These charts of the primary series (Yoga Chikitsa) serves as a memory guide for the practice. The vinyasas (how to enter and exit the asanas synchronised with the breath) are not visible in these charts. You will learn the vinyasa in the led classes and in the Mysore classes.
These asana charts can be of good use when you are initially learning the practice, but memorizing the sequence will allow you to practice in a deeply focused and concentrated state.
When you start practicing, you will naturally need to think about the details, such as “how was this pose done?”, “what was the next pose?”, but after a while, your body will start to remember, and you can let go of the thinking process to create a truly meditative practice.
CAUTION!
When learning difficult poses, such as any half lotus pose, be aware not to just copy the body shapes from any chart. You have a unique body, and need to approach the practice in a way that works for you. This is where the expertise of an experienced teacher comes handy. Never force yourself into any pose. If you experience pain in any pose, or if any pain gets worse and worse from the practice, please take a break from practice and ask your teacher for advice. He or she will give you new ideas and focal areas to help you get back into practice safely.
In my humble opinion, a yoga practice should ideally be a healing practice 🙏🕉️😌
