Vinyasa Yoga in Nepal
6 Mar 2020 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Vinyasa is a style of yoga characterized by stringing postures together so that you move from one to another, seamlessly, using breath. Commonly referred to as “flow” yoga,. It is breaking down process of final Posture in sequence. Actually it is the real process of training but not practice for regular Yoga Session.More about VINYASA YOGA in Nepal
Vinyasa Yoga Definition:
As with many things in yoga, the definition is dependent on the context and on who you ask. Below are the more common definitions.
“The Sanskrit word Vinyasa comes from a prefix vi, which means variation, and a suffix, nyasa, which means‘ within prescribed parameters. ’” Srivatsa Ramaswami, student of Krishnamacharya for more than thirty years. He goes on to refer to classical yoga, from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, for the specific parameters: Steadiness (Sthira); Comfort (Sukha); Smooth and Long Breathing (Prayatna Sithila)
They are all vinyasas, progressive sequences that unfold with an inherent harmony and intelligence. “Vinyasa” is derived from the Sanskrit term nyasa, which means “to place,” and the prefix vi, “in a special way” —as in the arrangement of notes in a raga, the steps along a path to the top of a mountain, or the linking of one asana to the next. In the yoga world the most common understanding of vinyasa is as a flowing sequence of specific asanas coordinated with the movements of the breath.
The term Vinyasa is derived from vi, meaning “in a special way.” and nyasa, meaning “to place,” and This indicates that we are not “throwing our bodies around” but are bringing consciousness to each movement in each moment.
The word “vinyasa” can be translated as “arranging something in a special way,” like yoga pose. In vinyasa yoga classes, we should coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to another. Ashtanga Yoga, Jivamukti, Power Yoga, and Prana Flow could all be considered vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa is also the term used to describe a specific sequence of poses e.g. Chaturanga to Upward-Facing Dog to Downward-Facing Dog) commonly used throughout a vinyasa class.
The variable nature of Vinyasa Yoga helps to develop a more balanced body as well as prevent repetitive motion injuries that can happen if you are always doing the same thing every day.
As a philosophy, Vinyasa recognizes the temporary nature of things. We enter into a posture, are there for a while and then leave. While Vinyasa, or Vinyasa-Krama, dates back to the Vedic age — the earliest period of yoga thousands of years ago — it referred to a series, or sequence of steps, to make something sacred.
History of Vinyasa Yoga
The great South Indian master Krishnamacharya, championed the vinyasa approach as central to the transformative process of yoga. But Krishnamacharya had a broader vision of the meaning of vinyasa than most Western students realize. He not only taught specific asana sequences like those of Jois’s system, but he also saw vinyasa as a method that could be applied to all the aspects of yoga. In Krishnamacharya’s teachings, the vinyasa method included assessing the needs of the individual student (or group) and then building a complementary, step-by-step practice to meet those needs. Beyond this, Krishnamacharya also emphasized vinyasa as an artful approach to living, a way of applying the skill and awareness of yoga to all the rhythms and sequences of life, including self-care, relationships, work, and personal evolution.
The movement practice of Vinyasa is said to begin with T Krishnamacharya who has had the largest influence on how yoga, in general, is practiced today. Put all this together and Vinyasa, is a breath initiated practice, that connects every action of our life with the intention of moving towards what is sacred, or most important to us. While Vinyasa Yoga is one of the most popular forms of the practice in the world today, it is not well understood.
More about Vinayasa Yoga in Nepal :
Our yoga styles include: All Levels Vinyasa Yoga, Slow Flow Vinyasa Yoga, Dynamic Flow Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga Fusion (Yoga and Pilates blend), Restorative Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga. This wide range of styles and levels allows you the space to discover what is best for you on any given day. When you find the right style and teacher, you’ll be able to create a steady practice. Once you’ve established a routine, you’ll be able to experience the many benefits of a regular yoga practice. Practice once a week and you will change your mind. Practice three times a week and you will change your body. Practice every day and you can change your life!
Characteristics of Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga connects one posture to the next using the breath. This can be thought of as linking or flowing into postures which is sometimes why it’s called “Flow Yoga”. The opposite of this would be an alignment based class where students engage with a posture, explore it for a period of time and then “break the posture” by coming out.
Vinyasa is synonymous with movement. Moving in and out of postures is the obvious movement but even in stillness Vinyasa is represented by the beat of your heart and inhale / exhale of your breath.
Move with breath. Breath initiates the movement of Vinyasa which is why you’ll hear it referred to as a “breath-synchronized” practice.
Ujjayi Breath is the breathing technique used. It is done by inhaling and exhaling in a rhythmic manner through the nose. The overall sensation is one of relaxation.
Vinyasa practice generates heat and can add a cardiovascular component not always present in other forms of postural practice. The picture below is from a student’s heart rate monitor worn during a regular Vinyasa class I taught.