Introd to Anusara Yoga

Anusara Yoga is a style of yoga which combines yoga asanas, breathing techniques, and yoga philosophy. It is an extension of Hatha Yoga and consists of about 260 yoga asanas. But as it is not always possible to practice all these 260 poses so they are divided into forwarding bends, inversions, basic warm-ups, and so on.

As this Yoga Style focuses on the philosophy of Tantra, it is quite popular in the US right now. It mainly aims to balance the spiritual aspects and the meditative aspects of yoga. This is why practicing this yoga style is a great way to feel good about yourself and be more spiritually open.

In Sanskrit, Anusara means ‘flowing with grace’,’ following your heart’, etc. Because of this positive thinking, Anusara yoga practice can turn out to be joyful and inspirational for most students.

Short History

Anusara Yoga was developed by John Friend, an American Yogi in 1997. He started practicing yoga at the age of 13 which he learned from Swami Satchidananda’s book, Internal Hatha Yoga. He also started learning the alignment-based yoga style, Iyengar Yoga and after a few years started teaching this yoga style too.

Finally, he blended both the yoga styles together to form Anusara yoga and trained teachers all over the world in this yoga style. Currently, he has Anusara Yoga classes all over the world with over 1000 certified teachers. This is why Friend is also affectionately known as the ‘Yoga Mogul’.

Practice

This yoga style is based on the philosophy that inherently all of us are good. It focuses on the Universal Principles of Alignment which guide the students on the correct alignment of their body, mind, and heart. This helps you find the balance needed in your life and results in overall good health and wellbeing.

According to John, Anusara Yoga consists of three major components: alignment, action, and attitude. Alignment is related to the precise position of the body during yoga poses, action means implementing the yoga philosophy in your daily life. And attitude focuses on your behavior towards life.

Anusara Yoga is based on the ancient yoga philosophy, Tantra which aims to increase awareness about the interconnection between everything that exists. This is different from the ascetic yoga style because, in Tantra, desire is considered to be divine. In this yoga philosophy, the male and female energies are bound together for a balanced experience.

In this yoga style, vinyasa style is practiced in order to create a flow between the yoga poses during the yoga class. The class focuses on the breath and links it to your movement for a smooth transition. Some Anusara yoga classes also play music to increase the joyous experience.

The class usually starts with chanting and meditation and is ended by the implementation of Corpse Pose. This is again followed by meditation and a closing chant.

Apart from focusing on the philosophy and asanas, Anusara Yoga also places a lot of emphasis on the correct alignment of the body. This is why props are frequently used to help students attain the correct yoga posture. A precise alignment will help in connecting your body on a deeper level and is not only good for your health but your spiritual experience as well.

Course & Difficulty Level

While mastering the yoga postures and implementation of the yoga philosophy in your daily life can be tough, this yoga style can actually be practiced by all kinds of students. There are about 260 poses available in this yoga style which makes it easier for the students to find the poses which they are more comfortable with. Also, usage of props incorrect posture alignment can be greatly helpful and makes this practice easier for the students.

Apart from the physical challenges, Anusara yoga focuses on positive thinking, spirituality, etc. which is why students often feel open and light after a yoga class.

Aasanas (Poses)

If you are new to Anusara Yoga but wish to learn it, then here are a few simple poses to get you started.

• Ardha Chandrasana
• Ardha Mukha Shvanasana
• Bhujangasana
• Vakrasana
• Uttitha Hasta Padangustana
• Virbhadrasana
• Garudasana
• Vasisthasana

Difference to other yoga styles

Most yoga styles focus on the physical aspect of yoga or implement ascetic yoga style but this is not true for Anusara yoga. In Anusara yoga, you focus on the physical postures along with the Tantra philosophy and include it in your daily life routine as well. This yoga style also focuses on the belief that ultimately all of us are good which is a unique technique and not applied to other yoga styles. This is why practicing this yoga style is a great way to stay inspired and positive in life.

Other yoga styles mostly focus on the asanas and require their students to master these correct postures. However, this is not the case with Anusara yoga. In Anusara yoga style, there are 260 yoga postures so the teacher chooses the poses which will be comfortable for the students. Furthermore, props are used to attain the correct alignment which can reduce the pressure on the students.

Anusara yoga is relatively more relaxed and spiritually balanced than other yoga styles. This is why people often leave the yoga classes happier and more open. Yes, it does have challenging poses but your attitude and action play an equally important role in this yoga style. So, if you have a positive attitude and if you implement these yoga teachings in daily life as well, you will see much deeper results than other yoga styles.

Anusara Yoga impact on health 

Since this yoga style focuses on positive feelings and heart opening poses, it offers many health and other benefits to the students.

• Improves your physical and mental strength
• Strengthens your immunity system
• Improves your breathing and builds your respiratory system
• Helps in improving blood circulation in your body
• Keeps your muscles strong and healthy
• Improves your mood and inspires you
• Helps you stay happy and positive in life

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