Unlocking the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series: Mastering the Traditional Sanskrit Vinyasa Count

Step Into the Rhythm of Tradition

The heartbeat of Ashtanga Yoga lies not just in the poses, but in the count.

The traditional Sanskrit vinyasa count is more than a way to cue movement—it’s a sacred map for the mind and body. It helps practitioners synchronize breath and motion with precision, creating a moving meditation that brings clarity, calm, and transformation. At The Yoga Shala in Maitland, we honor this lineage with reverence, rooted in the direct teachings of Sharath Jois.

This guide is a deep dive into the vinyasa count of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa), perfect for:

• Students transitioning into Mysore-style practice

• Beginners wanting to learn proper pose order and count

• Teachers and trainees refining their understanding

• Anyone seeking a deeper connection to breath and tradition

How to Master the Sanskrit Count in the Primary Series

1. Begin with Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations)

Start with Surya Namaskara A and B. Each movement is linked to breath and counted in Sanskrit (e.g., "Ekam" for inhale, "Dve" for exhale).

Sun Salutation A

Sun Salutation B

2. Learn the Standing Sequence Counts

Postures like Trikonasana, Parsvakonasana, and Prasarita Padottanasana include transitional vinyasas and standing holds. Memorizing the count builds flow and confidence.

• Tip: Chant the Sanskrit count out loud as you move. Repetition reinforces memory.

3. Understand Seated Vinyasas

From Dandasana to Setu Bandhasana, each seated posture includes specific entry and exit counts. These counts teach you how to "link" postures through breath and movement.

• Best Practice: Focus on your exit vinyasa as much as the entry. It's where many lose rhythm.

4. Explore the Finishing Sequence

The final poses from Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) to Padmasana and Yoga Mudra bring you back to stillness. The count slows, becoming more meditative.

Want help mastering the Sanskrit count?

Join our Mysore program in Maitland for personalized, in-depth guidance, or access our online guide to practice from anywhere at your own pace. Whether you're new to Ashtanga or refining your flow, we’re here to support your journey—on and off the mat. Join Here

5. Pair Movement with Breath, Not Just Posture

The count isn't about memorizing shapes—it's about syncing your entire nervous system to conscious breathing. Feel each inhale rise and each exhale ground you.

• Common Mistake: Rushing the count. Let your breath set the tempo.

6. Use the Count as a Meditative Tool

When internalized, the vinyasa count becomes a mantra. It draws the mind inward and quiets the chatter. That’s where the real yoga begins.

• Tip: Practice just the count as a seated chant to strengthen your mind-body connection.

Want to go deeper into each pose and transition?

We’ve created a full online companion guide that walks you through the Sanskrit vinyasa count of the Primary Series—pose by pose. Whether you’re reviewing or learning from scratch, this free resource will elevate your practice with clarity and tradition. Explore the Guide

Additional Tips for Deepening Your Practice

• Sanskrit Flashcards: Create cards for each posture with its Sanskrit name and count.

• Record Yourself: Recite the count while practicing to build rhythm.

• Study With a Teacher: Personalized feedback accelerates integration.

• Use Audio Resources: Listen to a traditional counted class by Sharath Jois.

Click the video above to follow along with Krista to learn the correct pronunciation for the asanas that make up the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series

Take Your Practice from Routine to Ritual

Learning the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Sanskrit count may seem daunting at first, but it's a powerful tool to embody the deeper essence of this practice. It builds discipline, sharpens focus, and connects you directly to the roots of yoga.

Curious about Mysore-style practice but not sure where to start?

Download our FREE beginner’s guide to explore what to expect, how it works, and why it might be the missing link in your yoga journey. Whether you're new to Ashtanga or ready to deepen your practice with individualized support, this guide is your roadmap. Download Here

At The Yoga Shala, we’re here to help you go deeper, breathe fuller, and move with integrity. Join us for classes seven days a week in Maitland, Florida—or begin your journey online, wherever you are.