THE YOGA LINEAGES
An ongoing spiritual journey
In yoga philosophy there is a rich tradition of lineages that play a fundamental role in transmitting spiritual teachings from generation to generation. These lineages, known as paramparas , establish a direct link between the enlightened masters of the past and the spiritual seekers of the present.
One of the most prominent lineages is that of Hatha Yoga, which dates back to classical texts such as "Hatha Yoga Pradipika". In this lineage, deep knowledge of asanas, pranayama and mudras is transmitted from master to disciple. Masters such as Sri Krishnamacharya, Swami Sivananda and BKS Iyengar left a lasting legacy, influencing the practice and evolution of modern Hatha Yoga.
Another notable example is the lineage of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a dynamic practice that follows a specific sequence of postures synchronized with the breath. The legendary Sri K. Pattabhi Jois was an influential master in this lineage, passing on his wisdom to disciples such as Sharath Rangaswamy, maintaining the authenticity and purity of the practice.
The lineage of Kundalini Yoga, focused on activating Kundalini energy through intense practices, led by Yogi Bhajan, who brought this tradition from the East to the West. His teachings continue to be disseminated by his students, keeping the spiritual flame of the lineage alive.
These lineages are not only a transmission of physical techniques, but also of philosophical and spiritual principles. When following a lineage with integrity, practitioners seek more than perfecting postures; they tap into a river of wisdom that has been flowing for a long time, keeping burning the flame of spiritual essence that has stood the test of time.
In conclusion, lineages in the yoga tradition represent a living stream of spiritual knowledge, a precious heritage that connects the present with the past, providing guidance and inspiration to those seeking the inner yoga journey. By following a lineage, practitioners align themselves not just with a practice, but with a spiritual tradition that transcends the boundaries of time and space, thus being able to achieve the spiritual goals of yoga with self-responsibility and appropriate awareness.
