Vinyasa Krama
Method and Lineage
What is Vinyasa Krama yoga?
Vinyasa Krama focuses on movement with ujjayi breath. It is taught in a self-practice system whereby the student moves with their own breath. Learning each sequence, over time it becomes more of a meditative practice. My teacher Matthew Sweeney has three foundation sequences, Chandra Krama, Simha Krama I and Atapa Krama.
Chandra Krama (Moon sequence) – sattvic and gentle practice, focusing on the more subtle aspects of asana. Movements are slow with the breath and not necessarily with ujjayi. Can be practiced on moon days, on ladies holiday (menstruation). More intuitive, introspective, letting go, releasing tension and stress.
The other two foundation sequences, Simha Krama I and Atapa Krama, I’m not yet authorised to teach them. I will add more information when authorised.
Lineage
The VK system has influences of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system and the teachings of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Described as the ‘Father of modern Yoga". Krishnamacharya taught extensively till his death in 1989, with a handful of his direct students still teaching in India today, including BNS Iyengar.
As the most influential yoga teacher of the 20th Century, Krishnamacharya’s student base continues to preserve, uphold and maintain the sacred knowledge of his teachings. The VK system is taught similarly to how Krishnamacharya taught in his later years in Chennai focussing on the individual needs of the student. Students seeking an authentic teacher will generally look to the lineage of a prospective teacher and be able to trace their lineage back through their teacher’s teacher, directly to Krishnamacharya.
Just as we seek qualified experts in the medical, scientific and educational fields of our lives, when embarking on the path of yoga it is imperative to seek an authentic, qualified and experienced teacher to guide and support our study and practice in a correct, disciplined and ethical manner. Thus making lineage of prime importance when determining alignment with the traditional practices.
