Introduction to Counted Method
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Yoga Techniques and Fitness
Overview
In this lesson, we introduce the counted method of Ashtanga Yoga, exploring vinyasa as the synchronized coordination of movement with breath and its deeper dimension as a form of meditative repetition.
Objective
Understand vinyasa as both a technical method of coordinating movement with breath and a contemplative practice akin to japa, and why this matters for Ashtanga practice.
What You'll Get
You'll discover how the counted method transforms vinyasa into a moving meditation, where each breath and movement becomes part of a rhythmic, repetitive practice—much like the chanting of a mantra. Learn why linking breath with movement matters, how it cultivates mindfulness and grace, and how the structure of counted vinyasa keeps you grounded and present. For personal practice, this gives you a framework for deepening focus and flow. For teachers, it's a tool for guiding students into the meditative heart of vinyasa, helping them experience practice as more than just physical movement.
Introduction
Vinyasa is a Sanskrit term that translates to "flow" or "arranging something in a special way." In yoga, it refers to the synchronized coordination of movement with breath. Vinyasa yoga is often associated with styles like Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow, where practitioners smoothly transition between poses, guided by their inhalations and exhalations.
Vinyasa as Japa
Japa is a meditative practice in Hindu and Buddhist traditions that involves the repetition of a mantra or sacred phrase. The practitioner recites the mantra, either silently or audibly, while focusing their mind on its sound, meaning, or the divine essence it represents. Japa is a form of prayer and meditation that can bring a sense of calm, mindfulness, and spiritual connection. It is believed to have the power to purify the mind and lead to spiritual realization. The practice can vary in intensity and duration, from a few minutes of daily repetition to more extended and dedicated sessions.
In the world of yoga, vinyasa can also be viewed as a form of Japa. Just as Japa helps quiet the mind through repetitive chanting, vinyasa achieves a similar meditative state through the rhythm of breath and movement. Each breath becomes a mantra, and each transition a prayerful gesture. In this way, vinyasa transforms your practice into a moving meditation, where the body, breath, and mind align harmoniously. It allows you to delve deeper into the meditative aspect of yoga, providing a profound sense of inner peace and spiritual connection.
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