Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Workshops

Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series in-depth course

with Eskil Schilling, SYC Level II Authorized Teacher

~ Transform Your Ashtanga Yoga Journey ~
Deepen Your Practice, Gain Clarity, and Cultivate Awareness

A focused, intentional, and calm practice begins with clarity about what to do. When your purpose is clear and your awareness is focused, your practice will become more accessible and rewarding for your body and mind.

The 30 hour Primary Series in-depth course is designed to provide you with direction and a deeper understanding of each pose, along with the foundational principles that support the entire Ashtanga practice.

The course will cover the correct vinyasas, breathing techniques and movements that are essential for each pose, as well as the transitions between them. We will explore how to harmonize your movements with your breath and awareness, and we will also cover specific approaches, positions, and variations for each pose within the series.

You will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and intention, deeper self-connection, and a more comprehensive understanding of Ashtanga yoga, allowing you to further tap into the numerous benefits it offers.

The course welcomes everyone, from beginners to seasoned practitioners, as well as yoga teachers — anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge and enhance their practice of the exceptional Ashtanga yoga method.

The course consists of 10 individual modules following the primary series sequence of poses. You can take the classes in succession, or choose those which appeal to you.

All modules include:

In-depth technical, structural and methodological instruction to the poses.
The correct vinyasa counts, breathing techniques, and walk-throughs of the corresponding movements in each asana.
Adjustments and assistance in the poses.
How to modify and adapt, in relation to different body types and conditions, like injury.
Chanting of Sanskrit names and counting.
Relevant yoga philosophy as well as questions and answers.

Course Schedule:

Saturday, January 18
12.30 - 15.30

Module 1 Ashtanga Fundamentals: The art of mindfulness in your practice

In this module we take a deep dive into the core elements that provide the framework for the experience of the Ashtanga practice - breath, bandha, dhristhi and Asana. Everything that makes it distinct, and a deep, inner practice and facilitate calmness, stability and ease.

This fundamental way to be mindful and move, that incorporates the timeless wisdom and methodology of yoga, into a psychical practice, is what makes the practice so unique and intense.

Content:

When facing a difficult section proper breathing techniques can help calm your nervous system, empowering you to meet challenges with confidence and calm, rather than tension. Without the cornerstone of proper breathing, what should be a graceful journey, can become a source of stress—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The key to a graceful practice with ease and fluidity, lies in your breath. Learn techniques to harmonize your breath with movement, allowing for a more seamless flow.
Looking for smooth transitions between poses? By focusing on your breath, you can cultivate a sense of economy and efficiency, creating a more dynamic practice.
To keep your mind anchored in the present moment, breath awareness is essential. Discover how intentional breathing can deepen your connection to your body and mind and transform your practice into a moving meditation.

The module is a blend of theory and practice and is recommended for anyone interested in going into the inner core of Astanga yoga, and find focus, easy pace and depth in their practice and thus have an actual experience of yoga. Join us and breathe new life into your Ashtanga yoga practice!

Keywords: Vinyasa, breath, focus, introverted, awareness, consciousness, meditation, core, pelvic, diaphragm, opening, synchronizing, expanding, grounding, deepening, coordinated, concentration, relaxation, moving, stabilizing, reaching, extending, letting go, push, pull, relax, maintain stability, ease into, Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

Sunday, January 19
12.00 - 15.00

Module 2 Sun-Salutation: Move with the breath and awareness

Sun salutation A has 6 poses and 9 vinyasas; sun salutation B has 8 poses and 17 vinyasas. These poses, and the way to get into and out of them, are at the core of the Ashtanga practice. But how should we link the poses and movements with the breath so that it flows in an effortless way, and what are the specifics of the different poses?

In this module, we will work systematically through the movements in Sun Salutations. We will look at the details of the different poses, practice synchronizing breath and movement, and methods to link the sequences together, so that flow and ease arise in the practice.

Keywords: Flow, focus, slow, speed, breath, detailing, alignment, setup, execution, deepening, relaxation, move on.

Content:

Suryanamaskar, Sun salutation, in-depth study

Saturday, January 25
12.30 - 15.30

Module 3 Strength and Stability: Mastering Standing Poses in Ashtanga Yoga, part 1.

Are you ready to deepen your Ashtanga Yoga practice and cultivate strength, balance, and mindfulness? Join us for our dynamic two-module course, “Mastering Standing Poses in Ashtanga Yoga,” where we’ll explore the powerful standing poses of the Primary Series.

Standing poses are the cornerstone of Ashtanga Yoga, offering a unique opportunity to develop stability while challenging both your body and mind. In this course, you’ll learn to harness the energy of each pose, enhancing not only your physical strength but also your mental resilience. With an emphasis on alignment and breath, you’ll discover how to root yourself firmly in each pose while finding grace and openness.

We will dive into the standing poses of the Primary Series, focusing on proper alignment, strength-building techniques, and breath synchronization. You’ll learn how to connect to the ground to create a strong foundation and find balance and core strength, while reaching, stretching and twisting the body.

We look at ways of finding ease, comfort and stability while connecting each posture in a seamless flow, helping you build a deeper awareness of your body’s movements and the energy within that supports both your practice and your daily life. Keeping in mind that the physicality of this practice opens doors for strengthening a positive and encouraging self-dialogue, and our ability to observe and witness our mind.

Whether you're a beginner eager to establish a solid foundation or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your technique, this course offers a welcoming space to explore and expand your Ashtanga practice. Unroll your mat, embrace the journey, and elevate your practice through the strength and stability of standing poses!

Tags: Stability, strength, balance, anchoring, intention, coordination, pause, setup, go, bidirectional, opening, stability, introverted, ease, spirals.

Content:

Fundamental standing asanas:
Padangusthasana
Padahastasana
Uttihita Trikonasana A og B
Uttihita Parsvakonasana A og B
Prasarita Padottanasana A, B, C og D
Parsvottanasana

Sunday, January 26
12.00 - 15.00

Module 4 Strength and Stability: Mastering Standing Poses in Ashtanga Yoga, part 2.

Content:

Utthita Hasta Padangustasana
Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana
Utkatasana
Virabhadrasasana A og B

Saturday, February 1
11.15 - 14.15

Module 5 Elevate Your Ashtanga Practice: Mastering Seated Poses and Transitions, part 1.

Explore the seated poses of the Primary Series, emphasizing proper positioning, alignment, breath integration, and the creation of a solid base for your practice. Discover the art of seamless transitions between seated poses. Learn how to flow gracefully from one posture to the next, enhancing the overall rhythm and quality of your practice.

With a a strong emphasis on lengthening the tissues in the back of the body as well as on external and internal hip rotation and pelvic tilt, the seated poses serve as a sanctuary for grounding, introspection, and energy cultivation.

The transitions in between the poses, and way of moving in and out of the poses, not only detoxifies our organs and nervous system through movement, but also teach us to connect our breath with movement, allowing us to foster balance, stability and strength within ourselves.

Through these four modules, we dive into techniques that allow you to deepen your seated poses, unlocking their full potential and understanding how they align with your individual body and breath and the structure of the series. You will not only refine your physical practice but also develop a richer understanding and clarity of the philosophy and alignment behind each pose.

Content:

Paschimottanasana A, C or D
Purvottanasana
Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana
Triang Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana

Saturday, March 1
12.30 - 15.30

Module 6 Elevate Your Ashtanga Practice: Mastering Seated Poses and Transitions, part 2.

Content:

Janu Sirsasana A, B, C
Marichyasana A, B, C og D
Navasana

Sunday, March 2
12.00 - 15.00

Module 7 Elevate Your Ashtanga Practice: Mastering Seated Poses and Transitions, part 3.

Content:

Bhujapidasana
Bakasana
Kurmasana
Supta Kurmasana
Garbaha Pindasana
Kukkutasana

Saturday, March 8
12.30 - 15.30

Module 8 Elevate Your Ashtanga Practice: Mastering Seated Poses and Transitions, part 4.

Content:

Baddha Konasana
Upavistha Konasana
Supta Konasana
Supta Padagusthasana
Ubhaya Padagusthasana
Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana
Setu Bandhasana

Sunday, March 9
12.00 - 15.00

Module 9 Finishing poses and transitions, part 1.

The finishing sequence rounds off the practice. It includes the “king” and “queen” of the yoga poses, and is considered to be the main therapeutic and restorative sequence of the entire practice.

In these two modules we take a closer look on what does all that mean, and explore how to gain maximum benefit from the most important sequence in the practice.

Content:

Urdhva Dhanurasana
Paschimottanasana
Sarvangasana
Halasana
Karnapidasanav
Urdhva Padmasana
Pindasana
Matsyasana
Uttana Padasana

Saturday, March 15
12.30 - 15.30

Module 10 Finishing poses and transitions, part 2.

Content:

Sirsasana
Baddha Padmasana
Yoga Mudra
Padmasana
Utplutihi
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
Relaxation
And what comes next?

Price signup

The in-depth course consists of ten individual modules following the primary series sequence of poses. You can take them in succession, or choose those which appeal to you. Choose below, the entire course or individual modules. You can also book in your members profile here.

Whole course 10 modules, 30 hours. January 18 to March 15, 2025.

All 10 Modules*

DKK 4250

*Note! The Ashtanga Primary Series in-depth course will be repeated later, so if you cannot attend a module, you can use your payment to attend any missing modules in the next course.

Module 1. Astanga Fundamentals. Saturday January 18.

Module 1

DKK 525

Module 2. Sun-Salutation – move with the breath. Sunday, January 19.

Module 2

DKK 525

Module 3. Standing with grace, balance and strength. Part 1. Saturday January 25.

Module 3

DKK 525

Module 4. Standing with grace, balance and strength. Part 2. Sunday January 26.

Module 4

DKK 525

Module 5. Seated poses and transitions. Part 1. Saturday February 1.

Module 5

DKK 525

Module 6. Seated poses and transitions. Part 2. Saturday March 1.

Module 6

DKK 525

Module 7. Seated poses and transitions. Part 3. Sunday March 2.

Module 7

DKK 525

Module 8. Seated poses and transitions. Part 4. Saturday March 8.

Module 8

DKK 525

Module 9. Finishing poses and transitions. Part 1. Sunday March 9.

Module 9

DKK 525

Module 10. Finishing poses and transitions. Part 2. Saturday March 15.

Module 10

DKK 525

Eskil Schilling
SYC Authorized Level II teacher

Eskil is dedicated to teaching the astanga yoga tradition from SYC Sharath Yoga Center in Mysore (formerly K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute - KPJAYI), which he has cultivated with great passion continuously since 1999. He started his spiritual journey in 1990 practicing daily meditation, pranayama, japa and hatha yoga, and intense studies of Indian mysticism and yoga philosophy. He taught Ashanga first time in 2006 and has since 2011 annually traveled to Mysore, India, on month-long stays, to immerse himself in his yoga practice under the guidance of his teacher Paramguru (lineage holder) Sharath Jois. He is a authorized level 2 teacher from the Institute in Mysore. Together with his good friend and astanga enthusiast Robin Arnold, he opened the Astanga Yoga Studio in 2009, where he teaches daily Mysore classes for diligent practitioners of astanga yoga.