Ashtanga Yoga
About this class
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic, flowing practice linking postures, breath and focus. At the studio, Souhila Chekara guides each student with adapted progressions, whether you are discovering the discipline or deepening your practice, in a small group, all levels. Some sessions take place outdoors depending on the season.
Patanjali and Ashtanga Yoga
The terms Yama and Niyama come directly from Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. According to Patanjali, Yoga aims to still mental disturbances: our mind is constantly stirred by sensations and events outside us that endlessly scatter our attention. He compares the mind to a monkey stung by fleas.
Ashtanga Yoga has eight limbs that can be seen as steps on the path of Yoga. The name itself indicates this: Ashta (8) and Anga (limbs). Yama and Niyama are the first two.
Yama and Niyama
Yama and Niyama form an ethical code for the yogi on a spiritual path seeking Yoga. Following them helps direct the mind towards the inner quest for samadhi (unity, enlightenment).
I invite you to see them as orientations, directions you may or may not choose to apply in your life. They are not commandments or rigid rules: each person reflects, seeks and advances on their own path. Spirituality is above all questioning, not blind adherence to precepts.
The 5 Yama
- Ahimsa – non-violence
- Satya – truthfulness
- Asteya – honesty
- Brahmacharya – restraint of the senses
- Aparigraha – non-attachment to material goods
The 5 Niyama
The Niyama are observances the yogi practises for themselves, personal disciplines, to progress on the path of Yoga.
- Saucha – purity
- Santosha – contentement
- Tapas – discipline, yoga practice
- Svadhyaya – study of the Self and sacred texts
- Ishwarapranidhana – surrender to something greater
What you'll work on
- Strength and flexibility: progressive, complete sequences.
- Ujjayi breath: audible, rhythmic breath that supports the session, grounds the body and calms the mind.
- Concentration: structured sequence to quiet the mind and restore steady focus.
- Outdoor practice: some sessions take place outside depending on the season.
Practical info
- Duration : 1 h 30 (ex. mercredi 18 h 30 – 20 h 00)
- Price: €12.50 per class
- Level: all levels
- Booking: on bsport
