Porta Pandana Ashtanga Yoga Shala

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (eight limb yoga) as taught by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois ultimate goal is enlightenment, or profound inner peace. This should not understood as something we have to work hard to attain. Rather to be seen as the true identity of the awakened mind that is already present in all of us. Wisdom and peace of mind are not mutually contradictory, neither are achievements, but given in everyone. The challenge is to discover the gifts that we already have. This is fundamental and absolutely the necessary approach towards our practice.

Awakened awareness is like being in love, when there seems to be no possible barrier between oneself and the other-in this case all the others. An awakened person has an inner peace and stillness and a joyful, energetic liveliness.

Zazen meditation- (Dhyana – seventh limb) will reveal that all objects or perceptions and thoughts are not permanent but come into being when other necessary conditions for their existence or manifestation are fulfilled. Just sit!

Pranayama (forth limb), the transition element from the outside practice to the internal.

Porta Pandana

Empanada, or simply Panda, was a goddess of Ancient Rome. Her name derives from the Latin root “pandere” (to open, to share and means “The Open Gate). Her temple was situated at the Capitol Hill, close to the gate that was named Porta Pandana, in her honor. Her temple was always open, and it offered shelter and hospitality to those in need of food and roof. Essential ingredient to this form of hospitality was the strong bond between host and guest.

Porta Pandana Shala was founded by Aris Kapetanakis. He possesses a deep knowledge of the essence of Practice and the Art of Ashtanga Yoga, and through his teaching he strives to communicate and inspire the passion for a disciplined form of Practice.