In a nutshell… As a style of practice, Viniyoga refers to an approach to Yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of the individual.  As a result, each person learns and applies what will most help him or her in their process of self-discovery and personal transformation.

As individuals on our own paths in life, we are all at different places, with different bodies, different histories and probably different goals and starting places for yoga as well.  “Vini” comes from the Sanskrit - to start from where you are and proceed gradually, intelligently and patiently towards your goals.

Viniyoga, in the broadest sense then, is not so much a yoga “style” with preset predictable sequences (like Ashtanga or Kripalu) or rigorous definitions of postures (like Iyengar).  Viniyoga is an approach that refuses to standardize (and genercize) practice.  Viniyoga is more like a “HOW” then a “WHAT“.  It’s a method that, given a teacher’s range of knowledge and experience, attempts to discern which techniques, postures, philosophy, etc should be adapted to this individual’s or group’s unique and changing needs.

Viniyoga can provide challenging and progressive practices for the healthiest and most able-bodied student, as well as gentle restorative practices to assist students with health conditions or students who need special care. During classes, each student is given the option of adaptations for poses that are not suitable for their body type or condition. By using these modified approaches, each student is able to experience the benefits of the entire practice.  Personal practices are developed one-on-one to achieve more specific goals or when a class environment is not suitable.  The belief is that ANYONE can practice a yoga relevant for them, and experience this tradition’s multi-faceted benefits.

Given the scope of practice, the heritage of the lineage and the many therapeutic applications, the training requirements for Viniyoga teachers are extensive and ongoing.

What does a Viniyoga class look like?

There are no set practices for Viniyoga, but there are core principles of breath and movement.  The asana (postures) practice for most adults is characterized by the conscious integration of breath and movement.  Unlike many other physical activities in our culture where we’re encouraged to push the body by sheer force of will, Viniyoga encourages us to work with the body by attending to the rhythm of breath. This cultivation of ‘breath awareness’ means Viniyoga classes take on a graceful fluidity.  Breath is an instant feedback mechanism that informs us of our physical, emotional and mental state if only we take time to listen. It’s often the first doorway into a new relationshop of body-mind.

Practice over time develops strength and stability along with a long and steady, smooth and subtle breath.  A teacher tries to find a way to achieve the desired function of a movement given the limitations of the individual, rather than insisting on a generic ”look”.  Practices vary repeating or holding according to the level of the student.  Other key elements include careful attention to purposeful sequencing, the use of meditation or prayer, chanting, self-reflection, and study of the texts when appropriate.

Viniyoga and a Yoga for the West…

In the West, most students start yoga for physical fitness, stress relief and perhaps a craving for something deeper.  As they continue their practice, they may discover a new relationship with their bodies, a less agitated and judgmental mental state, a new need for stillness and connecting with their inner spiritual life and resources, however that is defined personally.

The classic goal of Yoga is a calm, clear, focused mind.  In fact, the first definition of yoga is “Yoga is the cessation of the troubling fluctuations/agitations of the mind” (then what follows is a description of how conscious physical movement and regulated breath, plus attention to social and personal ethics can help achieve that goal).  Persevering practice helps us correct our paths to observe more clearly, act more wisely, connect more deeply.  Although in the West, we seldom go further than the two percent of this tradition focused on postures (!), Yoga is one of the world’s great wisdom traditions with limitless potential for the serious seeker.

Viniyoga is the Yoga of T. Krishnamacharya and continued by his son T.K.V. Desikachar.  It’s a long and influential Yoga tradition well known for a broad, deep and individual approach to practice.  Krishnmacharya is sometimes said to have launched the yoga renaissance still sweeping the world.