Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic flow of postures connected together by breath. Many practitioners consider this discipline to be an invigorating session for the body and mind.

The root of Vinyasa in Sanskrit is vi, which means, “in a special way”, and nyasa, which means, “to place”. Vinyasa is a term used to describe a style of yoga itself, as well as a category of other forms of yoga. While there is some accuracy to both attributions, a more exact meaning of Vinyasa is a method by which to help a student progress from one point to the next point through a combination of movement and breath.

Some forms of yoga are more static in the posturing: achieve a pose, hold it, extend it, release and reposition. In Vinyasa, the move into the posture and the breath that links the motion is as important as the pose itself.

The confusion is a result of many studios and instructors assigning a simple sequence of postures to the term “vinyasa”. There aren’t asanas that make up a particular Vinyasa style, such as with Bikram Yoga, that are practiced over and over. The philosophy of Vinyasa permits an exploration of student needs with the principles of the method incorporated into any physical style the student chooses. So, a student of Hatha Yoga can meld Vinyasa into his or her practice.

Having said that, many practitioners follow the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga six series, developed by the renowned instructor Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, when they set out to perform a traditional Vinyasa style. If you’ve practiced the Sun Salutation Sequence, for example, then you’ve experienced a set of Vinyasa Yoga postures. However, this sequence is only a fragment of a traditional session.

It’s common to associate yoga simply with physical action. Becoming aware of your body outside of general care is, indeed, a gateway to a greater comprehension of your ability.

Experts of Vinyasa like T. Krishnamacharya encouraged students to embrace the idea of transformation as the main purpose of yoga. The challenge is for each individual to tap into what he or she desires to change, and using Vinyasa as a vehicle to accomplish that.

How is that different from other yoga styles? It’s not so much different as it is a complement to the foundation of yoga. It should affect all areas of your life, not just physical motion. This level of enlightenment is the true goal of any yoga practice.

If you’re interested in this intense yogic experience, try the following resources.

• The Complete Book of Vinyasa, by Srivatsa Ramaswami. Ramaswami studied with T. Krishnamacharya for more than 30 years to understand Vinyasa and presents a comprehensive practice and educational guide.
• Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series, by R.Sharath. The grandson of Pattabhi Jois, R. Sharath, is the master’s only student to reach the sixth series in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. He demonstrates a solitary routine in a serene setting. Watch some clips of the DVD here.
• Fluid Power: Vinyasa Flow Yoga, by Shiva Rea. The founder of “Yoga Shakti” created a dreamy, dance-like expression of Vinyasa Yoga that features both long flow and short flow sequences. Another disc in the set explains alignment, technique, and expert commentary.
• Kate Potter’s Namaste Yoga, found on FitTV in the U.S., CityTV in Canada, Canadian Learning Television, and on DVD. The program focuses on Hatha Vinyasa yoga, and is well-produced. Potter’s instruction is delicate, warm, and focused.
• Yoga Journal: Baron Baptiste's Foundations of Power Vinyasa Yoga. Filmed at a Yoga Journal conference, this DVD sets Baptiste’s Power Yoga method to a more intense athletic flow.
• Yoga Cards, by Mark Giubarelli. This innovative Vinyasa card series is a helpful pictorial of many asanas used in Vinyasa flow. You can sign up for free tutorials, too.

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