Ujjayi, Bandha and Drishtis make the foundation of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

Before you start your Ashtanga Yoga practice there is one very important point to mention: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is not hindu aerobics! A healthy, powerful and beautiful body is merely an unimportant side effect of Ashtanga Yoga.

There are some fundamental techniques in the Ashtanga Yoga system which transform a physical exercise into a spiritual practice. Tools which can help you enter a mystic world in which Prana, the universal energy, can be felt and directed consciously. These subtle techniques are much more important than the powerful body workout. Yoga is what you can't see!
This invisible foundation of Ashtanga Yoga is based on the following aspects:

1. Ujjayi Pranayama (= breathing)
   Ujjayi Pranayama is a special breathing technique. It is a method to get unlimited access to Prana (=universal energy)....
2. Bandha
   Bandha names a technique which works like a valve for Prana (= Energy)....
3. Drishti
   Drishti is a point of gaze or focus....
4. Vinyasa
   Vinyasa means union between breath and movement....
5. Asana
   Asana is the most visible part of the Ashtanga Yoga practice and is commonly known as the "Yoga position". ...