| Mysore has gained a lot of fame recently for its | | | | routines. One of the key points of Ashtanga is that it |
| yoga traditions and the world famous teachers. It is a | | | | is not instruction intensive. It encourages its students |
| city located in southern India's state Karnataka. Sri K. | | | | to meditate and accomplish different poses at their |
| Pattabhi Jois, the maestro of yoga, who initially | | | | own pace. At times, a newcomer feels that an |
| introduced the Ashtanga in Mysore in the 1930's, is | | | | Ashtanga class is full of chaos as all the students are |
| considered to be the Guruji of yoga. Due to this | | | | doing their own thing. However, on close scrutiny, it |
| reason, often times, Mysore is referred to as the | | | | becomes obvious, that the class is actually more like |
| Ashtanga city. Guruji, who passed away this year in | | | | a choreographed dance, where people follow a set |
| May, has left a legacy behind, which teaches its | | | | pattern and breathing technique. |
| students to achieve high levels of meditation based | | | | Guruji Jois has established an organization which is |
| on the breathing techniques that allow maximum | | | | superior in all aspects of teaching. Each student learns |
| utilization of the lungs. These breathing techniques | | | | the cycle of poses at his or her own personal pace. |
| called Vinyasa are linked to a series of postures to | | | | For new student, or for people facing problem with |
| accomplish serenity, flexibility and stamina. | | | | their routines, special assistance is available at the |
| Yoga lovers know and consider Mysore as the | | | | institute. Yoga lovers pay a monthly fee of $350 and |
| primary place to gain training that will let them follow | | | | a registration fee of $250. To obtain maximum |
| in the footsteps of Guruji Jois. A vast majority of | | | | benefit from the training, a three month stay is |
| yogis travel to India to seek the conventional yogic | | | | advised by the institute. After enrolling at the shala, |
| preaching that Guruji taught at the Ashtanga Yoga | | | | students are required to discontinue all other forms |
| Research Institute in the town of Lakshmipuram, | | | | of yoga training from teachers outside of the |
| Mysore. This Institute is commonly referred as the | | | | Institute during their stay in Mysore. |
| yoga shala and was opened by Guruji in 1948. The | | | | Mysore is a fantastic and intriguing city full of |
| institute offers a variety of classes for all, starting | | | | splendor. Its landscape is peppered with temples and |
| from the beginner's level and moving to the | | | | palaces. Guruji Jois himself had the pleasure of |
| advanced level. Classes at the shala commence early | | | | working with the Maharaja of Mysore in the 1930's. |
| in the morning, as yoga is not just about exercise, it | | | | Mysore has become the yoga tourist capital of the |
| is about improving the way and quality of life. | | | | world. Americans and Europeans find this destination |
| A normal class consists of 25 - 30 students with an | | | | to be a place where they can gain a potent mixture |
| instructor available to help them through various | | | | of culture and spirituality. |