The Yoga We Teach

The Yoga That We Teach…

Representing The Classical Teachings Of Yoga

We teach Yoga in the authentic teaching tradition of T.Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar. KHYF is the only organization from India that represents the family of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar and is therefore strongly rooted in the classical teachings of Yoga represented by these two Yoga masters. We teach Yoga as it was understood by the Yogis of the past, as a spiritual, energetic and holistic practice that is connected to the sacred texts of the Vedas and the Rishis of the past, yet we ‘translate’ the knowledge so that modern day practitioners can understand and apply it.

 

 

One-To-One

The most important principle of our tradition is that the needs of each individual; their physical, mental, emotional, psychological state, as well as their wants, lifestyle, spiritual path and outlook need to be respected. Therefore each of our students gets their own personalized practice that he or she has to practice on her or his own. The practices we give are holistic in nature, they address not just the physical layer, but also the energetical, emotional, psychological, mental and spiritual layers of our existence. Because of the personalization of the practices, they can render profound changes and can address problems, blockages and diseases in the physical, emotional, mental, psychological and spiritual layer. Teaching students one-to-one is the most important requisite of Yoga, as everyone of us is different and needs a different practice to thrive, heal, evolve and grow.

 

 
Utilizing All The Tools Of Yoga

In our tradition all the different tools of Yoga are used to support a person’s journey.In our tradition all the different tools of Yoga are used to support a person’s journey. Our most important tools include Asanas (Postures), Pranayama (Breathing Techniques), Mantras and Vedic Chanting, Bhavana (Visualization), Mudras (Seals), Bandhas ( specific locks that can release trapped energy), Dhyanam (Meditation), Nyasa (Placements), Ahara (Dietary Suggestions) and Vihara (Lifestyle Suggestions).

 

 

 
Finding Your Voice: Vedic Chanting

One of the special disciplines that our Acarya Tirumalai Krishnamacharya propagated for our path of Yoga is Vedic Chanting. Traditionally the practice of chanting sections from the Vedas was only allowed for male Brahmins who had to be initiated. It was Krishnamacharya who opened the doors of Vedic Chanting to every sincere seeker, knowing well that it could benefit many people intensly on their own spiritual journeys. The study of Vedic Chanting is referred to as ‘Adhyayanam’, which means coming closer to yourself. It is a process in which we not just literally find our own voice, but often discover deeper layers of our true Self and remember our connection to the divine. The chants from the Vedas were received by the ancient Rishis in a state of deep meditation, they are ‘apaurusheya’, not made by mankind and therefore sacred. There are strict rules that adhere to the pronunciation and grammar of the Vedic Chants which ensure that the texts are chanted in the same manner as the Rishis have received them centuries ago. Only then the same sacred vibration is produced and will render the expected results. Chanting the Vedas is one of the disciplines that we still teach and promote strongly in our center. It is also integrated in the Yoga practices that we prescribe, but moreover holds a special position in our studies, as we also train people to become Vedic Chant Teacher Trainers and enable people to become adept in reciting and sharing mantras.

A Healing Journey: Yoga Therapy

One of the biggest obstacles on our spiritual path is any form of disease, be it in our body, mind or spirit. A process of engaging with Yoga as a healing device is nowadays known as Yoga Cikitsaka or Yoga Therapy. In Yoga Therapy the focus of the Yoga practices lies in the alleviation of pain or sickness. Therefore all the tools of Yoga are applied adequately to facilitate healing in an individual. The Yogis of the past understood that the different layers of our existence like mind, psyche and body are intrinsicly interconnected. Therefore to enable healing, one has to work with a holistic healing modality such as Yoga, which can render subtle and profound changes in different dimensions. Apart from Yoga’s tools, Yoga Therapy is also closely associated with a refined knowledge of Ayurveda, including the three different consititutions (doshas), pulse reading and dietary recommendations. T. Krishnamacharya was known as an exceptional healer who even knew how to mix Ayurvedic medicines by himself. T.K.V. Desikachar is known as the most famous Yoga Therapist of modern times and founded the world’s first Yoga Therapy Clinic in Chennai in 1976. With their great dedication to healing, Yoga Therapy forms an integral part of our teaching tradition. Careseekers from around the world seek Yoga Therapy sessions in our center or over SKYPE to find relief from a multitude of different diseases ranging from asthma over depression up to insomnia. In order to spread the knowledge on Yoga Therapy around the world, we also train Yoga Teachers in an in-depth training over three years to become highly qualified Yoga Therapists.

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