Shantih Shala (Peace Yoga School) Hua Hin

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Ashtanga Yoga

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is the original father of Ashtanga Yoga based on the teachings of Patanjali, an ancient sage. His disciple Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois modernized this ancient system in 1927 and from there it spread across the world. 'Ashtang' mean eight, and Ashtanga Yoga is also known as 'the eight limbs of yoga'. These eight limbs include Yama (self descipline), Niyama (good social conduct), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breathwork), Pratahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), Samadhi (enlightenment).

Ashtanga Yoga is one of the most widely practiced yoga style today. It is also one of the more physically demanding style. The practice follows a particular set of sequence which begins with the Primary, Intermediate, Advance Intermediate Series up until the 8 th Series. The Primary Series is usually practiced in most Ashtanga Yoga classes. The Ashtanga Yoga practice uses specific methods of Ujjayi Pranayama ('Victorious' Breathing technique), Vinyasa (linking movements), Bandhas (internal locks within the body) and Drishtis (point of gaze). Each breath, Bandha and Drishti accompany its particular movement. The practice can be interpreted as one long Vinyasa from the beginning to the end.

* Shown here is Virabhadrasana 1 (Warrior 1 pose); there are altogether 3 poses in the same series

Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Vinyasa Flow Yoga was derived from Ashtanga Yoga, whereby the set sequenced from the Ashtanga Yoga system has been 'dissected' to form a more freeform, creative approach. A typical Vinyasa Flow class will begin with the Sun Salutations and continue with a variety of poses through the flowing movements of Vinyasa (linking movements). Each pose will lead to the next like a continuous, dance until it ends. It is advisable to be somewhat familiar with some basic yoga poses before trying a Vinyasa Flow Yoga as the pace will be quite fast. Although not essential, basic Ashtanga Yoga experience will also be helpful.

* This is one of the most basic posture: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing Dog); it is often used as transition movements during Vinyasas (linking movements)

Yin Yoga

Most modern forms of yoga today are of 'Yang' nature, which emphasizes muscular movement through contraction and a repetitive rhythm. Most sports belong to this 'Yang' nature, including running, cycling, golf, swimming, aerobics etc., where a particular movement is continuously repeated. Yin Yoga emphasizes deep connective tissues like the bones, joints and ligaments through holding Asanas (postures) for longer periods of time (between three to ten minutes). It mainly targets the lower body like the pelvis, knees and lower spine. As a result, these usually difficult to exercise areas are given a deep stretch, flexibility is improved, muscles are allowed to rest for recovery, and concentration is focused to prepare the mind for meditation. Yin Yoga is a great way to compliment the more vigorous styles of Yang yoga, as well as other sports to help prepare the body for comfortable sitting during meditation.

* This shows the Butterfly, one of the classic Yin postures

Yin & Yang

Begins with simple Pranayama (breathing exercises) to calm and focus the mind and body. The practice opens with Sun Salutations in the Sivananda Hatha style, progressing to a series of challenging Yang postures which works the muscles in repetitive motions; then counteracting and neutralizing the body with Yin postures that stretches the deep connective tissues in longer holds. Finally closing the practice with restorative postures for focusing inwards, ending with Shavasana (final relaxation pose).

* Pictured here is the Shoelace, very similiar to its Yang cousin - Gomukhasana (Cow Face posture)

Sivananda Hatha Yoga

Created by Swami Sivananda, it is a holistic approach to yoga that emphasizes Asanas (proper exercise), Pranayama (proper breathing), Shavasana (relaxation), proper diet (vegetarian diet), and Dhayana (positive thinking/meditation). It also integrates different paths of yoga: Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion or divine love), Karma Yoga (yoga of selfless actions), Jnana Yoga (yoga of knowledge or wisdom), Raja Yoga (the science of physical and mental control). The Sivananda style of Asanas are similar to other forms of Hatha Yoga, but it also consist of some of its own distinctive Asanas (postures). The pace is slower compared to more vigorous style like Ashtanga Yoga, and Vinyasa (linking movements) only happens during Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations). It is recommended for those who wish to have an alternative, gentler practice, or as an addition to a vigorous practice.

* This shows Ustrasana (Camel pose) in the Sivanada Hatha Yoga tradition

Basic Yoga

Different from the Beginner's Intensive classes (please refer to the Schedule & Prices and page), each Basic Yoga class will be an independent class on its own. The class will comprise a mixture of the Surya Namaskar A & B (Sun Salutations), fundamental Asanas (postures) of standing, sitting, twisting, backbends and inversions. Recommended for those new to yoga, or would like to do a 'refresher course' on basic but important postures.

* One of the basic poses in Classical Yoga - Ustrasana (Camel pose)

Pranayama & Meditation

Class will start off with a few rounds of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) to warm the body and loosen up the joints before sitting. From then on the focus is on breath awareness, progressing to deep breathing, basic Pranayama (breathwork) techniques and guided meditation. Although props such as cushions, blocks and towels will be used to help make sitting as comfortable as possible, students must be prepared to sit for long periods of time. Students are also advised to keep an open, positive mind set and expect whatever feelings or emotions that may arise during meditation. Once you maintain a quiet mind and a calm heart however, be prepared to enjoy the blissful inner calm within yourself. Anyone who is interested in exploring inner reflection within themselves, or searching for a quiet calmness, or self-healing should give meditation a try.

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Yoga Styles