Satya Book Club: Krishnamacharya, His Life and Teachings

with Siara Morrow

Tuesdays in May, 7:30-8:30pm

In-Person or Online • Free

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is often recognized as “the father of modern Yoga” due to his life’s work of closely studying and revitalizing the practices of Yoga. Krishnamacharya evolved the centuries-old practices of Yoga to be more accessible to the everyday person, within the structure of their daily life. Some refer to his teachings as a “householder” lineage compared to Yoga practiced by single persons in more secluded settings.

Krishnamacharya committed to spreading the teachings of Yoga within India and beyond. Many of today’s Yoga practices are directly in, or inspired by, the Krishnamacharya lineage. Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Viniyoga are some of the more popular approaches organized by his students.

In our May book club, we will discuss Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings primarily written by his longtime student A. G. Mohan. As the title suggests, this book offers background on the teacher behind many of today’s styles of Yoga practice and overviews some of his core teachings (i.e., āsana, prāṇāyāma, how Yoga views the mind, Yoga Therapy). 

Siara recommended this book for our community as she believes learning the context of where Yoga comes from, it’s principles, and why we utilize various techniques offers practitioners deeper access to their practices. The Krishnamacharya lineage of practice is rooted in honoring the people, primarily from India, who diligently organized and passed along these teachings so we can benefit from them today. The study of Yoga is not only for developing one’s practice, but also an expression of respect for centuries of human rituals and knowledge. Through connection with something bigger than ourselves we find the beauty of reverence.