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To support a focused and respectful environment, please read the following guidelines carefully. These reflect the traditional spirit of the practice, adapted to how we hold space together here at Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Shala.

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1. Arrive with Intention
• Doors open at 06:25. You may arrive between 06:30 and 07:00
• We recommend arriving in practice clothes and allowing 90 minutes for your full practice. Avoid spending time dressing at the shala


2. Begin Quietly, Begin Simply
• No extra warm-up is needed. The opening sequence is the warm-up. To stay centred and conserve energy, begin promptly
• You’re welcome to sit or lie briefly for centring. Silent chanting of the opening mantra is encouraged


3. Respect the Flow of the Practice
• Once you begin, stay on your mat and minimize distractions
• Use the restroom or blow your nose if needed, but try to handle such things beforehand
• Gather props before starting. Avoid interrupting your practice to check the sequence poster


4. No Drinking During Practice
• Avoid water during practice—it cools the internal heat (agni) the method builds
• If you feel extremely dizzy or have a persistent dry cough, take a small sip mindfully


5. Practice in Silence
• The Mysore room is a space for breath, movement, and quiet focus
• Keep any communication with the teacher brief
• If you have injuries, are pregnant, or have specific needs, speak to the teacher before class


6. Keep the Practice Flowing
• Maintain a steady rhythm and avoid lingering unnecessarily (eg. inspecting your toenails)
• If you add any preparatory movements, keep them minimal
• You may include additional helpful exercises—such as gentle stretches or mobility work—after your Ashtanga sequence and before Savasana. Keep them brief and purposeful. These should support your practice, not replace or distract from it


7. Space Awareness
• If the room is full, kindly move to the back for your finishing sequence and Savasana
• Make space for others and swap rows when needed


8. Prioritise the Finishing Sequence
• When short on time, do not skip the finishing sequence—backbends and shoulder stands
• We never skip Yoga Mudrasana, Padmasana, and at least 10 minutes of Savasana
• Silent chanting of the closing mantra is encouraged


9. Progress is Personal
• In Mysore-style, you practice only the postures assigned by your teacher
• Additional postures are given when you’re ready, please do not ask for them
• Do not self-assign, skip, or rearrange postures
• Use props only if instructed. Adjustments may be verbal or hands-on


10. Internal Focus
• Keep your drishti (gaze) and awareness inward
• Avoid observing or comparing yourself to others
• This is a deeply personal practice—protect your own concentration and others’ experience


11. Menstruation
• Traditionally, women rest for the first 2–3 days of their cycle
• If you choose to practice, skip inversions (finishing sequence asanas) until bleeding stops
• Resume the full sequence as usual afterward


12. No Devices
• Phones, smartwatches, and alarms must be switched off
• If you need to know the time, ask the teacher
• The space is sacred—come to be present


13. Care for the Space
• Keep your area tidy
• Store valuables away from your mat
• If you borrow a mat or props, clean and return them properly


14. Practice Regularly
• Aim for 3–6 days/week. Minimum commitment is 2x/week; 1x is better than none

• Practice when you can but try to create some sort of routine, for instance: Mon-Wed-Fri / Tue-Thu-Sun / Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri
• Rest days are Saturdays and moon days (full and new)
• Intermediate series practitioners often do Primary the day prior to rest-day (Thursday and / or Friday)

• Unfortunately, your consistency will make or break our relationship. If there are too many late cancellations, no shows or a general lack of routine then you may be asked to leave the shala because I just can not handle it—life is hard and busy for all of us, we all have to use our energy wisely and that is why I can only put energy into people that put energy into themselves


15. Respect the Shala and Method
• You’re here to learn from this teacher’s unique lens within the lineage of Ashtanga Yoga
• Keep an open mind and trust the process
• Exploring other shalas during travel is welcome—always adapt respectfully to each teacher’s method

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Please also read the Important Details page to ensure you're fully informed, thank you!