The Yoga of Krishnamacharya

Abstract

The article "The Yoga of Krishnamacharya" by Eddie Stern presents a practitioner’s perspective on the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, widely regarded as the father of modern yoga. Stern emphasizes Krishnamacharya’s capacity to seamlessly integrate rigorous physical disciplines with devotional Vaiṣṇava theology, especially within the Śrī Vaiṣṇava tradition. Drawing from oral histories, personal interactions, and textual sources, the article highlights how Krishnamacharya’s pedagogy—characterized by its adaptability and precision—remained grounded in bhakti and scriptural fidelity. Stern argues that Krishnamacharya’s yoga was not merely about physical health but a spiritually oriented sādhanā aimed at cultivating humility, concentration, and union with God. The essay also discusses Krishnamacharya’s nuanced approach to students, affirming that method and practice were tailored to the needs, capacities, and aspirations of each individual in service of their personal and spiritual development.