care by all.
Level 5: This is an advanced level class such as the 2nd or 3rd series of Ashtanga Yoga and is for advanced practitioners only. Students without a deep understanding of asana take great risk by attempting any posture that is categorized by Level 5. Practitioners who have level 5 asana in their regimen do so with great respect. In many traditions of Ashtanga Yoga no posture that would be considered “Level 5” is given by anyone other than an advanced level authorized or certified Ashtanga Yoga teacher, or their students.
Kapotasana is part of the first set of postures of the Intermediate/2nd series of Ashtanga Yoga, and would be considered a Level 4 posture in this scale.
For reference, here are two other scales of yoga difficulty at two renowned yoga schools which we concur with in their respective sphere’s of study. Take note that Ashtanga Yoga is invariably more advanced physically than most types of yoga, and this scale is highly subjective. We have tried to make sense of this here but each student should take great care when attending classes at a new studio as the scale may be different from place to place. Keep in mind that because we are an Ashtanga Yoga studio, our system is going to be more in line with that of Ashtanga Yoga Center and the renowned Tim Miller!
Ashtanga Yoga Center, Carlsbad, CA
website: http://ashtangayogacenter.com/description/
Intro to Ashtanga – level 1
Foundations of yoga philosophy, breathing and Basic PosturesIntro to First Series – level 2/3
Exploration of all standing postures of the Primary series and various seated postures of the seriesFirst Series – level 3
Entire beginning series of Ashtanga YogaIntro to 2nd Series – level 4
Exploration of 1st half of Second seriesSecond Series – level 5
Entire Intermediate seriesMysore – mixed levels
Independent practice with instructor, hands on guidance and attention to special needsImprovisation – level 2/3 4/5
Vinyasa-flow based on the principles of Ashtanga Yoga
Yoga Works
website: https://www.sharecare.com/health/yoga/what-different-levels-yoga-classes
Here are some basic guidelines to help you find the right level:
A level 1 class will be introductory. Instructors should explain thoroughly how to get in and out of each pose and should explain the proper alignment for each pose (if this isn’t your experience at a studio, we recommend you try other studios until you find one that teaches proper alignment in beginning level classes). Introductory classes will also move more slowly than a higher level class and should offer you lots of modifications in each pose to fit your fitness level. If you can comfortably walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes or more you should be fine in a level 1 class.
A level 2 class will generally be more aerobic, especially if it is a flow (vinyasa) class. If you find yourself in a class that feels too challenging or over your head, you are always welcome to rest or modify the poses to fit your fitness level (your teacher should remind you of this). A level 2 class will also probably begin to incorporate more advanced poses such as inversions (headstand, handstand, forearm stand) and backbends. Once again, you can always modify or choose not to do a pose if you feel uncomfortable.
A level 3 class will be advanced. There will probably be very little instruction on proper alignment as the teacher will likely assume that students know and understand the correct position for each pose. If it is a vinyasa or flow class, it will likely move very quickly. While the aerobic component of a higher level class is probably equivalent to a few-mile jog, there is also a lot of strength work in these classes. To make sure you stay safe and healthy, it’s important to make sure you have the strength and flexibility to do a pose properly. Beware that a level 3 flow or vinyasa class can get very sweaty!
WORKS CITED
The DVDs offered on this site are color copies of the complete and original VHS releases, shot on November 17 & 18, 1993 in Los Angeles, California, and produced in 1996 by Yoga Works Productions. These videos of the Primary and Intermediate Series have been digitally preserved so that both current and future practitioners can be inspired by the beauty and perfection captured in these practices.
This material is offered by donation. Please use the PayPal “Donate” button below:
Set of the Primary and Intermediate Series DVDs:
$25 For delivery within the USA
$35 For delivery outside of the USA
$8 Download the Set of videos
$5 Download the MP3 audio
A day or two after we are notified of your donation, you will receive an email with a link to download the videos from Google Drive. A Google email address will be needed if you have one. Please realize that these files are very large, and even if you have a fast download connection, it may take some patience before the download completes.
DVDs: For a set of the Primary and Intermediate Series DVDs, $25 minimum is recommended for delivery within the USA. $35 minimum is recommended for delivery outside of the USA and overseas. For Mexico and Italy, please include an additional $15 for registered mail to ensure delivery in those countries.
Download: We are also offering a specially formatted video for your mobile device as a download for $8. Download this file onto your computer for transfer onto your mobile device. This file includes the complete Primary Series video, and that portion of the Intermediate Series video that covers the postures from Pasasana to Baddha Hasta Sirsasana D. Please specify MOV format (3.12GB ) or MP4 format (1.3GB). These files will play on any computer.
An MP3 of the audio is also available as a download for $5. This file includes the complete Primary Series audio, and that portion of the Intermediate Series audio that covers the postures from Pasasana to Baddha Hasta Sirsasana D. (102.5MB)
The Practitioners
Much gratitude is offered to the practitioners in these videos. Thank you for your dedication. For those who will come after you, the perfection of your practice shines a light on the possibilities of what yoga asana can be.
Video previews on YouTube
Special YouTube video: Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga and Pattabhi Jois’s teacher, demonstrates the practices of yoga in 1938 at the age of 50. (Hanuman Chalisa by Bhagavan Das.)
Yoga Makaranda
PDF: Yoga Makaranda
by Sri T. Krishnamacharya, Mysore Samasthan Acharya. 1934, English translation 2006.
PDF: Yoga Makaranda Part II
by Sri T. Krishnamacharya, as offered by A. G. Mohan.
The Content of the Videos
Pattabhi Jois counts in Sanskrit, calls out all postures and dristi, and counts all breaths in English; five breaths for each posture unless otherwise noted below.
Primary Series Sequence (click to open/close)
- Ashtanga Yoga Mantra chant in call and response
- Surya Namaskara A – 3x
- Surya Namaskara B – 3x
- Padangusthasana
- Padahastasana
- Utthita Trikonasana A
- Utthita Trikonasana B (Parivritta Trikonasana)
- Utthita Parsvakonasana
- Prasarita Padottanasana A
- Prasarita Padottanasana B
- Prasarita Padottanasana C
- Prasarita Padottanasana D
- Parsvottanasana
- Utthita Hasta Padangushtasana
- (Utthita Parsvasahita)
- (Utthita Eka Padasana)
- Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana
- Utkatasana
- Virabhadrasana A
- Virabhadrasana B
- (Dandasana)
- Paschimattanasana A
- Paschimattanasana B
- Purvattanasana
- Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimattanasana
- Tiryan Mukha Eka Pada Paschimattanasana
- Janusirsasana A
- Janusirsasana B
- Janusirsasana C
- Marichasana A
- Marichasana B
- Marichasana C
- Marichasana D
- Navasana (with Lolasana)
- Bujapidasana
- Kurmasana
- Supta Kurmasana
- Garbha Pindasana – and rolling 5x
- Kukkutasana
- Baddha Konasana A
- Upavishta Konansa A
- Upavishta Konansa B
- Supta Konasana
- Supta Padangusthasana
- (Supta Parsvashita)
- (Chakrasana)
- Ubhaya Padangusthasana
- Urdhvamukha Paschimottanasana
- Setu Bandhasana
- (Chakrasana)
- Urdhva Dhanurasana – 3x
- (Chakrasana)
- Paschimattanasana
- (No vinyasa)
- (Tadaka Mudra) – 5 breaths
- Sarvangasana – 10 breaths
- Halasana – 8 breaths
- Karnapidasana – 8 breaths
- Urdhva Padmasana – 8 breaths
- Pidasana – 8 breaths
- Matsyasana – 8 breaths
- Uttana Padasana – 8 breaths
- (Chakrasana)
- Sirsasana – 25 breaths
- (Ardha Sirsasana) – 10 breaths
- Balasana (30 seconds) – uncounted
- (Baddha Padmasana)
- Yoga Mudra – 10 breaths
- Padmasana (with Jnana Mudra) – 10 breaths
- Utpluthi – 25 breaths
- (Half vinyasa only)
- Savasana
Intermediate Series Sequence (click to open/close)
- Ashtanga Yoga Mantra chant in call and response
- Surya Namaskara A – 3x
- Surya Namaskara B – 3x
- Padangusthasana
- Padahastasana
- Utthita Trikonasana A
- Utthita Trikonasana B (Parivritta Trikonasana)
- Utthita Parsvakonasana
- Prasarita Padottanasana A
- Prasarita Padottanasana B
- Prasarita Padottanasana C
- Prasarita Padottanasana D
- Parsvottanasana
- (Half vinyasa only)
- Pasasana
- Krounchasana
- Salabhasana A
- Salabhasana B
- Bhekasana
- Dhanurasana
- Parsva Dhanurasana
- Dhanurasana
- Ustrasana
- Laghuvajrasana
- Kapotasana A
- Kapotasana B
- Supta Vajrasana
- Bakasana A
- Bakasana B
- Bharadvajasana
- Ardha Matsyendrasana
- Eka Pada Sirsasana
- Dwi Pada Sirsasana
- Yoga Nidrasana
- (Chakrasana)
- Tittibhasana A
- Tittibhasana B
- Tittibhasana C
- Pincha Mayurasana
- Karandavasana
- Mayurasana
- Nakrasana
- Vatayanasana
- Parighasana
- Gomukasana A
- Gomukasana B
- Supta Urdhva Pada Vajrasana
- Mukta Hasta Sirsasana A
- Mukta Hasta Sirsasana B
- Mukta Hasta Sirsasana C
- Baddha Hasta Sirsasana A
- Baddha Hasta Sirsasana B
- Baddha Hasta Sirsasana C
- Baddha Hasta Sirsasana D
- Urdhva Dhanurasana – 3x
- (Chakrasana)
- Paschimattanasana
- (No vinyasa)
- (Tadaka Mudra) – 5 breaths
- Sarvangasana – 10 breaths
- Halasana – 8 breaths
- Karnapidasana – 8 breaths
- Urdhva Padmasana – 8 breaths
- Pidasana – 8 breaths
- Matsyasana – 8 breaths
- Uttana Padasana – 8 breaths
- (Chakrasana)
- Sirsasana – 25 breaths
- (Ardha Sirsasana) – 10 breaths
- Balasana (30 seconds) – uncounted
- (Baddha Padmasana)
- Yoga Mudra – 10 breaths
- Padmasana (with Jnana Mudra) – 10 breaths
- Utpluthi – 25 breaths
- (Half vinyasa only)
- Savasana
Ashtanga Yoga is the method taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois as he was taught by Sri T. Krisnamacharya. In November of 1993 Pattabhi Jois agreed to document this precise method with these demonstration videos. His wish was to use students who needed little or no help, thereby demonstrating the full impact of this very dynamic practice.
These demonstration videos are an important contribution to the future of Ashtanga yoga. They are not only an historic record of how perfect the dance of Ashtanga yoga can be, more importantly, they are a “time capsule” of how Pattabhi Jois intended these practices to flow. These videos show how he orchestrates it, as performed by his most accomplished students at the time. Now you can use these demonstration videos to enrich your own practice, as you take in the rhythm and flow of Pattabhi’s lead.
The Beginning or Primary Series is labeled “Chikitsa Bhaga”. This translates as the curative or therapeutic section. The intent of this series is to first prepare the way. To remove the obstructions structurally, organically, emotionally and mentally thus enabling the practitioner to move on to the higher forms of yogic practice.
The Second Series is labeled “Nadi Sodan,” which translates as nerve or channel purification. The Second or Intermediate Series builds on the skills learned in the First, or Primary Series. It is only after a certain degree of mastery of the Primary Series that a student is taught the Intermediate Series. The postures of Second Series are added “one-by-one”, in the words of Pattabhi Jois, to the practice of First Series. As a student gains proficiency in the new postures more are added until the entire new series is learned. In fact this is the method of progression in all the series of Ashtanga yoga. Progress is based on the ability of each student.
Ashtanga Second Series Chart
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, (July 26, 1915 – May 18, 2009) affectionately known as Guru-ji, was a sanskrit scholar who held two degrees from the renowned Sanskrit College of Mysore. His knowledge of Ashtanga Yoga was practical as well as scholarly.
The master tapes of these videos:
Ashtanga Second Series
A most valuable treasure.
Ashtanga Second Series Poses
It is our sincere hope that R. Sharath Rangaswamy will make the decision to have the original tapes digitally remastered. These fragile tapes have a limited life span and, unfortunately, have been deteriorating every day. At some point very soon, if not already, their content will be lost forever. This would be a great tragedy. By digitizing the videos, the legacy of these teachings will be preserved well into the future for all Ashtanga practitioners, and all students of yoga history.
Ashtanga Second Series Chart
According to Eddie Stern, they also recorded the Third Series practice. However, it was decided not to release it at the time the First and Second Series were offered. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to finally see that practice as well?
From Chuck Miller, July 2009, who turned the tapes over to Pattabhi Jois shortly after production:
I wanted to urge you to encourage Sharath to digitize and promote the tapes! It was our wish that Guru-ji and his family would reap the benefits of any further sales of the tapes. We made our investment back and received a very small profit and consider that enough.
Ashtanga Second Series List
The intention was to preserve a clean copy of Guru-ji teaching the series’ to a few of his senior students, to show how he wanted it done… I am sure we failed, but at least there are some examples of him conducting the classes out there to the future students … Ommmm…..!
Good luck.
Peace,
Chuck