Hatha yoga ancient yoga texts of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it is the Hatha yoga texts that provide step by step methodology on how to enter into an "asana". The Hindu text "Gheranda samhita", for example, in section 2.8 describes the "padmasana" for meditation. Most "asanas" are inspired by nature, such as a form of union with symmetric, harmonious flowing shapes of animals, birds or plants. Early hatha yoga was used to prevent the dripping of bindu (semen) from the heads of men. The two early hatha yoga techniques to achieve this were inverted poses such as Viparita Karani, known as the
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga the teacher is to guide as well as provide adjustments or assists in postures. In other locations, twice per week Mysore-style classes are now substituted with led classes, where the teacher takes a group through the same series at the same time. The inclusion of two led classes per week was only included in P. Jois' senior years. Usually an Ashtanga practice begins with five repetitions of Surya Namaskara A and five repetitions of Surya Namaskara B, followed by a standing sequence. Following this the practitioner begins one of six series, followed by what is called the closing sequence. The