The Aṣṭāṅga 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 Aṣṭāṅga Yoga has no tradition all. It is said: "Aṣṭāṅga Yoga is just a modern invention." It is true that much of the Aṣṭāṅga 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.
Yoga is 99 % practice and 1 % theory. Asanas give the body a new shape and allow us to excel beyond our limitations. Thereby the physical practice symbolizes our spiritual way: the willingness to refine ourselves and the confidence to change. Yoga allows us to think outside the mat. After all, a posture is not what you have, but something you make. Thus Aṣṭāṅga is a powerful tool, we should handle carefully, because – if misused – can be dangerous as well. With a Russian accent it sounds like this: „Aṣṭāṅga Yoga very practical – like a Kalaschnikow!“
Therefore the advice from Ronald Steiner:
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