Vinyasa Krama Yoga

Vinyasa Krama Yoga it is a systematic method to study, practice, teach, and adapt yoga. This methodology of movement and sequence, approach to yoga asana (yoga posture) practice is unique in all of yoga. Each of the important asanas is practiced with many elaborate vinyasas (variations andmovements). Each variation is linked to the next one by a succession of specific transitionalmovements, synchronized with the slow, smooth, deliberate yogic breathing (ujjayi breath),whom the mind closely follows, and the union of mind and body takes place with the breathacting as the harness.

The Sanskrit word vinyasa comes from a prefix 'vi ', which means variation, and suffix ' nyasa', whichmeans “within prescribed parameters”. The parameters prescribed in classical yoga with respect to yoga asana, as contained in Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, are:

Steadiness (Sthira) For a posture to qualify as a yoga asana, it should afford the practitioner the ability to remain steady in that posture, be it standing on his or her feet (tadasana) or standing on his or her head (sirsasana).

Comfort (Sukha) Use of breath and the close attention of the mind to the breath, which are the hallmarks of the yoga, ensure that there are considerable joy and relaxation for the practitioner.

Asanam (yogic posture) and Coordination of movement and breathing

Smooth and Long Breathing (Prayatna Sithila). This is the method prescribed by Patanjali, Prayatna (effort) here refers to jivana prayatna, or effort of life, which is breathing. This condition stipulates that while practicing asanas, the breath should be smooth and long. So, while doing yoga correctly, one should not pant heavily. Since the movements are slow in vinyasa yoga, one has to slow one's breathing rate as well.

Ananta Samapatti (Focusing the Mind on the breath) One should focus mentally on the breath during vinyasa practice. Every time one's mind wanders, one should gently coax it back to concentrating on the breath.

While practicing asanas ujjayi breath is performed and the breath rate is ideally around 6 breaths per minute.