Tradition: the legendary history of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

Generations of great yogis have shaped the living tradition of Ashtanga yoga for centuries: Learn why Ashtanga is like yoghurt fermentation, yoga is more than just a kaleidoscope and why ants are responsible that we cannot read an important document about it's Vinyasa system.

The Ashtanga Yoga practice fascinates us through its elegance and power - and it intrigues us by its ancient tradition. Every movement, every breath and every line of vision has been practiced for thousands of years, just like today. To be a part of a tradition that was practiced and passed down through generations of yogis is a magical idea.

Sometimes we hear that Ashtanga Yoga has no tradition all. It is said: "Ashtanga Yoga is just a modern invention." It is true that much of the Ashtanga Yoga tradition is difficult, if not impossible, to prove. But do we always need proof?

From one point of view, life is like looking through a kaleidoscope. You see wonderful colors and geometric patterns. If you are interested only in the physical reality, you will deconstruct the kaleidoscope, and come to the conclusion that all the beauty you have seen comes from only a few splinters of old colored glass. You are disillusioned. The dream of the kaleidoscope has been destroyed.