Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional method that combines postures (āsana), breathing (prāṇāyāma) and the focused gaze (dṛṣṭi) in a progressive, coherent practice.
This class is the gateway to the study of the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. You will discover the foundations of the method in a setting that lets everyone learn at their own pace, with particular attention to understanding the body, the quality of the breath and the precision of movement.
Through regular practice, you will gradually build the confidence needed to continue your path within the Institute.
Learning in a setting suited to beginners
For more than fifty years, the Institute has guided practitioners of all ages in their discovery of Ashtanga Yoga. The teachers adapt the postures and the pace of the class to each person, allowing a steady progression that respects the body and the experience of every student.
The teaching draws on a deep knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, inherited from several decades of practice, teaching and research into human movement.
The spirit of the class
The Foundations of the Primary Series were designed to let everyone approach Ashtanga Yoga in the best possible conditions.
The aim is not to achieve complex postures, but to acquire the foundations that will support your practice for the long term: breathing, rhythm, concentration and quality of presence.
This class lets you gradually discover Yoga Cikitsā, the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga, whose purpose is to rebalance the body and prepare the practitioner for deeper work.
The postures studied
The postures of the class
After the sun salutations (Sūryanamaskāra A and B), you will gradually study the main postures of the Primary Series.
The postures are linked together by movements called Vinyāsa, which create a flowing rhythm between breath and movement.
The progressive approach of the class lets you integrate the different families of postures:
- standing postures;
- forward bends;
- twists;
- balances;
- finishing postures.
Each posture is approached according to each person’s possibilities.
Diagram of the postures: forward bends, twists and balances
Diagram of the finishing postures
The foundations of the practice
The breath (Ujjāyī)
Breathing is the guiding thread of the practice.
You will gradually learn to develop a deep, steady and conscious breath that supports the effort while fostering inner stability.
The energetic locks (Bandha)
Working with the Bandha stabilises the deep fascia, opens the diaphragms (pelvic, thoracic, cervical) and directs the vital energy (prāṇa) towards the central channel.
You will gradually discover:
- Mūla Bandha, the control of the pelvic floor;
- Uḍḍiyāna Bandha, the abdominal support.
These actions promote stability, lightness and protection of the body in the postures.
The gaze (Dṛṣṭi)
In the practice of Aṣṭāṅga Yoga, the eyes stay open.
Each posture has a specific direction of gaze called Dṛṣṭi.
This focus of the gaze gradually develops attention, mental stability and presence in the moment.
The movement (Vinyāsa)
The postures are linked by movements synchronised with the breath.
This principle, called Vinyāsa, produces the heat needed for the practice and gradually develops the fluidity of body and mind.
The Institute’s approach
At the Ashtanga Yoga Institute of Brussels, we pay particular attention to:
- the quality of the breath;
- understanding the body and how it works;
- the precision of the placements;
- respecting each person’s rhythm;
- the gradual acquisition of the method’s foundations.
The pace of the class is adapted to the level of the participants, to allow lasting learning that respects everyone’s abilities.
Each student receives detailed instructions and adjustments suited to their practice.
What you will develop
Through regular practice, you will gradually develop:
- a better knowledge of your body;
- a deeper, steadier breath;
- greater flexibility;
- better concentration;
- more self-confidence;
- better coordination between breath and movement;
- the foundations needed to continue the study of the Primary Series.
Towards a meditation in movement
When the breath, the Bandha and the gaze are harmonised, the practitioner gradually develops what the tradition calls Tristana.
This synchronisation of breath, body and attention slowly transforms the practice into a meditation in movement.
The practitioner (sādhaka) then discovers a deeper quality of presence, fostering inner calm and self-knowledge.
“The yogi who, fixing his gaze between the eyebrows and equalising the inward and outward breaths that move within the nostrils, master of his senses, mind and intellect…”
Bhagavad Gītā, V, 27–28
Who is this class for?
This class is for:
- those discovering Ashtanga Yoga;
- practitioners wishing to revisit the foundations of their practice;
- those looking for a progressive, structured method;
- students preparing to join the Primary Series classes.
No prior experience is required.
Flexibility is not a prerequisite. It develops naturally through regular practice.
Practical information
When to join this class
-
Lundi 19h30 → 21h00
-
Mardi 12h30 → 14h00
-
Mardi 18h30 → 20h00
- Level
- Beginner
- Duration
- ⏱ 1h30
Teachers who lead this class
Where this class takes place
Ashtanga Yoga Institute – Brussels studio
📍 610, Chaussée d'Alsemberg 1180 - Brussels
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