Handstands in the Primary Series?

Recently, I was asked about my perspective on the practice of handstands in the Primary Series. Despite the fact that handstands are not taught in the Primary Series at the shala in Mysore, some teachers and students insist on inserting handstands into the Primary Series. I disagree with this and do not teach handstands in the Primary Series. The next question inevitably follows. “Is it a big deal if handstands are done anyway?”

No, in the grand scheme of life, it isn’t a “big” deal; however, within the context of developing an Ashtanga practice, it is a distraction from the earthly, lower body lessons of the Primary Series. One must first learn to stand and sit before flying. The Primary Series is a tool that teaches us the basics of a simple yoga practice and educates the practitioner about the basics of breathing, movement of the joints, body control, rhythm, symmetry, and balance.

Handstands are considered an advanced practice in Ashtanga Yoga. Without learning the basics of the lower body in the Primary Series and the more complex spine and joint control of the Intermediate Series, the effort of the handstand is transmitted prematurely to the upper body. This leads to a multitude of problems with the shoulder girdle, impedes the healthy development of the physical body and short circuits the energetic pathways.

Take your time learning the Primary and Intermediate Series. There are many valuable lessons within these practices that will eventually render flying easy and effortless.