These are some of the main principles of asana Yoga by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the teacher of the teachers.
1. The breath movement is the body movement, the movement of the body is the movement of the breath. Integrate, yoke, unify, mind, body, the breath with the heart.
- Regulate the breath, be happy, link the mind with the Lord in your heart. -Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
2. The inhale is from above as receptivity- physically as the chest expands, the exhale is from below as strength, physically the belly comes in and up. Strength that is receiving.
Points 1 and 2 are like the earth with different layers to be revealed.
3. The breath begins before the movement, and ends after the movement.
I————————————breath ————————————I
I—————————movement——————————I
4. Asana allows for bhanda – the intelligent cooperation of muscle groups.
5. Asana, pranayama, meditation and life is a seamless process- Asana & Pranayama (Sahdana) that which can be done, and meditation (Dharana) is a sihddi you receive.
6. This is not a search, you cannot find that what is already given.
- Knowing all objects to be impermanent, let not their contact blind you, resolve again and again to be aware of the Self that is permanent.– Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
Nowadays, the practice of yoga stops with just asanas. Very few even attempt dharana and dhyana (deeper meditation) with seriousness. There is a need to search once more and reestablish the practice and value of yoga in modern times.– Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
