The Lineage
“Knowing all objects to be impermanent, let not their contact blind you, resolve again and again to be aware of the Self that is permanent.”
– Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
A Universal, But Personal Path
The legendary 20th century yogi Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is considered to be the “Father of Modern Yoga.” A yoga master and polymath, with degrees in all six schools of Indian philosophy, as well as Sanskrit and Ayurveda, he believed yoga to be India’s gift to the world.
Fundamental to the Krishnamarcharya lineage is a holistic and uniquely personalized process. Rather than a standardized prescription, the Krishnamacharya tradition emphasizes self-empowerment and personal expression on the path of wellbeing, healing and transformation. Each person’s age, health, lifestyle, responsibilities, capacities, occupation, time restraints, stage of life, and goals are taken into consideration.
My Approach
My approach is to offer care using the full range of tools–asana, yoga psychology, pranayama, mantra, gesture, visualization, chanting, and philosophy–that I have been taught by my teachers. This integrated approach helps individuals to grow and understand themselves better, empowering all levels of development—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
A Practice Unique to You
Just as no two people are alike, we are also constantly changing. Hence, a yoga practice must be adapted to serve the changing needs, both internal and external, of the individual. This methodology reduces disturbances of mind and body, allowing movement from a state of agitation or discomfort to a place of tranquility, well being and acceptance.
Learn more about Monique.
Breaking Barriers
Acharya Krishnamachrya revolutionized the world of yoga, making it accessible to all sincere seekers. He eliminated barriers that prevented women from undertaking various forms of study and worship, including accepting Western women as students and teaching Vedic chanting to women, when it had previously been reserved for upper caste males.
Sri T. Krishnamacharya insisted on the absolute equality and right for anyone to experience the depth of yogic study – all he asked for was sincerity of purpose. His students included many of yoga’s most renowned teachers: Indra Devi, Pattabhi Jois, BKS Iyengar, his son TKV Desikachar, Srivatsa Ramaswami, and AG Mohan.
The Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation
TKV Desikachar studied and lived with his father, Sri T. Krishnamacharya, until his death. Desikachar taught in India and abroad, founding the first international Yoga Therapy clinic, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandarim (KYM) in Chennai, India, and later in 2006, also in Chennai, the Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation (KHYF) with his son Kausthub Desikachar. KHYF’s mission is to share the teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar in their purest form, including Vedic Chanting taught by Menaka Desikachar.
