In 2020 we did a Vinyasa Krama yoga teacher training with Srivatsa Ramaswami who was a student of Krishnamacharya. When asked about the moon days, Ramaswami replied that during the 33 years of study with Krishnamacharya, they continued the classes and the practice regardless of the phases of the moon and that was not part of the teaching of Krishnamacharya. 

 

It is likely that in line with Ashtanga Vinyasa, "the tradition of resting on moon days" began with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. His teacher, T. Krishnamacharya, did not observe lunar days or mention them in his magnum opus Yoga Makaranda (1934).

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The convention originated from a time in India when most teachers (like Jois) were Brāmaṇas – priestly caste. On full moons and new moons, the Brāmaṇas had to attend to many duties and rites at the temple, which meant they had no time to teach on those days. Although there were no taught courses, students still had to continue their studies.

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It is true that the period of Moon days of fluctuations affect us in different ways, but it is not just the Moon that affects us, it is enough to simply observe, adapt the practice and accept the moment, the reality as it is. 'she is, what should be done in every moment of life.

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Ashtanga Yoga Lausanne we don't have a strict rule that you have to take a break from practicing asanas. We think it is a good opportunity to practice Pranayama on these days, by this we take a moment to simply observe our breath and become aware of it, not to control it. 

 

Maybe we can be aware of something, 

something that is missing in the practice of postures (Asana).