The Legacy of Ashtanga Yoga: Pattabhi Jois, Krishnamacharya, Guru Ramamohana Brahmachari, and Guru Parampara
The Legacy of Ashtanga Yoga: Pattabhi Jois, Krishnamacharya, Guru Ramamohana Brahmachari and Guru Parampara
Ashtanga Yoga, one of the most dynamic and structured systems of yoga, owes much of its development and global spread to a lineage of gurus, whose teachings continue to influence yoga practitioners worldwide. Among these, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, T. Krishnamacharya, and Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari are central to the lineage that defines Ashtanga. Their wisdom, practices, and devotion to yoga laid the foundation for what has now become a profound, multifaceted path of spiritual and physical transformation.
T. Krishnamacharya: The Father of Modern Yoga
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is widely regarded as the father of modern yoga. Born in 1888 in southern India, Krishnamacharya was a brilliant and pioneering teacher, deeply rooted in the ancient yogic traditions. He is credited with reviving many classical systems of yoga, including Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa, and was instrumental in shaping the practice of Ashtanga Yoga.
Krishnamacharya’s philosophy was grounded in the concept of “yoga as a way of life.” He taught his students that yoga must be tailored to the individual, with an emphasis on asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), and meditation. He worked with many prominent students over his long career, including B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar and notably, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Krishnamacharya’s approach was deeply rooted in the ancient texts of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads, bringing a scientific and systematic methodology to the practice of yoga.
Krishnamacharya’s influence can be seen in the Ashtanga tradition, where breath (ujjayi pranayama), movement (vinyasa), and gaze (drishti) are all linked to cultivate a moving meditation. His understanding of the body’s potential in asana practice and his ability to blend philosophy with physicality provided a comprehensive system for both spiritual and physical growth.
Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari: The Mystical Teacher from Tibet
Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, Krishnamacharya’s guru, was a pivotal figure in the Ashtanga Yoga lineage, though his teachings are less widely known outside of India. Notably, Brahmachari lived in Tibet, a place of deep spiritual tradition, and was revered for his mystical approach to yoga. His influence on T. Krishnamacharya was profound, as Krishnamacharya traveled to Tibet to learn from him and receive advanced teachings that would later shape his own approach to yoga.
Brahmachari is most famous for imparting teachings from the Yoga Korunta, an ancient text written by the sage Vamana Rishi. The Yoga Korunta is said to contain the original structure and techniques for Ashtanga Yoga, outlining detailed instructions on the importance of the practice of hundreds of asanas arranged into primary, intermediate and advanced sequences, pranayama, and meditation, as well as how these practices should be integrated. According to the Yoga Korunta, “O Yogi, do not practice asana without vinyasa,” emphasizing the importance of linking breath with movement, a central principle in Ashtanga Yoga.
The teachings from the Yoga Korunta are foundational to the Ashtanga system, where each posture in the series is linked with specific movements to enter and exit asanas (vinyasa). This emphasis on synchronized breath and movement is a hallmark of the Ashtanga tradition and differentiates it from other styles of yoga. Brahmachari’s mystical wisdom and his preservation of these ancient teachings ensured that Ashtanga Yoga would evolve into a rigorous, yet deeply meditative practice, integrating body, breath, and spirit.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: The Global Ambassador of Ashtanga Yoga
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, born in 1915 in southern India, was one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century. A direct disciple of Krishnamacharya, Jois studied under him from the age of 12 and became a devoted practitioner of the Ashtanga Yoga method of asana practice, which Krishnamacharya imparted. Jois’s profound dedication to yoga led him to refine and systematize the method of Ashtanga into what we now recognize as the “Primary Series,” or Yoga Chikitsa, which translates to “Yoga Therapy”, the Intermediate Series or Nadi Shodhana (energy channel purification) and the Advanced Series or Sthira Bhaga, which translated to “Stabilizing Radiance.”
In 1948, Jois established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, where he continued to teach his method and share the benefits of asana practice with the world. His method of Ashtanga Yoga is characterized by a set series of postures performed in a precise, flowing sequence, synchronized with the breath. This practice generates heat, detoxifies the body, and cultivates a steady, calm mind.
Jois’s approach emphasized the importance of consistency and discipline, with practitioners encouraged to master one series before moving on to the next. He taught asana in a Mysore style setting, where students practice independently under the guidance of a teacher, allowing for greater personal growth and exploration as well as in led classes.
Ashtanga Yoga under Jois became globally recognized, with students from all over the world traveling to Mysore to learn from him. Today, Jois’s legacy lives on in Ashtanga Yoga communities worldwide, with his method influencing countless teachers and practitioners across continents.
The Guru-Parampara: Transmission of Knowledge in Ashtanga Yoga
At the heart of Ashtanga Yoga lies the concept of guru-parampara — the unbroken lineage of teachers and students who pass down the teachings of yoga from one generation to the next. The guru-parampara is a vital part of the traditional yogic system, ensuring that knowledge is transmitted in its purest form. This transmission is not just intellectual but experiential; the teachings are passed down through direct interaction and personal guidance from teacher to student.
In the case of Ashtanga Yoga, the guru-parampara connects three generations of teachers: from Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari to T. Krishnamacharya and from Krishnamacharya to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Each teacher has contributed a unique element to the evolution of the system, but all have maintained the core principles of Ashtanga — asana, breath, and devotion — as central to the practice.
This lineage has created a vibrant and supportive community of practitioners and teachers who are committed to preserving the integrity of the teachings. The guru-parampara not only honors the past but also ensures that the practice perpetuates while remaining true to its roots, providing an authentic path for future generations of yogis.
Conclusion
The lineage of Ashtanga Yoga, shaped by the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, represents a deep and rich tradition of spiritual and physical development. Each teacher has contributed to the evolution of the practice, infusing it with both physical discipline and spiritual wisdom. The guru-parampara, or lineage, that connects these masters ensures that the teachings continue to inspire and guide practitioners on their journey toward self-discovery, health, and enlightenment.
Today, Ashtanga Yoga continues to thrive globally, and through the continued devotion of its practitioners, the wisdom passed down from these great masters remains alive. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, the teachings of this ancient tradition offer a timeless path to transformation, offering clarity, balance, and inner peace.
Caroline Klebl, who studied directly with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois from 1999 to 2008, embodies this lineage in her own teachings. With a deep commitment to preserving the authenticity of the practice, she offers Yoga Teacher Trainings in Los Angeles, in beautiful destinations around the world, and online. Caroline’s teachings honor the traditional Ashtanga method, while also making it accessible to students of all levels. Through her guidance, many students have found a deeper connection to their practice and a path toward personal and spiritual growth, just as she did under the tutelage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your personal practice or become a certified yoga teacher, Caroline’s teacher training programs provide a transformative experience rooted in the rich tradition of Ashtanga Yoga. With the support of a dedicated and experienced teacher, you will not only learn the physical techniques of Ashtanga but also embrace the philosophy and wisdom that have been passed down through generations. Sign up today to begin your journey with Ashtanga Yoga, and experience the profound benefits it offers for both your body and your soul.