Ashtanga Yoga: Savasana, Samadhi, and the Stages of Practice

What is the final stage of Ashtanga yoga?

The final stage of the physical Ashtanga yoga practice, after completing a specific series, is Savasana (Corpse Pose), a crucial period of deep relaxation and integration. However, in the broader philosophical context of Ashtanga's eight limbs, the ultimate "final stage" or goal is Samadhi, a state of meditative absorption and enlightenment.

Understanding Ashtanga Yoga's Structure

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding style of yoga that follows a precise sequence of postures, linked by breath (vinyasa). Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, it is rooted in the ancient text of the Yoga Korunta and adheres to the eight limbs of yoga as outlined by Patanjali. The physical practice is structured into six distinct series, each progressively more challenging:

• Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa): Focuses on detoxification and aligning the body.
• Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana): Cleanses the nervous system through backbends and hip openers.
• Advanced Series A, B, C, D (Sthira Bhaga): Focus on strength, stability, and advanced postures.

Each series is designed to be practiced in its entirety, building strength, flexibility, and mental focus.

The Role of the Ashtanga Series

Within each of the six Ashtanga series, the practice traditionally begins with Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations A and B), followed by a sequence of standing postures, seated postures, backbends, and inversions. The consistent repetition of these sequences is intended to purify the body and mind, develop internal heat (tapas), and cultivate concentration. The completion of a series is a significant physical and mental undertaking, leading the practitioner through a journey of physical exertion and breath control.

Savasana: The Concluding Posture

Upon the completion of the final inversion postures (like Salamba Sarvangasana - Shoulderstand, and Sirsasana - Headstand) and their counter poses, the Ashtanga practice culminates in Savasana, or Corpse Pose. This pose involves lying supine on the mat, arms slightly away from the body with palms facing up, and legs extended with feet relaxed outwards.

The purpose of Savasana is multifaceted:

• Physical Integration: Allows the body to absorb the benefits of the preceding strenuous practice, normalize heart rate and blood pressure, and release accumulated tension in muscles.
• Mental Calm: Provides a period of profound rest and stillness, enabling the mind to quiet down after intense focus and exertion.
• Nervous System Regulation: Facilitates the transition from the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system activation during practice to the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, promoting deep relaxation and recovery.

While seemingly simple, Savasana is considered one of the most important postures in yoga, as it is the time when the physical and energetic shifts from the practice are truly integrated.

Beyond the Physical: The Deeper "Final Stage"

While Savasana marks the conclusion of the physical asana practice in Ashtanga, it's crucial to understand that the "final stage" in the broader philosophical context of Ashtanga Yoga (as per Patanjali's Yoga Sutras) refers to Samadhi. Samadhi is the eighth and ultimate limb of yoga, representing a state of meditative absorption, profound inner peace, and union with the object of meditation, ultimately leading to self-realization or enlightenment.

The physical practice of asanas, along with breath control (pranayama) and sense withdrawal (pratyahara), serves as a preparatory ground for the higher limbs of concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ultimately, Samadhi. In this deeper sense, the entire Ashtanga journey is a pathway towards this ultimate state of consciousness, with Savasana acting as a vital bridge, allowing the practitioner to internalize the practice and prepare for deeper meditative states.

The Importance of Integration and Rest

Skipping Savasana after an Ashtanga practice is akin to running a marathon and then immediately jumping into another strenuous activity without rest. The body and mind require this essential period of stillness to:

• Repair and Rejuvenate: Allow the muscles to recover and the body's systems to rebalance.
• Process and Absorb: Enable the mental and energetic shifts from the practice to settle, promoting mental clarity and emotional equilibrium.
• Prevent Burnout: Reduce the risk of overtraining and mental fatigue, ensuring the practice remains sustainable and beneficial.

Savasana is not merely lying down; it is an active state of conscious relaxation, a final opportunity to observe the breath, sensations, and thoughts without judgment, fostering a deeper connection to one's inner self.

Conclusion: A Journey, Not Just a Destination

In summary, the final stage of the physical practice in Ashtanga yoga is Savasana, a vital period of rest and integration. This pose is essential for the body and mind to absorb the profound benefits of the dynamic sequence. However, when viewed through the lens of the complete eight-limbed path of Ashtanga, the ultimate "final stage" is Samadhi—a state of profound meditative union and enlightenment—for which the entire practice, including Savasana, serves as a progressive and transformative preparation. Ashtanga is therefore understood as a holistic journey, where each stage builds upon the last, guiding the practitioner towards physical well-being and spiritual realization.