“In observation, try to go from Annamaya to the deeper levels.”
– TKV Desikachar Madras 1987

“How do we know that a student is ready to attempt
a more progressive Āsana such as Sarvāṅgāsana?
From following a core principle in the teachings of Vinyāsa Krama.
In that, the Pratikriyāsana for a particular Āsana needs
to be mastered before that particular Āsana is attempted.
For example, if we want to teach Sarvāṅgāsana,
because it will have a specific potential for the particular student,
then we teach the Pratikriyāsana Bhujaṅgāsana first.
So the student first works around Bhujaṅgāsana
within their personal practice and the information that arises
guides the teacher as to their readiness for, in this case, Sarvāṅgāsana.
The information arising from observing how
the student practices Bhujaṅgāsana guides
the teacher as to the appropriateness of Sarvāṅgāsana.
The information that feeds back may be on the level
of Annamaya, Prāṇamaya, Manomaya or beyond.
Obviously, this implies that we are observing the student’s practice directly.
Once the student shows an adequate performance of Bhujaṅgāsana
and it can be integrated into their existing personal practice,
then we can be more secure that the student is ready to approach
integrating Sarvāṅgāsana into their regular practice.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“Freedom of movement
within the Annamaya
does not presume freedom of
movement within the Prāṇamaya.”
– 108 Yoga Practice Pointers

“What does reflecting
on our relationship
with Annamaya reveal?
In other words what
relationship do we have
with our bodily attributes?”
– 108 Yoga Study Path Pointers

Links to Related Posts:

• A sample Parivṛtti and Paścimatāna Themed Group Practice
• Finding your starting point within Āsana to set a direction and route towards a goal…
• Guidelines for skilful dynamics within the performance of Vīrabhadrāsana……
• Pañca Maya – The five aspects of Being Human…
• The breadth, depth and potential of Desikachar’s teachings on practice……
• TKV Desikachar talks on Śraddhā in the light of the Yoga Sūtra……