TRADITION
The Yoga School NY is in the tradition of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888-1989), considered one of the greatest yoga masters of the 20th century. Born in South India, Krishnamacharya had advanced degrees in all six philosophical systems of Indian philosophy, including the system of classical yoga. Combining elements of Ayurvedic healing with yogic practice techniques, he became a renowned healer in his time, treating various dignitaries of the ruling classes and making a name for himself as a yoga master. His main students were his brother-in-law BKS Iyengar, his son TKV Desikachar, K. Pattabhi Jois, Indra Devi, Srivatsa Ramaswami and AG Mohan. What distinguished Krishnamacharya’s approach as a yoga teacher and healer was his utmost concern for the individual student’s needs.
One of Krishnamacharya’s great innovations in yoga was his emphasis on combining conscious breathing (pranayama) with the practice of yogic physical postures (asana-s). In this way what could be a purely physical exercise regimen becomes "holistic," engaging body, breath and mind. In addition to conscious breathing, elements of chanting, visualization, and meditation are incorporated into the practice to address all levels: physical, energetic, mental, emotional and spiritual.
One of Krishnamacharya’s great innovations in yoga was his emphasis on combining conscious breathing (pranayama) with the practice of yogic physical postures (asana-s). In this way what could be a purely physical exercise regimen becomes "holistic," engaging body, breath and mind. In addition to conscious breathing, elements of chanting, visualization, and meditation are incorporated into the practice to address all levels: physical, energetic, mental, emotional and spiritual.
TKV Desikachar (1938-2016), son and student of the legendary Sri T. Krishnamacharya, was one of today's most respected and knowledgeable yoga teachers and yoga therapists. He is the founder of the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM), a government recognized Public Charitable Trust, located in Chennai, South India. The KYM is a leading institution in the field of yoga therapy, yoga studies, and research. Hundreds of patients every year find relief from various illnesses and conditions through the one-on-one sessions offered by KYM's teachers.
What sets apart yoga teachings in this tradition is great sensitivity to the individual student’s needs. The yoga practice is tailored to the student's current requirements, taking into account the student's age, occupation, life circumstances, interests and capacities. Adaptations of postures, breathing ratios, chanting, and meditative practices are offered to maximize the individual's benefits and minimize the risk of inappropriate efforts, making the practice useful, meaningful, and oftentimes therapeutic and transformative.
What sets apart yoga teachings in this tradition is great sensitivity to the individual student’s needs. The yoga practice is tailored to the student's current requirements, taking into account the student's age, occupation, life circumstances, interests and capacities. Adaptations of postures, breathing ratios, chanting, and meditative practices are offered to maximize the individual's benefits and minimize the risk of inappropriate efforts, making the practice useful, meaningful, and oftentimes therapeutic and transformative.