The Father of Yoga: Tirumalai Krishnamacharya

cre: The Father of Yoga: Tirumalai Krishnamacharya

Yoga is a practice that strengthens physical, mental and spiritual discipline. It helps you realize yourself and helps develop harmony between mind and body. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is known as the father of modern yoga and had a significant influence on the development of postural yoga.

The word ‘yoga’ comes from the word ‘yuj’ which means ‘to bind’. There is scientific evidence that yoga is beneficial for our overall well-being. Yoga has evolved a lot over the years. In recent days, when people are suffering from several health issues due to stressful lifestyle, yoga is an effective way to fight stress and get in tune with yourself. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the father of yoga, refined yoga poses and made meditation an integral part of the practice. He said “yoga was India’s greatest gift to the world”. His teachings reflect that yoga is both a spiritual practice and a mode of physical healing. Her style of yoga focuses on asanas to improve physical postures, pranayamafor the regulation of breathing and dhyana which is meditation.

Here’s everything you need to know about the father of modern yoga, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya.

Life of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya was born on November 18, 1888 in Mysore. He was named Krishna by his parents and the suffix “Acharya” was added to his name after he became a great teacher. He studied the scriptures thoroughly, followed the teachings of the Vedas and his gurus and taught others.

Education

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya has toured extensively across India teaching and promoting yoga as a practice for healing and achieving oneness with oneself.

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, in his youth, traveled through India studying in depth the six darśanas. In 1906, he attended the Royal College of Mysore which he left to settle in Benaras. There he spent time studying Sanskrit, logic and grammar as well as mimasa. Krishnamacharya, also received extensive teachings on Vedanta philosophy under Sri Krishna Brahmatantra Swami when he was back in Mysore. He earned degrees in all six darśanas or Indian philosophies. In 1914, he took courses at Queens College where he obtained several teaching certificates. After that, he went to study at the University of Patna and received a scholarship to study Ayurveda. He also went to the Himalayas and learned yoga with Yogi Ramamohana Brahmachari.

Instruction

Krishnamacharya, under the patronage of the King of Mysore, traveled across India giving lectures and demonstrations and promoting yoga in the country. He emphasized on asanas and pranayama. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the father of yoga is the architect of vinyāsa. Vinyasa means combining breath and movement and this style of yoga has come to be known as Viniyoga or Vinyasa Krama Yoga. Krishnamacharya’s instruction followed an underlying principle which was to “teach what is appropriate for the individual”. He also established a yoga shala in Mysore. According to him, a healthy body is free from disease, which will ensure that the mind is free from worries.

Achievements

Krishnamacharya was a world famous yogi, however, he was also a healer who used the principles of yoga and Ayurveda to aid in the well-being of people. He has also written four books on yoga – Makaranda Yoga (1934), Yogaasanagalu (circa 1941), Yoga Rahasyaand Yogavalli (Chapter 1 – 1988). Moreover, he also composed poems, hymns and commentaries in Sanskrit. Among his important works are the Yoga Valli and the Dhyanamalika, which is a composition on the practice of dhyana.

Krishnamacharya also obtained degrees in philosophy, divinity, philology and music and was a highly regarded scholar. He was offered the position of Acharya at the Srivaishnava sampradaya twice, which he declined.

Interesting facts about the father of yoga:

• Krishnamacharya did not limit himself to what he had learned from his teachers or from his own tradition. He understood and combined what he had learned from his teachings in North India with those of South India.
• Krishnamacharya had a great ability to heal people. He believed that yoga and diet changes were able to treat sick people. He once helped the British governor who was suffering from diabetes.
• Krishnamacharya’s quest for knowledge was endless. Not only yoga, he was also well versed in Ayurveda, pulse reading and many other areas of expertise.
• Krishnamacharya, through yoga, assisted each person individually and addressed their problems. He insisted that yoga practices must be adapted to fit that person and allow them to heal.
• The power of breathing according to him can heal physical and mental illnesses.
• Krishnamacharya played an important role in promoting yoga for women. Rahasya Yoga emphasizes the same.
• Krishnamacharya understood the different backgrounds of his students and adapted his teachings accordingly.
• Krishnamacharya yoga has not only become popular in India but has also spread to Europe, Asia and America.
• Krishnamacharya was extremely humble and never called himself a guru even after gaining such popularity in the field of yoga. He believed in simplicity and influenced many minds.

Krishnamacharya’s Yoga Styles

The styles of yoga popularized by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya help achieve balance between mind, body and soul.

1. Vinyoga

Viniyoga, which comes from the word vinyāsa, teaches movement in relation to your breathing. This style of yoga helps create inner awareness and helps you feel how your body responds to movement. It also helps improve your core stability.

2. Krama Vinyasa

It is a yoga method that helps you explore the potentials of the body. When you practice this form of yoga, you achieve mental peace and ultimate spiritual freedom.

3. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

This yoga allows a harmonization of movement and breathing. Practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga gives you flexibility, strength, endurance, and a focused, calm mind.

4. Power Yoga

Power yoga is a vigorous, fitness-based style of yoga. It can also be accompanied by a minimum of meditation and chanting.

Yoga benefits people of all ages. Yoga allows you to reconnect with your inner self. Here are some benefits of instilling the practice of Yoga in students:

1. Yoga is a holistic tool for good health and fitness.
2. Yoga improves memory power and concentration. When your mind is alert, you can receive more of it, and yoga helps shape young minds.
3. Personality growth helps you succeed and this is a positive effect of yoga.
4. Aligning mind, body, and spirit helps you get a better outlook on life.

Final Thoughts

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya single handedly popularized yoga in India and left a legacy for future generations. Its students include some of the most renowned and influential teachers, such as Indira Devi, BKS Iyenger, etc. For Krishnamacharya, the path of yoga meant different things to different people and each person needed to be taught in a way that resonated with them. In other words, he viewed yoga as an incredibly personal experience and practice.

FAQs

Q1. What is the importance of yoga?

Responnse – The art of practicing yoga allows you to be in harmony with your mind, body and soul. It makes you calm, helps manage stress and anxiety. Modern yoga incorporates meditation and breathwork, which helps students improve their concentration.

Q2. When is the best time to practice yoga?

Responnse – The ideal time to practice yoga is early in the morning.

Q3. Do I need rest days after yoga?

Responnse – Rest days are extremely important when practicing yoga daily. They allow your body and mind to rest and rejuvenate.

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