The principle that supports the teaching of Yoga according to the needs and circumstances of the individual has long been referred to as ‘viniyoga’.
The term ‘viniyoga’ became associated with TKV Desikachar’s method of teaching Yoga. Whilst not approving the term 'Viniyoga' as an approach or brand name, the viniyoga of Yoga is the fundamental principle in terms of how Yoga is applied according to the needs and circumstances of the individual.
The term 'viniyoga' means application. Applied to Yoga it helps to make the depth and essence of Yoga accessible to all students and helps to make Yoga appropriate to their personal situation. This can be illustrated by the following quote from TKV Desikachar.
"Yoga is a mystery. It does not mean the same thing to each and everyone. In spite of the vast field it covers from curing chronic ailments, to extra-sensory perception etc, hardly anyone is able to define it in simple terms.
Where is then the hope of experiencing its true significance? What about the risks of inappropriate use of Yoga methods and practices? Why are so many people all over the world taking the word and the substance of Yoga so lightly, so ridiculously? Like everything, Yoga must be presented intelligently. It should be spoken of carefully and offered according to the aspiration, requirement and the culture of the individual. This should be done in stages. Systematic application of Yoga, - be it concerned with physical exercises, deep breathing, relaxation, meditation, lifestyle, food, studies - is the need of the day. This I believe - is what the word viniyoga represents."
The term ‘viniyoga’ became associated with TKV Desikachar’s method of teaching Yoga. Whilst not approving the term 'Viniyoga' as an approach or brand name, the viniyoga of Yoga is the fundamental principle in terms of how Yoga is applied according to the needs and circumstances of the individual.
The term 'viniyoga' means application. Applied to Yoga it helps to make the depth and essence of Yoga accessible to all students and helps to make Yoga appropriate to their personal situation. This can be illustrated by the following quote from TKV Desikachar.
"Yoga is a mystery. It does not mean the same thing to each and everyone. In spite of the vast field it covers from curing chronic ailments, to extra-sensory perception etc, hardly anyone is able to define it in simple terms.
Where is then the hope of experiencing its true significance? What about the risks of inappropriate use of Yoga methods and practices? Why are so many people all over the world taking the word and the substance of Yoga so lightly, so ridiculously? Like everything, Yoga must be presented intelligently. It should be spoken of carefully and offered according to the aspiration, requirement and the culture of the individual. This should be done in stages. Systematic application of Yoga, - be it concerned with physical exercises, deep breathing, relaxation, meditation, lifestyle, food, studies - is the need of the day. This I believe - is what the word viniyoga represents."
It comprises the application of physical movement, deep breathing, relaxation, meditation, lifestyle, food, studies, according to the person and their current situation.
The primary aim is to apply Yoga according to the individual, their needs and situation, through respecting differences in age, gender, mental and physical health, lifestyle, occupation and interest.
Care has been taken to try to preserve the spirit of transmission of these Yoga teachings which emphasise:
The primary aim is to apply Yoga according to the individual, their needs and situation, through respecting differences in age, gender, mental and physical health, lifestyle, occupation and interest.
Care has been taken to try to preserve the spirit of transmission of these Yoga teachings which emphasise:
- Adaptation of all aspects of Yoga practice to our needs and potential, integrating Yoga postures with movement, breath and awareness, for improved physical and mental health.
- A process that moves from teaching Yoga adapted to our outer limitations towards one that explores our inner potentials.
- The precise use of the breath as a primary tool to influence a person’s mental and physical well being.
- The value of the relationship between the Yoga teacher, the Yoga teachings, the Yoga student and their Yoga practice.
What are the distinctive characteristics of the viniyoga of Yoga methodology?
- Movement may be dynamic ie movement in and out of a posture. Work in a posture may be static where a posture is held for a number of breaths.
- Breath is emphasised as the medium for movement in postures. Patterns of breathing are adapted to create different effects.
- Postures are adapted in accordance with the individual and the desired effect.
- The emphasis is on the function of the posture rather than the form of the posture.
- Postures are sequenced in specific ways depending on the desired goal or effect.
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