Viniyoga Tradition

In today’s world, yoga is often reduced to physical postures or fast-paced flows. But yoga in its truest sense is far more—it is rooted in deep Vedic philosophy, spiritual inquiry, and personal transformation..Yoga is a dedicated path of self-discovery. 

The Viniyoga tradition honours this holistic approach to yoga based on the teachings of the legendary Ācārya T Krishnamacharya, and further developed by his son and student Ācārya TKV Desikachar. Dr Kausthub Desikachar, the current lineage holder, is committed to taking these teachings forward and making them accessible to all.

Ācārya TKV Desikachar beautifully defined the term ‘viniyoga’,

“Viniyoga is the appropriate adaptation of yoga’s holistic tools such as āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra and meditation to meet the needs of the individual. respecting differences in age, culture, religion, philosophy, occupation, physical, emotional and other health parameters that define each practitioner.” 

The Viniyoga tradition embodies this principle—adapting the tools of yoga to the individual, rather than a “one size fits all” model.

Mantra is a vital part of the Viniyoga tradition—it is a core practice. It is foundational. It is considered one of the most powerful tools for internal transformation and spiritual alignment. Mantra is treated not merely as sound, but as vibration imbued with intention, transmitted with care, devotion, and precision. When recited with  devotion, mantra-s generate specific vibrations in the body, purify the mind and heart, connect us to the divine, and guide us inward. In the Viniyoga tradition, practitioners are taught mantra-s from the Veda-s and other sacred sources,with proper pronunciation and lineage transmission. Equally revered are non-Vedic chants of the Śrīvaiṣṇava sampradāya and compositions of Ācārya Krishnamacharya. In traditional times, mantra-s were also used in combination with other tools of yoga making them samantraka practices. By utilizing the subtle tool of mantra in this way, practice becomes a prayer. In the Viniyoga tradition, it continues to this day, connecting practitioners with the yogi-s of the past in a beautiful way. 

Viniyoga is a living tradition that offers a return to yoga’s essence—a journey that is personal, respectful, and transformative. It is a tradition that requires a deep living connection with a teacher who is part of the lineage. This relationship is central to how Viniyoga is taught, learned, and lived.