What is Viniyoga?

Yoga is a wonderful hobby and exercise. It is a wonderful way to tone your body and your mind, as well. Hatha yoga is any yoga that uses physical practices to reach the goals of yoga. One of the types of Hatha yoga is Viniyoga.

Viniyoga was developed by Shri T. Krishnamacharya. He was a well known yoga master and the teacher of B.K.S. Iyengar and K. Pattabhi Joise in southern India. During his long tenure as a yoga teacher, Krishnamacharya used various approaches to yoga. These are the same ideas that were later refined by Iyengar and Jois. Towards the end of his life, Krishnamacharya developed a softer approach to the goals of yoga. This is what comprises Viniyoga. T.K.V. Desikacher, the son of Krishnamacharya, continues these practices in the present time, but has tried to distance himself from this label. He prefers a freer approach to teaching his father's ideals of yoga. He and his son teach and lecture in their base in India and also travel the world, as well.

Viniyoga is taught on a one-to-one basis, usually. Because of this, it has great potential in a therapeutic capacity. A Viniyoga teacher will assess the curent state of the student, including phycally, mentally, and emotionally. Then they will devise a yoga practice for the student to follow at home. This is a truly holistic approach and can be used as a rebalancing practice for any sphere. If the student has special circumstances of a specific personal goal in mind, this is the type of Hatha yoga that will work the best. This type of yoga is fit each individual. The personal situation of each student is also taken into consideration.

The yoga practice that is prescibed, after the completely personal consultation, can be based on several approaches. These could include devotional or physical practices, chanting of the Vedas, breath work, or meditation. The Vedas are texts of ancient knowledge. The prescription may even include activities that are considered to be outside the realm of yoga, such as playing a musical instrument. The postures of Viniyoga are flowed into and out of, in time with the breathing.

No matter what type of yoga you choose to participate in, this form of exercise works more than just body. Hopefully, this information will provide you with ammunition to make an informed choice about the type of yoga you would like to participate in.