viniyoga of Yoga
viniyoga of Yoga - 121
08/02/12 19:09
The concept of the viniyoga of Yoga is a fundamental hallmark of the teachings of T Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar. It is the application (viniyoga) of Yoga to the person rather than the person to Yoga. It requires a profound understanding of only 3 numbers in order for it to work as intended by Krishnamacharya and Desikachar
- 121.
Courtesy - Paul Harvey Yoga Quotes Page
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Prāṇāyāma within Rāja Yoga and Haṭha Yoga
06/01/12 06:30
Some excerpts from an article by Paul Harvey outlining the viniyoga (application) of prāṇāyāma from a Rāja Yoga and a Haṭha Yoga perspective.
“In the Rāja Yoga approach, as delineated in texts such as the Yoga Sūtra, the practice of Prāṇāyāma is focused around developing and refining the principles of attention, timing and number of breaths.
The fruits of this approach are a reduction in confusion (Yoga Sūtra C2 v52) and fitness for the first steps in the meditative process (Yoga Sūtra C2 v53) towards cultivating an experience of being filled with a subtle sense of stillness (Yoga Sūtra C1 v3).
“In the Haṭha Yoga approach, as delineated in texts such as the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, the practice of Prāṇāyāma is focused around developing and refining the principles of using two primary channels (īḍā and piṅgalā) through a variety techniques to effect a śodhana (clearing of blockages) of the nāḍī (channels for prāṇa).”
“…..the practice of Prāṇāyāma links the student to the more refined aspects of dhāraṇā (concentration) and dhyānam (meditation) as a seated practice.”
Read full article. The article is also available as a downloadable PDF, courtesy of Dharma Downloads
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“In the Rāja Yoga approach, as delineated in texts such as the Yoga Sūtra, the practice of Prāṇāyāma is focused around developing and refining the principles of attention, timing and number of breaths.
The fruits of this approach are a reduction in confusion (Yoga Sūtra C2 v52) and fitness for the first steps in the meditative process (Yoga Sūtra C2 v53) towards cultivating an experience of being filled with a subtle sense of stillness (Yoga Sūtra C1 v3).
“In the Haṭha Yoga approach, as delineated in texts such as the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, the practice of Prāṇāyāma is focused around developing and refining the principles of using two primary channels (īḍā and piṅgalā) through a variety techniques to effect a śodhana (clearing of blockages) of the nāḍī (channels for prāṇa).”
“…..the practice of Prāṇāyāma links the student to the more refined aspects of dhāraṇā (concentration) and dhyānam (meditation) as a seated practice.”
Read full article. The article is also available as a downloadable PDF, courtesy of Dharma Downloads
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Gary Kraftsow on Yoga Today
20/10/11 20:08
TKV Desikachar quote
15/10/11 20:15
“Yoga is a journey from dependency to independence”
(TKV Desikachar from “What are we Seeking”)
Yoga in the 21st Century
15/10/11 12:04
Some excerpts from an interview with TKV Desikachar, at a symposium on “Yoga and the XX1st Century, South of France, 1999.
“In Yoga we have this fundamental idea - anything that disturbs a person, including illness and disease, can be helped if we can act on the mind. What is so special about yoga is that it gives us a way to strengthen our mind. When the mind gets stronger, we can face illness and we feel healthier.”
“…..ancient yoga texts have said that disease and mind are interrelated. If we are sick, our mind is disturbed. If the mind is agitated, we become sick. I am happy that modern science has recognised this. There is no incompatibility here.”
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“In Yoga we have this fundamental idea - anything that disturbs a person, including illness and disease, can be helped if we can act on the mind. What is so special about yoga is that it gives us a way to strengthen our mind. When the mind gets stronger, we can face illness and we feel healthier.”
“…..ancient yoga texts have said that disease and mind are interrelated. If we are sick, our mind is disturbed. If the mind is agitated, we become sick. I am happy that modern science has recognised this. There is no incompatibility here.”
Download full interview
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Response to 3 Yoga Questions for a Media Article
07/10/11 11:16
The following post on Paul Harvey’s cYs Journal include insightful answers to questions typical of the type that are often asked in relation to Yoga.
A few months ago Paul was asked to provide ‘expert quotes’ in response to three questions for a media article by a freelance journalist for MSN on a Yoga related issue. Paul’s reflections below taken directly from the cYs Journal page.
Q1. What are some examples of illnesses or ailments that can improve or be cured with the use of Yoga?
“It is not possible to give examples of illnesses or ailments that can be improved as it all depends on the matrix of the person who may also have certain combinations of problems. A student with cancer may improve or a student with a history of colds may experience little change.
The viewpoint of Yoga is to look at people as individuals and work from there rather than the more usual view of making lists of problems with flash card like answers to a specific problem. e.g.. Sciatica, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Osteo-arthrosis, Chron’s Disease, etc.
Yoga says that we are all individuals who also have from time to time chronic or acute illnesses or ailments. In this view one hallmark is that the practice must be adapted to the individual and their current situation and immediate potential rather than expecting the individual to adapt to the practice.
This means that two individuals with the same symptoms may need very different approaches to practice and lifestyle choices because of their history, mindset and opportunity and intentions for implementing change.
Yoga also tells us that nothing is destroyed so nothing is ‘cured’. We can perhaps reduce the symptoms to the point where they are dormant. Given the right sun, soil and moisture they can ‘sprout’ again. So cure is not a term that can be applied.
Yoga Psychology says being symptom free also implies that we still have to take care as the seeds can be re-activated given the right stimuli.”
Q2. Is there a certain type of Yoga which is more beneficial, when it comes to health, than other types?
“Any approach to Yoga which facilitates meeting with a student, developing an understanding of their unique background, looking at the opportunities for change which exist for the student in the immediate and near future, being able to propose a personalised practice appropriate to their situation and meeting regularly to both review and progress the practice according to the experiences and feedback from the student.
This is really only realisable through 121 lessons, though not of the type offered by many which are comparable to a group class for one. A more comparable example would be to consulting a homeopath, or acupuncturist, or medical herbalist, or counsellor, where there is time, attention and personalised support and treatment offered.”
Q3. Is there a certain type of Yoga that can prove especially beneficial to those with asthma, and if so, why is this type of Yoga particularly good?
“As the physical basis of asthma is experienced through its effects on the breath, any approach that sees the breath as the canvas on which the pictures of the poses are painted could be helpful. Along with an approach that has the integral and intimate use of the breath in practice as a first priority, the study and application of the principles of Yoga Psychology would be very relevant to working with issues that could well underpin the students history of symptoms and personal experiences.”
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A few months ago Paul was asked to provide ‘expert quotes’ in response to three questions for a media article by a freelance journalist for MSN on a Yoga related issue. Paul’s reflections below taken directly from the cYs Journal page.
Q1. What are some examples of illnesses or ailments that can improve or be cured with the use of Yoga?
“It is not possible to give examples of illnesses or ailments that can be improved as it all depends on the matrix of the person who may also have certain combinations of problems. A student with cancer may improve or a student with a history of colds may experience little change.
The viewpoint of Yoga is to look at people as individuals and work from there rather than the more usual view of making lists of problems with flash card like answers to a specific problem. e.g.. Sciatica, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Osteo-arthrosis, Chron’s Disease, etc.
Yoga says that we are all individuals who also have from time to time chronic or acute illnesses or ailments. In this view one hallmark is that the practice must be adapted to the individual and their current situation and immediate potential rather than expecting the individual to adapt to the practice.
This means that two individuals with the same symptoms may need very different approaches to practice and lifestyle choices because of their history, mindset and opportunity and intentions for implementing change.
Yoga also tells us that nothing is destroyed so nothing is ‘cured’. We can perhaps reduce the symptoms to the point where they are dormant. Given the right sun, soil and moisture they can ‘sprout’ again. So cure is not a term that can be applied.
Yoga Psychology says being symptom free also implies that we still have to take care as the seeds can be re-activated given the right stimuli.”
Q2. Is there a certain type of Yoga which is more beneficial, when it comes to health, than other types?
“Any approach to Yoga which facilitates meeting with a student, developing an understanding of their unique background, looking at the opportunities for change which exist for the student in the immediate and near future, being able to propose a personalised practice appropriate to their situation and meeting regularly to both review and progress the practice according to the experiences and feedback from the student.
This is really only realisable through 121 lessons, though not of the type offered by many which are comparable to a group class for one. A more comparable example would be to consulting a homeopath, or acupuncturist, or medical herbalist, or counsellor, where there is time, attention and personalised support and treatment offered.”
Q3. Is there a certain type of Yoga that can prove especially beneficial to those with asthma, and if so, why is this type of Yoga particularly good?
“As the physical basis of asthma is experienced through its effects on the breath, any approach that sees the breath as the canvas on which the pictures of the poses are painted could be helpful. Along with an approach that has the integral and intimate use of the breath in practice as a first priority, the study and application of the principles of Yoga Psychology would be very relevant to working with issues that could well underpin the students history of symptoms and personal experiences.”
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Yoga Classes Rathgar - September 2011
03/09/11 07:09
Yoga classes recommencing on Wednesday 4th and Monday 9th May at at the Winton Practice, Rathgar. Times are 6:30 & 8:00 each evening.
Classes are suitable for both beginners and continuers.
For more information and schedule.
Classes are suitable for both beginners and continuers.
For more information and schedule.
Yoga Room at Winton Practice Rathgar
Change & Growth - AG Mohan
03/09/11 06:48
Conversation with TKV Desikachar
30/08/11 08:27
“The whole definition of Yoga is, Whatever quiets the mind, do it”
Read full conversation here
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Read full conversation here
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Learning from Life - Wisdom of the Yoga Sutra
29/08/11 06:19
Excerpts from an article by Paul Harvey published in cYs Journal exploring the wisdom of the Yoga Sūtra and the application of this wisdom to our everyday lives.
“Buried within the rich traditions of “on the mat” Yoga practice are many teachings with advice and reflections on how to live more creatively whilst off the mat so to speak.”
“According to the teachings of Yoga, the postural practices of āsana, the breathing practices of prāṇāyāma, and other seated practices of meditation or dhyānam such as chant or japam (repetition of mantra) or reflecting on subtle aspects of attitudes or natural phenomena, sit within a framework of daily living and its constant dynamic of helpful actions and positive responses or unhelpful actions and negative re-actions.”
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“Buried within the rich traditions of “on the mat” Yoga practice are many teachings with advice and reflections on how to live more creatively whilst off the mat so to speak.”
“According to the teachings of Yoga, the postural practices of āsana, the breathing practices of prāṇāyāma, and other seated practices of meditation or dhyānam such as chant or japam (repetition of mantra) or reflecting on subtle aspects of attitudes or natural phenomena, sit within a framework of daily living and its constant dynamic of helpful actions and positive responses or unhelpful actions and negative re-actions.”
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TKV Desikachar on Healing
27/08/11 06:41
“Yoga is so much more than mere physical postures. Sound, breathing exercises, meditation, personal attitudes are as much a part, if it concerns healing. The method has to be adapted to each person individually.” Download full interview with TKV Desikachar.
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Exercise Guidelines Recommend Yoga
13/08/11 06:05
Important new guidelines were issued in July 2011 outlining the amount of exercise adults and children need to do to stay healthy. They are based on a comprehensive review of the latest scientific evidence regarding physical activity and health. The new guidelines include the following points:
• The intensity at which we exercise is key, heartbeat must be raised
• The more exercise you do, the better
• Sedentary time (time spent sitting down to watch TV, use a computer, etc) is bad for your health
The guidelines, which are now much more in line with those used in the United States, also include recommendations for muscle-building and bone-strengthening, for which lifting weights and Yoga are recommended activities.
For more detailed information
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• The intensity at which we exercise is key, heartbeat must be raised
• The more exercise you do, the better
• Sedentary time (time spent sitting down to watch TV, use a computer, etc) is bad for your health
The guidelines, which are now much more in line with those used in the United States, also include recommendations for muscle-building and bone-strengthening, for which lifting weights and Yoga are recommended activities.
For more detailed information
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Questions about Yoga….
05/08/11 21:23
I like this post from ‘Paul’s Musings on Yoga Today’. Paul was recently asked to provide ‘expert quotes’ in response to three questions for a media article by a freelance journalist for MSN on a Yoga related issue. The questions are questions that are often asked in relation to Yoga. His reflections are thought provoking and reflect the intelligence and solid principles underpinning the application (viniyoga) of Yoga.
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Yoga as a View - Paul Harvey
03/08/11 21:13
From an article by Paul Harvey published in cYs Journal “It is interesting these days that as a Yoga teacher the question I am more likely to be asked is ‘What kind of Yoga do you do?’ rather than ‘What is Yoga?’. It’s either that we think we already know what Yoga is or, more likely, that the view is becoming lost within the myriad of ways in which Yoga is offered.”
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Gary Kraftsow - Yoga Journal Conference
03/08/11 20:52
Gary Kraftsow on Yoga Therapy and Your Mood
03/08/11 20:23
Excerpts from an interview with Gary Kraftsow by The Sacred Cow on Yoga therapy, and, in particular, the application of Yoga therapy for anxiety and depression.
“Yoga therapy can be used for a full breadth of conditions from back pain to cancer or clinical depression. It’s very effective for structural problems and physiological problems, but it also has great teachings on how to work with cognitive, mood, and behavioral disorders. The whole text of Patañjali is fundamentally about transformation of mind.”
“Yoga therapy empowers people to begin the healing process and transform themselves.”
Full interview here
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“Yoga therapy can be used for a full breadth of conditions from back pain to cancer or clinical depression. It’s very effective for structural problems and physiological problems, but it also has great teachings on how to work with cognitive, mood, and behavioral disorders. The whole text of Patañjali is fundamentally about transformation of mind.”
“Yoga therapy empowers people to begin the healing process and transform themselves.”
Full interview here
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Understanding viniyoga
30/07/11 22:23
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. This method was used in order to make the depth and essence of Yoga accessible to Western students.
For more on the principle of viniyoga read article by Kausthub Desikachar
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For more on the principle of viniyoga read article by Kausthub Desikachar
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