Understanding
Viniyoga
viniyoga
The Viniyoga of Yoga
If people have heard of the word viniyoga, they often associate it with a particular style of a Yoga - a vini-kind-of-Yoga. This is a misunderstanding. In reality viniyoga is a very ordinary sanskrit word not specifically connected with Yoga at all. It actually means application and can be used to describe the way anything is applied in practice. Thus the viniyoga of Yoga is how the techniques and ideas of Yoga are applied to an individual, respecting all aspects of their personal circumstances. These might include such factors as their age, health, physical abilities, occupation, lifestyle, culture, religion, and what they might be looking for from Yoga.
In the UK Yoga teachers, inspired by the teachings of T Krishnamacharya and his son TKV Desikachar, and committed to the principle of the viniyoga of Yoga, formed an organisation called Viniyoga Britain. In 2004, at the request of TKV Desikachar, and because of the confusion around the term viniyoga, the name of the organisation was renamed to the Association For Yoga Studies (AYS). Teachers registered with AYS are still committed to the principle of the viniyoga of Yoga respecting individual needs, abilities and interests.