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In Ashtanga Yoga Mysore style we follow a set of rules that we call the shala or Mysore Etiquette. When you come to practice in our Mysore room, we kindly ask you to follow these guidelines for your own good and for your fellow practitioners, thank you!​

 

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1. Arriving for Practice: Please arrive early enough to complete your practice, including Savasana, by 08:30. We recommend a 90 min practice. Doors open at 06:25, you can practice from 06:30–08:00 or 07:00–08:30. Please arrive prepared for practice, avoid wasting time getting dressed at the shala.

2. Beginning Your Practice: No extra warm-up is needed. To maintain your energy and focus, begin your practice promptly. You’re welcome to briefly sit or lie on a block for centering, but please keep it short. While we don’t chant as a group, feel free to chant the mantras silently as you begin and end your practice.

3. Staying on Your Mat: Once you start, minimize distractions by staying on your mat. Restroom breaks or blowing your nose are fine, but try to handle these before class. If you need props, gather them before beginning and keep your area tidy. Avoid leaving your mat to check the sequence poster.

4. No Drinking During Practice: Stay hydrated after Savasana. Drinking during practice cools the body, which works against building internal heat. If you’re dizzy or have a persistent cough, take a sip of water.

5. Minimize Talking: Silence is part of the Mysore room. If you need to speak with the teacher, keep it brief and to the point. Discuss injuries, pregnancies, or specific needs before class begins. There’s no need to apologize for not “getting” a posture during your practice.

6. Keep It Flowing: Maintain a steady flow during practice. Additional exercises can be done after Ashtanga and before Savasana, but keep them brief.

7. End Your Practice at the Back: In a full room, move to the back row for your finishing sequence and Savasana. If space is tight, swap spots with someone behind you. This ensures a calm area for cooling down while others continue their dynamic practice.

8. Finishing Sequence: If you’re short on time, prioritize the finishing sequence. Always include backbends, inversions, Yoga Mudrasana, Padmasana, and Savasana. Savasana is a critical part of practice, so aim for at least 10 minutes of rest. Remember, doing the opening and finishing sequences is still a full practice.

9. Progressing in the Series: In the Mysore method, you only practice up to the posture assigned by your teacher. Additional poses will be given when you’re ready. Hands-on adjustments and verbal cues are part of the teaching. Avoid skipping poses, and only use props if instructed.

10. Respect Others: Maintain your drishti (gaze) and avoid watching others during practice. Focus inward and preserve your own heat and concentration.

11. Menstruation: During your cycle, traditionally rest during the first few days. If you choose to practice, avoid inversions until your cycle ends, then resume as usual.

12. No Devices: Switch off phones, alarms, and smartwatches. Focus on your breath and practice without distractions. If you need to know the time, ask the teacher.

13. Keep the Space Tidy: Store valuables away from your mat. If using props, put them away neatly after practice. If you borrow a mat, clean and hang it up afterward. Avoid leaving anything in the practice area.

14. Practice Regularly: Aim to practice 3–6 days a week, with one rest day. Intermediate series practitioners commonly practice the primary series the day before rest. Our rest days are Saturday, and on full and new moon days. Practicing 2 days a week is the bare minimum, and once a week is better than not at all.

15. Respect the Shala’s Approach: As a Mysore practitioner, you are here to learn from this specific teacher and their approach. Please come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. While exploring other shalas during your travels is encouraged, always respect the method and approach of the teacher wherever you choose to practice.

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