Introduction

Introduction

Tristhana Vinyasa Yoga has evolved from the traditional Vinyasa Yoga methods taught in India to Sri Krishnamacharya by the sage Ramana Rishi, and passed down to Sri K Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga.

This 2000 year old lineage has played an invaluable and essential roll in the influence of yoga as it is practiced today. Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Viniyoga, and all of the many variations and interpretations of Vinyasa Flow Yoga have roots that have grown from this important lineage.

Yoga, by nature, is ever evolving, and is one of the oldest and most effective human development systems ever devised.

Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic, flowing style, based on breath and movement, and is now the fastest growing yoga style practiced in the world today. Most people are attracted to yoga for the physical benefits, and Vinyasa is a very effective way to gain fitness and maintain it for life. However, it must not be forgotten that Hatha Yoga – the yoga of postures – was initially developed to prepare the body in order to still the mind for meditation.

Yoga and particularly Vinyasa Yoga, is essentially a breathing practice. If there is no breath connection, it is not yoga.

Tristhana is the blending and harmonization of movement, conscious breath awareness and a focused, calm mind. This is the very essence of all Vinyasa Yoga practice.

As we practice Vinyasa Yoga, the breath becomes long, smooth and deep, and movement begins to flow effortlessly as the body becomes light and agile. The mind calms as distractions from our senses withdraw. Meditation in motion slowly arises.

The combination of Ujjayi breathing, together with conscious awareness, harmonized and synchronized with movement, has a powerful, energizing, strengthening and purifying effect on both mind and body.

Vinyasa Yoga, practiced with connection to the core of the body, radiates a purifying, detoxifying, healing heat, as the breath stokes the internal digestive fire.
— Agni.

Every cell in the body is bathed in oxygen as the circulation is charged with energy
— Prana.

The joints loosen, the muscles and connective tissue become more pliable, and a strong, lean, fit and supple body results.

Grace is the outer expression of the inner movement of energy
— Anthony