aYs SCOTLAND
OUR TRADITION
Viniyoga is the name given to a collection of yoga techniques drawn from the yoga teachings of T Krishnamacharya and his son TKV Desikachar, as received from both Krishnamacharya and Desikachar, and from their students.
Key features of the viniyoga approach are:
* practices geared to the individual needs of students
* breathing techniques including a precise use of the breath in asana (postures), and the use of meditational breathing techniques (pranayama)
* adaptation & modification of practice to meet personal therapeutic needs where these arise
* study of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, an ancient text of philosophical & psychological wisdom, which can be applied to everyday life
* the use of chanting as a meditational tool
* the value of the relationship between student & teacher
It is important to understand that “viniyoga” is NOT a “style” of yoga, and NOT just another way of doing asana, but the application of a wide range of yoga techniques to suit individual needs.
INDIVIDUAL TUITION AND THERAPY
Traditionally Yoga was often taught on an individual basis and it is still acknowledged
that this is a most beneficial way to explore Yoga. Individual lessons also provide
an opportunity to adapt the Yoga practice to take account of any health problems
or personal issues. This is the distinguishing mark of teachers who work within
the Krishnamacharya-
Within these one to one meetings, a practice is developed and personalised for the student to use regularly at home.
The teacher guides the student through the practice, carefully ensuring that it meets their needs and that they are comfortable and familiar with the basic principles supporting it. Such a practice would be appropriate to the student's current state of health, lifestyle, interests and what they want from the practice.
The home practice can vary in length from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time the student has available. Typically, it is around 20 to 30 minutes.
Initially, a student usually meets their teacher every 2 to 3 weeks. However, as they become more familiar with Yoga practice, this can reduce to every 5 to 6 weeks. Of course the frequency and overall span of the lessons can vary according to the progression of the student and how they relate to the practice.
An initial half-
Since there are only three aYs teachers in Scotland so far, you would have to be able to travel to either Edinburgh (Lynne and Lesley) or Dundee (Margo) for individual lessons. Clicking on their names will take you to the “About Us” page for more information on these teachers, what they do, and how to contact them.
GROUP CLASSES
Weekly daytime and evening classes are available in Edinburgh (With Lynne Scott or Lesley Hay) and Dundee (with Margo Romberg) for different levels of experience and interest for students who do not have especially limiting problems, and who prefer working in a group. Lynne also has a class for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Further information is available on the "about us" page.
VEDIC CHANTING
Another specialty of the Krishnamacharya-
Vedic chanting is a meditative practice from the rich tradition of Indian spiritual practices. It integrates body, voice, mind and emotions in the quest for unity with the source from which sound originates.
It is called adhyayanam and is the art of listening and learning to recite with attention and care and a deep involvement of head, heart and body in the outcome.
The benefits include refining the ability to learn to listen, thus enhancing attention, memory, patience and confidence around the use of our voice.
Arising out of Vedic chant is the possibility of inner silence, both during the practice itself because of the degree of involvement required, and in the stillness afterwards.
In a similar way to Yoga practice regular Vedic chant practice can lead the student to:
* Experience more the intimate relationship between our body, breath voice and mind.
* Develop a state of attention that allows space for reflection and self-
* Access a therapy to support our sense of well being and mental balance.
COURSES AND SEMINARS
Lynne and Margo also offer miscellaneous workshops on aspects of yoga and Vedic Chanting
within the Krishnamacharya-
Details are on the “about us” page.
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