Links to Related Resources & Longer Articles:

• Compendium of Quotes from TKV Desikachar on the Yoga of T Krishnamacharya……
• cYs Practitioner Training Programme Retreat Extract 1 – Self Planning & Self Practice
• We must respect the practice involving the body…….

Collated Related Short Posts & Quotes:

“Most commentaries fail to point out the great similarities
between the Yoga Sūtra and the Brahma Sūtra when,
in fact, one of the only differences is in regard to
the distinction between Jīva, Prakṛti, and Īśvara.
In two distinguished texts, the Puruṣa Nirṇaya and Īśvara Siddhi,
the sages Nathamuni and Yāmunamuni speak of the
teachings in Yoga Sūtra with the highest regard.
Both these texts emphasise the value of Yoga Sādhana,
in developing devotion to Īśvara and the power of Vāsana
to inspire a person to reach Asaṃprajñāta Samādhi.”
– T Krishnamacharya on Yoga Sūtra Chapter One verse 19

“Who does this?
What is the force that brings about this adjustment?
We need some means – that is called Nimitta.
We must have the intelligence to know the basic
characteristics of our materials and their possibilities.
We must also have ability to bring about desired change.
Change of the mind, as in the movement from an ordinary mind
to one that is extraordinary, is similar to the process of irrigation.
A farmer attempts to direct the flow of water from
an oversupplied plot to one with insufficient supply.
The very nature of water makes it necessary only to cut
a dam to cause it to flow. However, he must recognise
which plot is surplus, which is deprived and which
dam he must cut in order to solve his problem.”
– TKV Desikachar on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 3

“Nimitta is seen as the agent for change, as if a farmer.
Everything required is there, along with the intelligence.
You just have to find the intelligence to find the intelligence.
So verse 3 talks about the tools, materials and intelligence.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 3

“The influences are not uniform,
they vary according to the recipient.
It depends on each person,
what they are seeking,
their background and interests,
and the person who is influencing.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 5

Principles behind the Practice of Āsana
“In technique, as stated by Patañjali,
we must apply effort, but not force.
That effort must be intelligent.
The difference in effort and
force can cause a reaction.
Perhaps more reaction than action?”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978

“We can summarise all the Bheda into three:
– Saṃskāra Bheda (division by tendencies)
– Pariṇāma Bheda (division by transformation or change)
– Avidyā Bheda (division by illusion)
They are not bad things, only different.
We need to recognise and do something so the negative differences don’t take us over.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Patañjali has proposed 3 approaches to verify the indications.
Tapas – Process of action
Food, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma.
You will be doing something that you will not be habitually doing.
For example one day no salt, cigarettes, Prāṇāyāma.
Tapas is from the root to create thirst.
It means to deprive.
It will tell us about ourselves.
It will reveal our Saṃskāra and Pariṇāma or changes in ourselves.
From this Tapas we will start to get an indication of our individual nature.
For example active or lazy.
Tapas indicates the the beginning of the Bheda, through the Bhāva.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“What are the factors to consider in our teaching?
At least they should be made known to the student.
Deha Bheda – tall, fat, lean, scoliosis, straight back.
Sādhana according to the physical characteristics.
Something which must be fed, otherwise it will destroy.
For example lumbar lordosis and deep back bends could cause problems.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983