Kripalu Yoga

Stress has become a part and parcel of our everyday lives and many of us have no idea how to fight against it. Instead of internalizing stress or indulging in substance abuse, alcohol, tobacco and other such destructive habits, you may turn to the ancient Indian system of yoga to find inner peace. Hatha yoga is one way of self improvement through this ancient yoga practice. Kripalu yoga is one branch of Hatha yoga.

WHAT IS KRIPALU YOGA AND WHAT IS ITS AIM?

An ever increasing knowledge of the body and mind's needs so as to attain and maintain mental, spiritual and physical health is the aim of KRIPALU YOGA. It is a process of holistic healing that can significantly reduce problems caused by ailments such as back problems, osteoporosis, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, stress related disorders, mental illness and can improve balance, flexibility, strength and lead to inner calm.

Kripalu yoga looks at the body as a temple where the presence of the divine can be invoked by you. This will increase your mental and spiritual depth and lead to an all round development of your health and personality.

The KRIPALU branch of yoga practice emphasizes asana i.e. postures, meditation and breath work i.e. PRANAYAMA to manifest the focus on the inner self in order to bring about spiritual attunement. It will result in spiritual awakening, psychological growth as well as physical healing. To act within the limits of individual flexibility and strength is what KRIPALU YOGA encourages.

THREE STAGES OF KRIPALU YOGA

Kripalu yoga consists of three stages

In the first stage you have to master the poses or asana, learn the limits of your physical ability.

In the second stage you have to concentrate on holding on to the poses for longer periods. This will help to build up awareness of the inner self and concentration.

The third stage involves MEDITATION IN MOTION. At this stage you can move on from one asana to another effortlessly and spontaneously.

AWAKENING OF SPIRITUALITY AND PRANA

Kripalu yoga, based on the teachings of Swami Kripalvanandji, happens to be a relatively new school of the ancient practice of yoga and is an amalgamation of traditional approaches. It is a synthesis of the emphasis on service of KARMA YOGA, KUNDALINI Yoga's prana (life force) awakening principles, mental disciplines of RAJA YOGA and the cleansing and physical rituals of HATHA YOGA.

Being a holistic practice that targets the well being of the mind and body, heart and soul, it involves the practice and application of all the yogic principles in everyday life. You have to understand the PRANA or vital life force that connects the spirit, mind and body - that is the secret to practicing this branch of yoga successfully.