Yoga Teacher Training Forum

A very nice discussion of different Yoga practices appeared in the Feb. 2008 issue of Yoga Journal (pages A42-43). It is in the section where there are advertisements for different Yoga studios and retreats. In this two-page table where 12 different Yoga practices are compared, Viniyoga is listed as being "yoga therapy" with a greater emphasis on healing practices involving asana and breath coordination as opposed to vigorous movement. That is also the focus of Gary Kraftsow's book "Yoga for Transformation" which provides a nice presentation of viniyoga. With Iyengar Yoga, there is a definite greater focus on detail and precision in body alignment in asana, and an emphasis on the use of asana for development of body, mind and spirit. That doesn't mean that Iyengar Yoga is not used in a therapeutic manner, as there are applications in Yoga therapy, as well as, restorative practice. A very nice book on Iyengar Yoga is the recent DK publication entitled "B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga. The path to holistic health". It is a very accessible book on this practice that is beautifully illustrated and written by Iyengar. I think looking through the books by Kraftsow and Iyengar (both are often available at the major bookstores) would be a good way to compare these two approaches.

Namaste,

-Don