Kripalu Yoga
The
focus of Kripalu yoga is on feeling the energy that flows through the
body during the practice of asana, pranayama and meditation. This energy
is known as prana. And, like a river flow this energy changes from moment
to moment. Each time we step onto the mat, we let go of expectations
and we honor the energy that is present at that moment. Kripalu yoga
not only makes us stronger and more balanced and flexible, but it is
also great tool for self-growth and empowerment. By practicing letting
go of the ego, on the mat, we learn to experience emotions for what
they are, without attachment.
Asana, pranayama, micro movements and meditation-in-motion are all basic parts of a Kripalu yoga class. The asanas are practiced at three levels: gentle, moderate and vigorous vinyasa. But, no matter the level, the attention is always first on feeling. When we feel the body's reaction to the poses there is not room to force. Force can cause pain and injury. Feel is nurturing. Pranayama are breathing techniques that help us maintain focus and expand prana, our powerhouse. Micro movements are used to keep the pose active and to step forward towards our edge with compassion. During meditation-in-motion we allow the body to move freely from within as opposed to from the mind.
In Kripalu yoga, on and off the mat, we practice five basic techniques B R F W A:
- Breath
- Relax
- Feel
- Watch
- Allow
About Swami Kripalu
Swami
Kripalu (1913-1981) was a remarkable man, a bridge between the traditions
of ancient India and contemporary Western society. A yoga master renowned
in India for the intensity of his spiritual practice and the depth of
his compassion, Swami Kripalu came to America in 1977 where he spent
the last four years of his life in residence at the original Kripalu
Center.
Maintaining his schedule of ten hours of Kundalini Yoga meditation per day, Swami Kripalu taught a small number of close disciples including Yogi Amrit Desai, the originator of Kripalu Yoga. He also made weekly public appearances that catalyzed the growth of the Kripalu Yoga community. In these ways, Swami Kripalu played an essential role in the transmission of a spiritually potent yoga tradition to a large community of Western practitioners.
An articulate speaker and talented musician, it was Swami Kripalu’s genuine love for people that set him apart. His singing stirred deep feelings of devotion within the hearts of listeners.
Discourses were peppered with captivating stories, eliciting tears of sorrow and peals of uncontrollable laughter. A prolific writer, Swami Kripalu wrote books of practical spiritual guidance aimed at uplifting the lives of his many devotees. Radiating a palpable energy of compassionate love and spiritual power, few came into Swami Kripalu’s presence without being touched, moved or changed in some way.
Resources
- Read a Spotlight on Kripalu Yoga (from Yoga Journal magazine).
- For more information visit the Kripalu web site.
- Swami Kripalu's Inspiration for Yoga Teachers (pdf)
- Recommended Book: Kripalu Yoga: A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat, by Richard Faulds