A new expression of Ashtanga Yoga
Why a new series?
The Active Series Ashtanga, designed by Paramaguru Sharath Jois, is a new, fluid and balanced approach to Ashtanga Yoga. It invites you to explore its profound benefits in a more accessible format, designed to fit naturally into any rhythm of life, while remaining in perfect harmony with the philosophy of yoga. Unveiled in November 2024, this series draws on decades of teaching and practice to offer an experience that combines breath, movement, and presence.
“For many years, I have wanted to develop a practice that offers the benefits of Ashtanga Yoga but is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability. Something that helps everyone stay active, calm, and focused, and that can be practiced at home.” – R. Sharath Jois
The Active Series is not a simplification or variation, but a new expression of Ashtanga Yoga. It is aimed at both people who want to (re)introduce movement into their lives and athletes from other disciplines who wish to develop greater flexibility, concentration, and breath awareness.
“The Active Series is for everyone, regardless of age, whether they have been active or not. Athletes and former athletes would also benefit from a less intense practice, which would complement their routine with all the positive aspects of yoga, without disrupting their regular training. These days, many people, especially young people, suffer from depression and other stress-related issues. Incorporating the Active Series into your daily routine can help keep your mind sharp, relieve stress, and stay physically healthy, positive, and focused. Covid and its impact have made me realize this more clearly than ever.” – R. Sharath Jois
What is the Active Series?
Ashtanga Yoga is an ideal way to maintain good physical and mental health. However, traditional practice requires years of dedication to perfect. And often, we hesitate to take the plunge.
Designed to fit into today’s busy lifestyle, the Active Series offers an accessible, fluid, dynamic, and grounding practice, with deep work on breathing and alignment.
A format designed to fit into everyone’s daily life:
- A 60-minute practice, structured to balance movement and introspection.
- A subtle and comprehensive series, offering the profound benefits of Ashtanga Yoga in a more accessible and adaptable format.
- An invitation to cultivate presence, where breath guides each movement, in perfect harmony with the philosophy of yoga.
- Special attention to breathing, with Pranayama exercises (breathing with and without retention), essential for refining awareness of the body and mind.
By developing conscious and controlled breathing, the practice becomes a true tool for alignment and refocusing.
The Active Series is a different take on the first and second series of Ashtanga yoga. Students are encouraged to hold certain postures longer and move through more fluid asanas to master the sequence, while also discovering new backbends.
“This new series isn’t about perfection; it’s about moving, breathing, and staying active and dynamic.” – R. Sharath Jois
How to learn and practice the Active Series?
The Active Series is an evolving practice that supports each stage of life and offers a balanced approach to yoga that preserves the essence of Ashtanga yoga. It uses both the guided method and the Mysore Style self-practice method. Students learn the postures step by step and are encouraged to memorize the sequence, allowing them to adapt at their own pace and breathing.
It is an enriching method that allows everyone to develop their potential and get the most out of their yoga practice. It is both a modern and authentic approach to yoga.
To understand its flow and subtleties, this series must be learned with the guidance of a teacher specifically authorized for the Active Series by the Sharath Yoga Center only.
The illustrated sheet for the Ashtanga Active Series is available here
