Beginners along with advanced can come and practice the primary series and when ready will be moved towards intermediate and advanced. For more information please check our class schedule. Please contact us for information and costs of all the courses that we run at Sthalam8 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Shala.

Class Descriptions

Sunday to Friday we focus on the primary series of Ashtanga yoga. On Thursday we have a vinyasa class, designed to help students jump back and jump through, demonstrating how to correctly use the bandhas, breath and drishti. On Saturday we have a back bending class designed to help students strengthen all muscles of the back; upper, middle and lower, teaching how to use and open the entire back completely from top to bottom.

Monday – Sound Meditation
Students are taught how to meditate on the vibrational sound of mantra, starting with Omkara, chanting the syllables of A-U-M. You will learn to chant the bija mantras of each individual chakra, activating the energies of the chakra to purify and balance the mind.

Tuesday – Silent Meditation
Students spend the entire day silent. When constantly engrossed in lifestyle, always thinking, always engaging the mind in something, always finding a distraction, it is difficult to realise yourself; who you are and why you do what you do. In spending time silent it becomes easier to see your inner self, observing the mind and everything that comes up. You will become more conscious in everything you are doing on silent day, heightening sense and awareness. Students will practice Trataka, yogic gazing, using two objects; black paper with a white dot and a candle, focusing on the object for some time, then visualizing the object with the eyes closed. Using 3D image boards, students learn to soften the gaze to find a hidden image seeing how long they can retain sight of the image. Students then use japa mala (which can be purchased at the shala), repeating many rounds of mantra, listening to the sound of the self in the mind. Touching each bead and saying the mantra focuses and connects the mind helping to attain peace.

Wednesday – Movement meditation
Students learn to meditate on their own movement, practicing only one or two postures in an hours class, moving the body very slowly. Attention is focused on breath, movement, alignment and drishti, helping students feel every part of themselves; mind, body, muscles, bones, nervous system. Moving slowly through each posture will remove any obstacles in the body. Injuries or blockages in the internal organs, muscles and bones will be fixed. Movement meditation is to help students realize the limitations of their own mind, learning step by step how to surpass them.

Thursday – Karma Yoga
Karma means selfless service. Everyday we think about ourselves. This day is dedicated to doing things for other people, offering service. Students come in to clean the shala, keeping the shared space very nice and clean. Work is to be done without thinking “me”. Karma yoga helps to remove the ego, realising the importance of helping others.

Friday – Pooja Ceremony & Conference
The conference is an opportunity for students to ask questions about their practice or meditation. Students are not allowed to ask questions during the week. It is asked that you write your questions down, meditate on them and share them on Friday. The conference is there for you to clear your mind, eliminating any doubts you have about the practice.

Sunday and Moon Days are holidays