Ashtanga yoga series
A system of poses, transitions, breath and directed gaze. The six series belong to a living teaching tradition with variations between teachers.
Primary Series
Yoga ChikitsaAn ordered sequence of forward folds, balances and transitions. Yoga therapy is its traditional name.
Explore the series →SERIES 02Intermediate Series
Nadi ShodhanaThe sequence develops backbends, twists, arm balances and inversions. Cleansing the nadis belongs to its traditional framework.
Explore the series →SERIES 03Advanced A
Sthira BhagaThe series combines advanced balances, leg binds and backbends. This overview presents a documented teaching version with variants grouped into pose families.
Explore the series →SERIES 04Advanced B
Sthira BhagaThe series combines advanced balances, leg binds and backbends. This overview presents a documented teaching version with variants grouped into pose families.
Explore the series →SERIES 05Advanced C
Sthira BhagaAdvanced C belongs to the advanced Sthira Bhaga group in Ashtanga yoga’s six-series model.
Explore the series →SERIES 06Advanced D
Sthira BhagaAdvanced D belongs to the advanced Sthira Bhaga group in Ashtanga yoga’s six-series model.
Explore the series →What links the poses?
Here vinyasa links movement to breath. Drishti is a directed gaze that gives attention a point to return to. The traditional term bandha describes inner support; it should not be equated with one muscle or a scientifically measured energy channel.
Yoga-sūtra 2.29 places posture among eight aspects of practice, alongside ethics, personal discipline, breath regulation, withdrawal of the senses, concentration, meditation and absorption. These eight aspects differ from the six modern posture series. Yoga-sūtra 2.29 · [1890?], p. 44
A modern sequence tradition
Today’s Ashtanga series are transmitted through the teaching environment around K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysuru. The older works presented on the sources page describe individual postures and yoga practices. They are not used as evidence for today’s complete six-series order.
Practising with care
If you have an injury or a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have another circumstance that may affect your practice, consult a qualified healthcare professional about suitable activities and necessary adaptations.
Learn new and demanding poses with a qualified yoga teacher. Adapt the range to your body and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. A short video illustrates movement; its length does not prescribe how long to hold a pose.
Headstands, shoulder stands and lotus are not starting poses for beginners. Injuries, balance problems or glaucoma are examples of reasons to assess suitability individually. Do not force a bind or use the body as leverage against the knee.