Module 4

Module 4: Modern Masters and Refined Methods

Key Focus

  • 8 Limbs of Yoga in Modern Systems

  • Legacies of Modern Masters

  • The Lineage of the Great T. Krishnamacharya

  • Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

  • Inversions

  • Adjustments

Sections

  • 4.1 | Lineage

  • 4.2 | T. Krishnamacharya

  • 4.3 | TKV Desikachar

  • 4.4 | BKS Iyengar

  • 4.5 | Sri K Pattabhi Jois

  • 4.6 | Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

  • 4.7 | Inverted Asana

  • 4.8 | Exam #4

Module 4 Overview

Required Materials

  • Select at least one from the Suggested Materials List below based on preference.

Suggested Materials

  • Yoga Makaranda by T Krishnamacharya (click here)

  • Yogasanagaulu by T Krishnamacharya

  • Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health by BKS Iyengar (click here)

  • Yoga Mala by Pattabhi Jois

  • The Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar (click here)

  • Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar (click here)

  • The Yoga of the Yogi by Kaustub Desikachar (click here)

Module 4 | Lesson Plan

  • 4.1 | Lineage

  • 4.2 | T. Krishnamacharya

  • 4.3 | TKV Desikachar

  • 4.4 | BKS Iyengar

  • 4.5 | Sri K Pattabhi Jois

  • 4.6 | Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

  • 4.7 | Inverted Asana

  • 4.8 | Exam #4

Module 4.1 | Lineage

Points of Focus

  • Guru Parampara

  • Modern Lineage

  • Local Yoga Schools Movement

Module 4.2 | Krishnamacharya

Points of Focus

  • Life and Background on T. Krishnamacharya

  • Social Justice from a Brahmin Rebel

  • Yoga for the World

  • Indian Nationalism

Module 4.3 | TKV Desikachar

Points of Focus

  • Viniyoga

  • Family Tradition of Yogic Scholars

  • Yoga Chikitsa

Module 4.4 | BKS Iyengar

Points of Focus

  • Refinement of Asana Alignment

  • Asana using Props

  • Asana for Disease Prevention and Treatment

  • “Single Asana” Theory; Asana as Samadhi

Module 4.5 | Sri K Pattabhi Jois

Points of Focus

  • Lineage of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in Mysore, India

  • Ashtanga vs. “Power” Yoga

  • Teaching only in Sanskrit

  • Vedic and Saivite Influences in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

  • Sexual Assault

Module 4.6 | Intermediate Series Asana

Points of Focus

  • Traditional Intermediate “Second” Series of Ashtanga

  • Isolated Intermediate Postures

Module 4.7 | Inversions

Points of Focus

  • Basic Inversions

    • Downward Dog

    • Padangustasana

    • Viparita Kalani

  • Arm Balances

  • Headstand

  • Shoulderstand

Module 4.8 | Exam #4

Exam Topics

  • Krishnamacharya

  • Desikachar

  • Iyengar

  • Jois

Note: Exam #4 will allow students to choose to focus on one of the modern yoga masters, their legacy, and teaching.

Take Exam #4

Supplemental Content