Ashtanga Yoga, as taught by Baba Hari Dass Ashtanga means 'eight limbs' in Sanskrit. These eight limbs, including asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practices and control of energy, or prana), and dharana and dhyana (one-pointed concentration and meditation on the Divine), are each avenues, or parts of one large road (Yoga) to bring us into Union with our truest nature. Yoga means 'to yoke' or to 'unite' in Sanskrit. These classes are 60-75 minutes in length, and begin with centering, pranayama, and some warm-ups. The majority of the class is spent in a flow from one asana to the next, with pause for alignment and to deepen the experience of specific postures in each class. Breath control is emphasized, as well as body-awareness. Before the class ends there is a yinyogaposture to deepen the stretch and flexibility in your body and to relax and let go. Class ends with Shivasana and sometimes a brief meditation.