Philosophy in Practice: Applying the Yoga Sutras
We move beyond the physical to understand the intelligence behind the poses. Here, we unpack Patanjali's texts and explore how ancient wisdom refines our modern movement.
The word 'alignment' is often misunderstood as just making straight lines. A more sensitive understanding is that we are aligning our awareness, for example, between the front and back of the body. It is an internal state, not just an external shape.
Many of us love yoga but dislike 'exercise'. I believe asana practice is a way to train the body for more complex internal states. It requires non-judgmental hard work, which is itself a profound 'means' along the path of yoga.
The intent we bring to our practice can dramatically change its impact. The instructions I give in class are tools to focus your intent. As your practice matures, you learn to give these instructions to yourself, transforming your inner landscape.
Did you know that out of 196 Yoga Sutras, only three are about asana? This tells us that yoga is much more than poses. In my workshops, we explore what these three crucial sutras teach us about the role of the body in the larger journey of yoga.
B.K.S. Iyengar's book 'Light on Life' is a beautiful guide to the layers, or koshas, of our being. It explains how our physical asana practice is essential for accessing the deeper, meditative states of awareness.
The word 'asana' in Sanskrit means 'a seat'. Just as we have different seats for different activities, each yoga asana creates a different 'seat' for the body, mind, and breath. Understanding this changes our entire approach to the poses.
Mr. Iyengar said, "When I practice I am a philosopher, when I teach I am a scientist, and when I demonstrate I am an artist." His books are a generous guide for us, full of wisdom, intellect, and practical guidance for living a yogic life.
My workshops are an exploration of 'strength' from both the science and philosophy of yoga. We go beyond the physical to question, experiment, and practice with intelligence and curiosity.
This is not about stretching and flexibility. My advanced studies are for those who want to understand the 'why' behind the practice, digging into the roots of yoga to build a practice that is both physically and mentally engaging.
I often get asked if an action in an asana is 'wrong'. Unless you are harming yourself, I believe there is no wrong, only learning. A better question is, why do we do it a certain way? This inquiry is the start of a deeper, more intelligent yoga practice.
About Philosophy in Practice: Living Your Yoga
I often hear students ask if a certain posture is 'wrong' or 'imperfect.' In our practice, we deconstruct that fear. Unless you are causing harm to yourself or others, there is no wrong—only an invitation to learn about your body's specific geometry and awareness. We use these inquiries to move past mere imitation and toward a practice that is intellectually engaging, scientifically sound, and entirely your own.
Beyond the Physical Asana
Yoga is often marketed as a pursuit of flexibility, but in the Iyengar method, it is a pursuit of intelligence. Of the 196 verses in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, only three specifically mention asana. This tells us that the physical practice is not the end goal, but a tool for a deeper internal state. In our philosophy sessions, we look at why we practice, not just how.
Alignment as Awareness
We often misunderstand alignment as just 'making straight lines.' If you have a specific body type or a stiff joint, you might feel discouraged by this external definition. We teach that alignment is actually a distribution of awareness. It is about how you divide your attention between the front and back of your body, or how you initiate an action from your nervous system rather than just your muscles. Whether we are using wall ropes, wooden bricks, or metal chairs, the props are never shortcuts—they are pedagogical tools that provide the feedback loop needed to understand your own body.
The 'Why' Behind the Practice
My students often come to me because they are bored with generic fitness routines. They want to know why a certain breath technique affects their mood, or why specific backbend architectures help them release tension. We explore:
- Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: Understanding the roots of our practice.
- Pranayama Science: Moving beyond mechanical breathing to explore the nervous system impact.
- The Ethics of Movement: Questioning the intent behind every action on the mat.
We don't just chant or read texts; we apply these principles to your standing poses, inversions, and restorative sessions. If you are ready to stop mimicking and start understanding, we are here to guide you.
The Practice Room
We are The Practice Room, an Iyengar-focused studio that prioritizes inquiry over repetition. We don't believe in 'perfect' poses; we believe in asking why a movement works, questioning our habits, and using our practice to find deeper clarity in our daily lives.
Find the right session for your level
Explore specific topics like pranayama, anatomy, or prop-based training.
More from Advanced Yoga Studies by The Practice Room