How Many Series Are in Ashtanga Yoga? A Complete Guide

Ashtanga Yoga is a structured and disciplined practice that follows a set sequence of postures, allowing practitioners to develop strength, flexibility, and mindfulness over time. Unlike other yoga styles where class sequences change, Ashtanga follows a fixed progression of series, each designed to deepen the practitioner's physical and mental journey.

But how many series are in Ashtanga Yoga? And what makes each series unique? In this article, we’ll explore the six Ashtanga Yoga series, their purpose, and how practitioners progress through them.

The Six Series of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga consists of six progressively challenging series:

1. Primary Series – Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy)

2. Intermediate Series – Nadi Shodhana (Nerve Purification)

3. Advanced Series A – Sthira Bhaga (Strength & Grace)

4. Advanced Series B

5. Advanced Series C

6. Advanced Series D

Each series builds upon the previous one, requiring greater strength, flexibility, breath control, and mental focus. Most practitioners spend years (or even decades) mastering the Primary and Intermediate Series before progressing further.

Let’s take a closer look at each series and what it involves.

1. The Primary Series – Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy)

The Primary Series is the foundation of Ashtanga Yoga. It is also known as Yoga Chikitsa, meaning “Yoga Therapy,” because it helps detoxify and realign the body.

Purpose of the Primary Series

• Builds core strength and flexibility

• Improves circulation and detoxification

• Corrects postural imbalances

• Prepares the body for deeper practice

Structure of the Primary Series

The Primary Series follows a set structure:

• Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara A & B) – Dynamic warm-up to sync breath and movement

• Standing Postures – Strengthen the legs, improve balance, and increase flexibility

• Seated Postures – Focus on hip opening, forward folds, and spinal twists

• Backbends & Finishing Sequence – Improve spinal flexibility and calm the nervous system

Many practitioners spend years mastering the Primary Series before moving on to the next level.

2. The Intermediate Series – Nadi Shodhana (Nerve Purification)

Once a practitioner has stabilized and strengthened their body through the Primary Series, they may progress to the Intermediate Series, also known as Nadi Shodhana (Nerve Purification).

Purpose of the Intermediate Series

• Deepens flexibility and mobility

• Enhances energy flow through the nervous system

• Strengthens the spine and core muscles

• Prepares the mind for deeper meditation

What’s Different in the Intermediate Series?

• More challenging backbends (e.g., Kapotasana)

• Stronger core engagement and twists

• Arm balances and deeper hip openers

Because the Intermediate Series purifies the nervous system, practitioners must have strong breath control (Ujjayi breathing) and energy locks (Bandhas) to progress safely.

3. The Advanced Series – Sthira Bhaga (Strength & Grace)

The Advanced Series, called Sthira Bhaga (Strength & Grace), is divided into four levels:

• Advanced A (Third Series)

• Advanced B (Fourth Series)

• Advanced C (Fifth Series)

• Advanced D (Sixth Series)

Only the most experienced and dedicated Ashtanga practitioners reach these levels. The Advanced Series is known for its extreme physical and mental demands, requiring years (or even decades) of practice.

Purpose of the Advanced Series

• Develops extraordinary strength, flexibility, and control

• Requires advanced balance, inversions, and transitions

• Integrates meditative awareness with intense physical postures

What’s Different in the Advanced Series?

• More complex arm balances and one-legged postures

• Deep backbends requiring spinal openness

• Longer sequences demanding endurance and breath mastery

Since very few practitioners reach these series, most Ashtanga students focus on Primary and Intermediate for life.

How Long Does It Take to Progress Through the Ashtanga Series?

Progress in Ashtanga Yoga is highly individual. Some practitioners spend years mastering the Primary Series, while others advance more quickly. Factors influencing progression include:

• Consistency of practice – Practicing 6 days a week leads to faster improvement

• Body awareness and injury prevention – Rushing can lead to setbacks

• Teacher guidance and adjustments – Studying under an experienced teacher is essential

• Breath and Bandha control – Mastering the internal aspects of Ashtanga is just as important as physical postures

For most practitioners, the journey through Ashtanga Yoga is lifelong, with each series offering new insights and challenges.

Can Beginners Start with the Intermediate or Advanced Series?

No, Ashtanga Yoga must be learned progressively. Beginners always start with the Primary Series, ensuring that they develop strength, endurance, and body awareness before moving forward.

Skipping ahead can lead to:

• Injuries from overexertion

• Lack of foundational strength

• Difficulty maintaining breath control and focus

Traditional Ashtanga teachers emphasize patience and discipline, ensuring that students master each stage before progressing.

Final Thoughts: The Six Ashtanga Series as a Path to Mastery

Ashtanga Yoga consists of six structured series, each designed to challenge and transform the practitioner physically, mentally, and spiritually.

• The Primary Series establishes strength, detoxification, and flexibility.

• The Intermediate Series refines energy flow and nervous system purification.

• The Advanced Series requires exceptional control, endurance, and mental discipline.

While only a small percentage of practitioners reach the Advanced Series, the true goal of Ashtanga Yoga is not physical mastery but internal transformation. The journey through these series teaches discipline, patience, and self-awareness, making Ashtanga a lifelong practice.

Ready to Explore the Ashtanga Series?

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• Guided Ashtanga practice videos for all levels

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• Live Q&A sessions with experienced teachers

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Join Flow With Us today! and take the next step in your Ashtanga journey.