Tech Times Roundup: February 23 – March 1, 2026
This week on Ashtanga Tech:
Pratyahara Practices
– However, most sources were limited in their offering of practices and it was rare to find detailed support describing how to practice and teach them. – Therefore, we think our research to bring this together may offer a particularly valuable contribution to your toolkit. – We invite your thoughts and leads for additional resources.
Yoga’s Foundational Philosophies: Samkhya, Advaita Vedanta, Tantra
Gain an understanding of key assumptions built into the foundational philosophies upon which various branches of yoga are based: Samkhya, Advaita Vedanta and Tantra.
Breathing Foundations
Become clear on the fundamental cautions related to practicing pranayama and the associated implications and best practices for teaching about the breath.
Parsvottanasana
– I place this pose after Ardha Chandrasana to create continuity in the sequence. – Later in the practice, we rotate the pelvis further so that this type of pose fits naturally in a sequence that moves from the pelvis facing forward to turning the pelvis to face the front leg, to rotating into a twisting pose such as Parivrtta Trikonasana. – Turning the pelvis changes the orientation of the muscle fibers in the back-leg gluteals and front-leg hip flexors, activating the muscle from every direction.
The Bhagavad Gita Introduction
Understand The Bhagavad Gita’s prominent role in yoga philosophy, and establish a foundation for exploring its teachings.
The Yoga Sutras Historical Context
Gain a basic understanding of the historical context of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and build a foundation for deeper exploration of the teachings.
Practicing Dharana
– The Object of Contemplation In dharana, we choose an object of contemplation and then let go of everything that is not the object of meditation. – The object of concentration can be virtually anything: an external physical object, an idea, or an internal aspect of self. – Examples include the breath, a mantra, a quality one would like to develop (e.g.
End Range Conditioning
– End-Range Conditioning (ERC) is a fundamental aspect of Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) that emphasizes strengthening and controlling movements at the end ranges of motion of a joint. – These end ranges are often neglected in traditional training programs but are crucial for optimizing joint health, mobility, and overall movement quality. – Key Principles of ERC: Strengthening End Ranges: ERC focuses on developing strength and control in the extreme ranges of motion of a joint, where individuals may typically experience limitations or weaknesses.
Meditation & Mindfulness Introduction
Have a foundational understanding of meditation from a yogic perspective.
Uttitha Hasta Padangusthasana
– Again we have several plots involved in the story of this pose balancing on one leg, intensely stretching the lifted leg, extending the back to maintain the body erect, and contracting the muscles of the arm to lift the foot. – Even the action of the big toe that is being held is a subplot. – Then there is the mental aspect of staying calm to maintain balance.
Yoga Sutras Overview & Structure
– The Yoga Sutras are a philosophy of yoga. – The text is also called Yoga Darshana, translated as “Philosophy of Yoga.” Yoga Darshana has a deeper meaning: “to see the invisible” or “to see with spiritual insight.” In other words, it refers to seeing beyond sensory input and the conditioned mind. – “The scripture is regarded as the most precise and scientific text ever written on yoga.” (Swami Satyananda Saraswati) What Do They Impart?
Koshas / Panchamayakosha Model: Introduction & Overview
Learn the kosha model and explore ways to apply and teach it.
Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana
– ARDHA BADDHA PADMOTTANĀSANA (9 MOVEMENTS) 1EKAMInhale, right foot up, bind2DVEExhale, fold3TRINIInhale, look up, lengthen Exhale4CATVARIInhale, up5PANCAExhale, leg down6SATInhale, left foot up, bind7SAPTAExhale, fold8ASTAUInhale, look up, lengthen Exhale9NAVAInhale, up Exhale, Samasthiti
Ashtanga Yoga / Eights Limbs of Yoga Introduction & Overview
Gain an understanding of the intention, teachings and tools of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
FRC Best Practices and Protocols
– General Order Passive Stretching: Begin with passive stretching to gently lengthen the muscles and prepare them for movement. – Holding each stretch for around 3 to 5 minutes allows for sufficient time to induce tissue relaxation and improve flexibility. – Consider paring with CARs if you have specific mobility goals.
