The Father of Yoga: Tirumalai Krishnamacharya

The word ‘yoga’ comes from the word ‘yuj’ which means ‘ to bind’. There is scientific evidence that yoga is beneficial to our overall well-being. Yoga has evolved a lot over the years. In recent days, when people suffer from several health issues because of a stressful lifestyle, yoga is an effective way to combat the stress and be in tune with ourselves. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the father of yoga, refined yoga postures and made meditation an integral part of the practice. He said that “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. His style of yoga focuses on asanas for improved physical postures, pranayama, for breath regulation and dhyana which is meditation.

Here is all 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 thoroughly studied the scriptures, followed the teachings of the Vedas and his gurus as well as taught others.

Education

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, in his youth, travelled through India thoroughly studying the six darźanas. In 1906, he attended the Royal College of Mysore which he left to move to Benaras. There he spent time studying Sanskrit, logic and grammar as well as Mimasa. Krishnamacharya, also received thorough teachings into the Vedanta philosophy under Sri Krishna Brahmatantra Swami when he was back in Mysore. He secured degrees in all the six darźanas or Indian philosophies. In 1914, he attended classes at Queens College where he gained a number of teaching certificates. After this, he left to study at Patna University and received a scholarship to study Ayurveda. He also went to the Himalayas and learnt yoga under Yogi Ramamohana Brahmachari. 

Instruction

Krishnamacharya, while under the patronage of the King of Mysore, travelled across India to give lectures and demonstrations and promote yoga in the country. He laid emphasis on asana and pranayama. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the father of yoga is the architect of vinyāsa. Vinyāsa means combining breathing with movement and this style of yoga came to be known as Viniyoga or Vinyasa Krama Yoga. Krishnamacharya’s instruction followed one underlying principle which was ‘teaching what is appropriate for the individual’. He also established a yoga shala in Mysore. According to him, a healthy body is free of illness, which will ensure the mind is free of worries.

Accomplishments

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

Krishnamacharya also earned 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 didn’t limit himself to what he was taught by his teachers or his own tradition alone. He understood and combined what he had learnt from his teachings in North India with those of South India.
• Krishnamacharya had a great ability to heal people. He believed yoga and changes in diet are capable of treating 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 more such areas of expertise.
• Krishnamacharya, through yoga, attended each person individually and addressed their issues. He insisted that the yoga practices must be tailored to fit that person and allow them to heal. 
• The power of breathing according to him can cure physical and mental illness.
• Krishnamacharya played a significant role in promoting yoga for women. The Yoga Rahasya emphasises the same.
• Krishnamacharya understood the different backgrounds of his students and adapted his teachings accordingly.
• Krishnamacharya’s yoga not only became popular in India but has also spread through Europe, Asia and America.
• Krishnamacharya was extremely humble and never called himself a guru even after gaining so much popularity in the field of yoga. He believed in simplicity and influenced several minds.

Yoga styles of Krishnamacharya

1. Viniyoga

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

2. Krama Vinyasa

This is a yoga method, which 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 movement and breath harmonisation. Practising Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga gives you flexibility, strength, stamina, and a focused and calm mind.

4. Power Yoga

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

Yoga benefits people of all ages. Yoga lets you reconnect with your inner self.  Here are a few benefits of inculcating the practice of Yoga in students:

1. Yoga is a holistic tool for good health and fitness.
2. Yoga improves memory power and focus. When your mind is alert, you can receive more and yoga helps in training young minds.
3. Personality growth helps you achieve success and it is a positive effect of yoga.
4. Alignment of mind, body and spirit helps you have a better perspective of life.

Last thoughts

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya single-handedly popularised Yoga in India and left behind a legacy for future generations. His students include some of the most renowned and influential teachers, such as Indira Devi, B.K.S. Iyenger, etc. For Krishnamacharya, the path of yoga meant different things for different people and that each person must be taught in a way that resonated with them. In other words, he regarded yoga as an incredibly personal experience and practice.

FAQs

Q1. What is the importance of yoga?

Answer – The art of practising yoga allows you to be in tune with your mind, body and soul. It makes you calm, helps manage stress and anxiety. Modern yoga incorporates meditation and breathing, which helps students improve concentration.

Q2. Which is the ideal time for practising yoga?

Answer – The ideal time to practice yoga is early morning. 

Q3. Do I need rest days from yoga?

Answer – Rest days are extremely important when you practice yoga daily. They allow your body and mind to rest and renew.

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Happy Learning!