Ashtanga Yoga is a practice accessible to all, that integrates breath, movement and concentration together to cultivate clarity, strength and inner peace.
Tara teaches Ashtanga Yoga is taught with deep respect for its lineage, as sas received from R. Saraswati Jois, R.Sharath Jois and Tim Miller. Tara, a Level 2 Ashtanga Yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist, bringing over two decades of dedicated yoga practice to her teachings, including four years of assisting Saraswati Jois, daily, in Mysore, India.
Ashtanga Yoga at Tara Mitra Yoga is accessible to practitioners of all levels. While honoring the traditional method, Tara emphasizes adapting the practice to meet the unique needs of each person. She empowers students to explore their practice at their own pace, fostering confidence, self-awareness, and personal growth. Tara avoids rigid approaches or over-assisting, instead focusing on planting seeds of intelligence and independence within every practitioner.
For those with injuries, physical conditions, or specific needs, Tara integrates her expertise as a yoga therapist to provide personalized guidance. Whether addressing back pain, mobility restrictions, or other challenges, her approach ensures that the practice supports healing, balance, and long-term health.
Tara demonstrates her commitment to blending tradition with accessibility. She offers a thoughtful balance of guidance and encouragement, ensuring that the practice is both evolving and sustainable. Tara’s teaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that yoga should always create health and harmony—not take it away. Her workshops honor the rich tradition of Ashtanga Yoga while meeting the needs of modern practitioners, making the practice a truly accessible and intelligent journey for all.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is believed to have its origins in an ancient text called the Yoga Kriyanta, attributed to the sage Vamana Rishi. In the early 20th century, this system was revived and taught by the renowned yoga master Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who learned it from his guru, Rama Mohan Brahmacharya. This method was designed to guide individuals of all backgrounds toward physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.
Ashtanga is a classical form of yoga that integrates breath and movement along with a structured sequence of postures. The practice consists of six progressive series, each building upon the previous one. By synchronizing breath with movement, the body generates internal heat, promoting the release of toxins from muscles and organs. Over time, this purification process not only cleanses the body but also calms the mind, fostering inner stillness when approached with dedication and consistency.
Unlike typical yoga classes, Ashtanga Yoga is taught in a group setting where each student progresses at their own pace under the attentive guidance of the teacher. This approach allows for individualized attention and tailored instruction, ensuring the practice aligns with the specific needs and abilities of each student.
Traditionally, Ashtanga is practiced six days a week, with rest observed on Sundays and during new and full moon days, known as moon days. Women are also encouraged to rest during the first few days of their menstrual cycle, particularly if experiencing a heavy flow, resuming their practice once it becomes lighter.
Through its disciplined yet adaptable approach, Ashtanga Yoga supports a lifelong journey of transformation, offering physical vitality, mental focus, and spiritual connection.
Meet Your Teacher, Tara Mitra
Tara, with over 21 years of dedicated yoga practice, blends her East Indian and Canadian roots into her teachings. She is trained in traditional Ashtanga Yoga under esteemed teachers Tim Miller, R. Sharath Jois, and R. Saraswathi Jois. She lived 5 years in Mysore, India, seeking pure knowledge at the source. As a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) specializing in trauma, stress, and anxiety, Tara takes a holistic approach to healing. She combines her expertise in yoga (asana, pranayama, pratyahara and dharana practices) with her nutrition and culinary skills while integrating her extensive studies in Vedic chanting, carnatic music, yoga philosophy and Ayurveda.
Recognizing the hurdles dedicated yoga students and teachers often face, Tara designed these courses to create a space for participants to gain both personal and professional growth. Her diverse expertise provides participants with a well-rounded and supportive path on their chanting journey while honouring and respecting tradition.
Benefits of a Regular Ashtanga Practice
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Asana practice strengthens the body and prepares it for stillness, enabling deeper practices like pranayama and meditation.
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Repeating the same postures daily reveals physical and mental patterns, fostering self-awareness and personal growth
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Synchronizing breath, movement, and gazing points (drishti) sharpens focus, transforming practice into moving meditation
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Daily practice cultivates discipline, persistence, and a strong foundation for long-term mental and physical benefits
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Consistent practice inspires hope and connects you to the deeper purpose of yoga beyond the physical
Join Tara’s Global Workshops as a step towards personal growth, while learning to cultivate strength, focus and inner peace through the transformative practice of Ashtanga Yoga.
