Here’s a helpful breakdown of the Ashtanga Yoga Poster — what it is, why it’s useful, and how to choose or use one.
What Is an Ashtanga Yoga Poster? An Ashtanga Yoga poster typically illustrates the primary series (Yoga Chikitsa) of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, as codified by K. Pattabhi Jois. It shows the sequence of asanas (postures) in order, often with:
Sanskrit and English names Vinyasa counts (breath-to-movement linkages) Drishthi (gazing points) Bandha indications (energy locks) Stick-figure or illustrated human poses
Some posters also include the intermediate series (Nadi Shodhana) or a full chart of all six series. ashtanga yoga poster
Why Get One?
Practice aid – Helps memorize the sequence without needing to scroll on a device. Teaching tool – Useful for led classes or Mysore room assistants. Motivation – Visual progress tracking and daily reminder of the full flow. Alignment reference – Some detailed posters show foot/hand placement, though they can’t replace a teacher.
What to Look For | Feature | Why It Matters | |--------|----------------| | Accuracy | Follows the traditional Pattabhi Jois/Sharath Jois order. | | Readable layout | Clear flow from top to bottom (often Surya Namaskar A/B → standing → seated → finishing). | | Vinyasa counts | Helps with breath-synchronized movement. | | Quality | Laminated or thick paper for durability. | | Size | Large enough to see from across the room (e.g., 24″ x 36″). | Here’s a helpful breakdown of the Ashtanga Yoga
Popular Options
Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Poster by Ashtanga Yoga Lounge – Clean stick-figure style, vinyasa counts. Ashtanga Yoga Poster by YOGABODY – More anatomical, includes drishthi and bandhas. Bobby Clennell’s Ashtanga Chart – Classic illustrated poses, artistic but clear. David Swenson’s Practice Manual – Not a poster but a fold-out chart often used as one.
⚠️ Be cautious with free online PDFs — many contain errors in vinyasa count or pose order. Pattabhi Jois
How to Use It Effectively
Hang at eye level near your practice space, but not where you’ll strain your neck looking up. Use as a memorization tool – Cover parts of the poster and recall the next pose. Don’t over-rely on it – In Mysore-style practice, the teacher and your own breath should guide you more than a poster. Mark your own notes – If laminated, use a dry-erase marker to highlight transitions you find tricky.