Krishnamacharyas

Krishnamacharyas refers to the lineage and teachings of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, an influential Indian yoga scholar and teacher. He is widely regarded as one of the most important yoga masters of the 20th century. Krishnamacharya's approach to yoga emphasized the integration of breath (pranayama) with movement (asana), a concept known as Vinyasa. He also stressed the importance of adapting yoga practices to the individual's needs and abilities, a principle he termed "Viniyoga."

Krishnamacharya's teachings were passed down to his prominent students, who then established their own distinct styles of yoga, greatly influencing the global spread of modern yoga. Among his most well-known students were K. Pattabhi Jois, who developed Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga; B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of Iyengar Yoga; Indra Devi, often called the "first lady of yoga"; and T.K.V. Desikachar, Krishnamacharya's son, who continued his father's work in Viniyoga.

The legacy of Krishnamacharyas is characterized by a focus on therapeutic applications of yoga, the precise alignment of the body in postures, and the development of a dynamic and flowing practice. His innovative methods and the diverse lineages that emerged from his teachings continue to shape yoga practices worldwide, emphasizing both physical discipline and spiritual exploration.