What Is Yoga? And What Is It For?
According to the Teachings of Śrī T. Krishnamacharya
In today’s world, yoga is often seen as a form of physical exercise, stress relief, or simply a way to improve flexibility. But these popular interpretations barely scratch the surface of what Yoga truly is.
According to the authentic tradition transmitted by Śrī T. Krishnamacharya (1888–1989) — one of the greatest Yoga masters of modern times — Yoga is far more than posture and breathwork. It is an ancient, sacred science aimed at nothing less than the transformation of the entire being and the realization of the Supreme.
The True Meaning of Yoga
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means “to join,” “to unite,” or “to connect.” But what is being united?
ccording to Krishnamacharya’s lineage, Yoga is the process through which the individual soul (jīva) is reconnected to its eternal relationship with the Supreme Being (Īśvara, Nārāyaṇa). This union is not a fusion of identities, but a restoration of harmony between the soul and its source.
Thus, Yoga is a spiritual path, not a system of personal self-improvement or worldly performance. Its goal is ultimately mokṣa (liberation) — freedom from the cycle of birth and death (saṁsāra) and realization of our true nature in relation to the Supreme.
The Purpose of Yoga
For Krishnamacharya, Yoga has a clear and sacred purpose:
🕉 Citta-śuddhi — purification of the mind and heart
🕉 Niśreyasa — attainment of the highest good (liberation)
🕉 Īśvara-prāpti — reaching communion with the Supreme Lord
While health benefits, flexibility, and physical strength may arise through proper practice, these are by-products — not the ultimate aim.
The Purpose of Yoga
Krishnamacharya did not invent Yoga. He transmitted the teachings of the ancient sages, drawing from multiple sacred sources:
Patañjali Yoga Sūtras — the system of discipline, concentration, and meditative absorption (samādhi).
Vaiṣṇava Vedānta (Viśiṣṭādvaita) — the personal relationship between the soul and the Supreme Lord.
Pāñcarātra Tantra — sacred rituals, mantra-japa, nyāsa, and devotion (bhakti).
Āyurveda & Marma Vidyā — knowledge of the body, breath, and subtle energy channels.
Each of these pillars forms part of a complete system aimed at the integration of body, mind, and spirit, all oriented towards liberation and devotion.
What Yoga Is Not?
In the modern era, many misconceptions have arisen:
❌ Yoga is not mere exercise.
❌ Yoga is not about achieving an ideal physical shape.
❌ Yoga is not a performance.
❌ Yoga is not a secular, culture-adaptable trend.
When Yoga is stripped of its spiritual foundation and its Guruparamparā (lineage), it loses its true power and degenerates into mere movement without meaning.
The Role of Paramparā — The Living Lineage
In Krishnamacharya’s view, Yoga can only be transmitted authentically through a living lineage (paramparā) — a chain of teachers faithfully passing on the knowledge as received from the śāstra (scriptures) and their predecessors.
Without this sacred transmission, Yoga becomes disconnected from its purpose, leading to confusion, distortion, and spiritual emptiness.
Yadu Yoga: Preserving the Sacred Path
At Yadu Yoga, we follow the teachings of Śrī T. Krishnamacharya and the ancient Vaiṣṇava Yoga Sampradāya. Our mission is to preserve and transmit Yoga in its pure, traditional form — integrating:
- Āsana (posture) and Vinyāsa Krama (movement and breath synchronization)
- Prāṇāyāma (breath control)
- Mantra, Nyāsa, and Meditation
- Philosophy rooted in Vedānta and Pāñcarātra
- Devotional service and surrender (śaraṇāgati)
Here, Yoga is not a trend.
Yoga is a sacred journey towards our eternal source.