Faq
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yoga a religion?
What is Yoga Therapy?
What is Viniyoga™?
Is the Viniyoga™ methodology primarily a system of asana practice?
What is the difference between Vinyasa Yoga and Viniyoga™?
What is unique about this approach to asana practice?
Is Viniyoga™ only a gentle system of practice for those who are injured, ill, or experiencing the effects of aging?
My partner has taken only a few yoga classes and would like to participate with me in a Yoga retreat or seminar. Is this OK?
How is a Retreat different from a Seminar or Workshop?
Are In-Depth Seminars the same as Teacher Training?
Do the In-Depth Seminars have to be taken in a specific order?
May I take the AVI Yoga Therapist Training Program without attending the AVI Yoga Teacher Training Program?
How do I prepare for the AVI Yoga Teacher Training Program or the AVI Foundation for Yoga Therapy Program?
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Is Yoga a religion?
No. This confusion arose in our culture because Yoga evolved over thousands of years in the context of the spiritual and religious traditions of India. The practices of Yoga were appropriated into most of the different religious traditions of the East. When these teachings were first transmitted in the West, they were often taught by teachers who were also practicing one of the many forms of Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. The pure teachings of Yoga were therefore often mixed with the cultural and religious associations of the particular teacher.
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What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga Therapy, derived from the Yoga tradition of Patanjali and the Ayurvedic system of health, refers to the adaptation and application of Yoga techniques and practices to help individuals facing health challenges at any level manage their condition, reduce symptoms, restore balance, increase vitality and improve attitude.
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What is Viniyoga™?
Yoga provides the means to bring out the best in each individual. This requires an understanding of a person's present condition, personal potential, appropriate goals and the means available. As each person is different, these will vary with each individual.
Viniyoga™ is an ancient Sanskrit term that implies differentiation, adaptation, and appropriate application. As a style of practice, Viniyoga™ refers to an approach to Yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of the individual. As a result, each practitioner is given the tools to individualize and actualize the process of self-discovery and personal transformation.
The Viniyoga™ approach evolved out of the teachings transmitted by T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar of Chennai, India.
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Is the Viniyoga™ methodology primarily a system of asana practice?
No. Although asana is important, it addresses only one aspect of personal practice. All of the AVI programs incorporate other dimensions of teaching and practice, including pranayama, bandha, sound, chanting, meditation, personal ritual and study of texts.
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What is the difference between Vinyasa Yoga and Viniyoga™?
Vinyasa, coming from the word nyasa plus the prefix vi suggests placement and, in the context of asana, refers to the order in which postures are placed - the science of sequencing. Viniyoga™, coming from the word yoga plus the prefix vi and ni suggests, as noted above, application and, in the context of asana, refers to the appropriate application of practices adapted to the practitioner's needs and interests.
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What is unique about this approach to asana practice?
There are four points that characterize the main difference between the Viniyoga™ approach and most other forms of asana practice.
1. The use of repetition into and out of postures in addition to holding postures.
2. The emphasis on function rather than form in asana practice, and the science of adapting the forms of the postures to achieve different results.
3. The emphasis on breath as the medium for movement in asana, and the science of adapting the pattern of breathing in asana to produce different effects.
4. The refined art and science of combination which allows teachers to create sequences of different orientation, length, and intensity to suit the intention and context of each practice.
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Is Viniyoga™ only a gentle system of practice for those who are injured, ill, or experiencing the effects of aging?
No. Viniyoga™ is the science of appropriate application. Our approach is uniquely suited to adapt practice to meet the needs of any individual or group context. We are able to provide challenging developmental practices for the healthiest and most athletic student, as well as gentle therapeutic practices to nourish the most infirm.
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My partner has taken only a few yoga classes and would like to participate with me in a Yoga retreat or seminar. Is this OK?
Yes. The teachings and practices offered in any seminar or retreat are adapted to the needs and interests of all participants. Our retreats successfully initiate the beginner while challenging the advanced student or teacher.
In AVI Retreats, participants live together in a special location carefully selected to enhance the experience as they immerse themselves in the depths of teachings and practices. Retreats are oriented to help participants develop, nourish, and refine all dimensions of their personal practice.
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How is a Retreat different from a Seminar or Workshop?
The AVI Seminars and Workshops are educational experiences designed to share an in-depth understanding of the means and methods of practice for everyone interested in deepening their understanding and experience of Yoga for personal and/or professional reasons. CLICK HERE for AVI Events.
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Are In-Depth Seminars the same as Teacher Training?
No. The In-Depth Seminars were created to offer deep and comprehensive programs for students and teachers who wish to deepen their experience of Viniyoga™ and work with Gary Kraftsow or Mirka Scalco Kraftsow, but are not ready to make the commitment of a professional training program. We strongly suggest that potential students attend one or more of these events before entering our Professional Training Programs. CLICK HERE for AVI Events, AVI Professional Training Programs.
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Do the In-Depth Seminars have to be taken in a specific order?
No. These seminars are not sequential and can be taken individually or in any order. Each seminar is complete in itself. CLICK HERE for In Depth Seminars or AVI Events.
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May I take the AVI Yoga Therapist Training Program without attending the AVI Yoga Teacher Training Program?
The AVI Yoga Therapist Training Program is open to Yoga teachers who have completed either the AVI Yoga Teacher Training Program or the AVI Foundation for Yoga Therapy Program.
The AVI Yoga Teacher Training Program CLICK HERE is a comprehensive Yoga teacher training program registered with Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour level.
The AVI Foundation for Yoga Therapy Program is specifically designed for Yoga teachers who have completed a 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training program from a school registered with Yoga Alliance and who wish to enter the AVI Yoga Therapist Training Program.
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