How do we reconcile the differences between Ashtanga and Viniyoga?
They are completely opposite in philosophy and form.  How could they
both come from the same teacher?

In Ashtanga, basically the person is suppose to fit into the form.  In
Viniyoga, a form is designed specifically for that person.  The
approaches are 180 degrees opposite.

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On 2005-03-14 14:39:51 -0800, "Sennin" <stst14@cs.com> said:

> How do we reconcile the differences between Ashtanga and Viniyoga?
> They are completely opposite in philosophy and form.  How could they
> both come from the same teacher?
>
> In Ashtanga, basically the person is suppose to fit into the form.  In
> Viniyoga, a form is designed specifically for that person.  The
> approaches are 180 degrees opposite.

Astanga as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois was designed as a regiment to
train Indian wrestlers pre WW II.  It is a form of asana that is
designed for healthy people to practice.

Viniyoga is an offshoot of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' form of yoga with
pathology in mind.  Thus the founder, Gary Kraftsow took his cues from
BKS Iyengar and looked at ways to modify the jumpings for those with
special needs like bad backs, or knee injuries.

--
~Stu

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