How to Learn the Tristhana in AshTanga Yoga

Learning how to properly perform tristhana in AshTanga yoga can be the most difficult part of your practice, as it includes three distinct components that require your complete focus. Striving to perform tristhana perfectly in your yoga practice should never end, as a yogi knows well that, despite your level, you can always learn to improve tristhana.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. See tristhana not as an ending point to strive for in your yoga practice, but an element to improve constantly through will, concentration and practice. Tristana is a yoga principle that combines three areas of action and attention, posture, breathing and Dristhi, or your center of focus. In every moment of your yoga practice, work to bring the three areas of tristhana into balance.

2. Practice breathing techniques while performing yoga postures and meditation, the first element of tristhana. Breathing should be synchronized to occur naturally with the movement of the Ashtanga yoga posture you are performing. Try to make each single breath occur simultaneously with each movement.

3. Hold your poses longer as you master the technique, using your breath to both extend and enhance the depth of the posture. In addition to being the second element of tristhana, breathing into your postures will increase your inner "fire" and strengthen your nervous system.

4. Focus your attention and clear your mind, an element of tristhana which is called Dristhi in ashtanga yoga. Clearing your mind of outside distraction and focusing only on tristhana while performing your yoga postures will stabilize your body and purify your mind, enhancing the healing benefits of ashtanga.

5. Keep these three elements of tristhana in mind constantly in your yoga practice, as the true benefits of ashtanga yoga can only be fully realized when these elements are practiced and enhanced with each pose.

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