Kripalu Yoga is a holistic approach to spiritual transformation. It involves the development of physical health, promotes emotional and mental well being, and culminates in the experience of witnessing and living from the true Self, a state known as Self-realization. It combines the physical discipline of Hatha Yoga postures and breathing techniques with the mental discipline of deep concentration, resulting in the experience of spontaneous meditation. Kripalu Yoga is designed to lead to the experience of being spiritually awake and mentally present in a relaxed body. 

The first stage of Kripalu Yoga involves practicing the traditional postures and breathing techniques of Hatha Yoga. Typically, the beginning phase consists of relaxation, ujjayi breathing, and proper physical alignment while stretching in the poses. The main purpose at this level is to release tension and strengthen the body. Consciously focusing the mind on the flow of the breath while attending to the details of alignment helps to develop the deeper level of concentration needed to progress further.

        The second stage involves becoming more keenly aware of the presence and flow of prana, the intelligent life force of the universe that controls the body and mind. Postures are held for longer periods of time, witnessing the physical and mental sensations arising during the hold, and allowing the body to move in a slow motion flow of postures guided by the wisdom of the prana body. 

Stage three is a “Meditation in Motion” experience. As Kripalu Yoga practice deepens, prana grows stronger and more active. You release the mind’s control over prana so that energy flows freely, and the body begins to move spontaneously. You simply offer the body to spirit and allow prana to be your guide. Deep relaxation and inner peace are felt in this experience.

In addition to being a spiritual practice on the yoga mat, Kripalu Yoga is a holistic lifestyle in which the principles of yoga are applied “off the mat”. The practice of Kripalu yoga then becomes an ongoing flow of being present to each moment; observing all of life consciously as a non attached witness with non judgmental awareness of the events of daily life. In this way, Kripalu Yoga becomes an ongoing practice each moment of your day.

Deeper Teachings of Yoga