Roots

Vijnana Yoga stems from the yogic tradition of northern India, as taught by Sri Krishnamacharya, the teacher of Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar and T.K.V. Desikachar. Having studied briefly with Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar, Orit Sen-Gupta practiced for twelve years with Dona Holleman, a long time student of B.K.S. Iyengar. Integrating Dona’s deep understanding of the body with the practice of meditation, pranayama and the study Vijnana Yoga of yogic texts, Orit founded together with a group of experienced teachers Vijnana Yoga in 2003.

Practices

The four main practices of Vijnana Yoga

1. The Seven Vital Principles (link section on principles) are guidelines for the asana practice. Through them we adhere to the skeletal lines and thus find our true alignment.

2. The extensive practice of pranayama utilizes the natural breath in a unique way. By practising the vayus, we gradually master the classical pranayama forms.

3. ”Just sitting” meditation inspires deep listening, which is the ground for Vijnana (understanding from inside).

4. The study of yogic texts integrate our intuitions and understanding into a more comprehensive view of life and our path in it.

Origin of the Term “Vijnana Yoga”

According to the great Vedantist philosopher Sankara, vijnana is a deep understanding or knowing that cannot come about merely through outer knowledge. Even the knowledge expounded by our teachers and the inspiration we receive from spiritual texts is not enough. Vijnana is when inner clarity is revealed through personal experience.

Ramakrishna explains vijnana thus: “The awareness and conviction that fire exists in wood is jñana (knowledge). But to cook rice on that fire, eat the rice and get nourishment from it is vijñana.”

Source: With permission of Vijnana Yoga International

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