Viniyoga Sequencing

The fourth point that distinguishes viniyoga from most traditions of asana practice is a very detailed science of sequencing.

Many traditions have fixed sequences that one master in the past conceived of and all of the students are following.

Many of the traditions have no real science of sequencing so what you have is an arbitrary combination of postures that a teacher puts together based on some experience they've had in their own body or just some ideas that are not well conceived.

In viniyoga we have a very detailed science of sequencing that determines how we put things together recognizing that different combinations of the same postures produce different effects.

So asanas are not coceived of as isolated phenomena - they're perceived in relation to other asanas.

Changing the combination can change the effect.

The same postures that can create problems for somebody in a different order can help heal a condition.

So in Viniyoga sequencing is a very complex science covered with detailed teaching and technique.


Viniyoga and Intention

Perhaps even more important than these four points I've covered is the whole understanding of the purpose and intention of practice and its scope and the constituent parts and practice of Viniyoga.

Wheras the popular yogas in the west today are primarily focused on asana, Viniyoga relies of a broad spectrum of rules that were developed by the ancients to help individuals become more integrated at a structural level and become more stable, increase range of motion reducing inflammation and reducing pain.

At a physiological level to help optimal metabolic functioning.

At a psycho-emotional level to create greater stability emotionally, greater clarity, the ability to perceive things more clearly in the present moment, accept things as they come, and more discrimination in setting priorities in the direction for our future.

In the service of these goals Viniyoga's emphasis is not strictly on asana.

We utilize asana, pranayama, chanting, meditation, self reflection and even prayer depending on the individual that we're working with.