Kripalu Yoga: Frequently Asked Questions

For a complete description of Kripalu Yoga, please visit our What is Kripalu Yoga page on this website.

It is a yoga path that is named after Swami Kripalu. He lived in India and was the teacher of Amrit Desai, the founder of Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lennox, Massachusetts. Kripalu’s approach to yoga is very gentle and open. It is a great way for self improvement and growth. You learn how to come closer to your true self through the practice of yoga. You learn how to be nonjudgmental towards others. At the same time, you establish a nurturing, loving, and sacred relationship with your body, mind and spirit. ...

Kripalu Yoga is a conscious practice of physical yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques for integrating body, mind and spirit. It can be described as a "meditation in motion". The Kripalu approach to yoga incorporates awareness, self-inquiry, and attunement to prana (also known as the life force, energy or Qi) into asana practice. "As an integrated practice on and off the mat, Kripalu Yoga becomes a catalyst for physical healing, psychological and emotional development, and spiritual awakening. ...

Kripalu yoga is a type of hatha yoga. Developed by Kripalvananda and his disciple Yogi Amrit Desai, Kripalu is a gentle, introspective practice that urges practitioners to hold poses in order to explore and release emotional and spiritiual conflicts. In Kripalu yoga, the both meditation and motion combine together throughout the class. One is not distinct from the other, and it truly is a union of the mind and body.

What defines Kripalu Yoga is its emphasis: following the flow of prana (life-force energy), practicing compassionate self-acceptance, developing witness consciousness (observing the activity of the mind without judgment), and taking what is learned “off the mat” into daily life. At Point Yoga, we believe that this foundational approach--breathing, relaxing, feeling, observing and allowing--is the most beneficial way to practice yoga.

For more than 30 years, Kripalu Center has served as the largest retreat center for yoga and holistic health in North America. Ayurveda and yoga grew from the same ancient Indian traditions and are intrinsically linked. Kripalu is dedicated to presenting ancient yogic principles in a contemporary, accessible, yet profound way and to providing participants with tools they can apply to their daily lives. Ayurveda is one more powerful tool that we are proud to be able to offer to our guests.

Kripalu’s services will include more than a dozen Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments that use traditionally prepared aromatic oils with herbs to aid in detoxification and relaxation as well as restoring the body’s balance. Kripalu Center will also offer a five-day program of cleansing and rejuvenation, Panchakarma , that features body type ( dosha ) analysis, pulse evaluation, lifestyle counseling, herbal recommendations, yoga exercises, diet assessment and meditation classes.

Yes. An unprecedented number of Americans are seeking alternative and complementary health and wellness options. 16.5 million Americans now practice yoga, while 10 million practice meditation. We believe that many people who have discovered yoga’s benefits are eager to take their exploration of holistic Eastern lifestyle, health and healing practices to a new level. Kripalu’s Ayurveda programs will offer this opportunity for exploration.

Most yoga classes available today are hatha yoga classses, for hatha is the yoga which emphasizes movement, meditation, and breathwork. There are many styles of teaching hatha yoga available today...Kripalu, Iyengar, Anusara, Bikram, Integral, etc. etc. etc. Kripalu* hatha yoga is characterized by its internally directed approach to asana practice emphasizing three stages: Stage one, "willful practice," teaches the basic mechanics of the postures including placement, alignment and coordination of breath and movement. ...

Kripalu hatha yoga is a very traditional form that emphasizes personal intuition and expression of postures, rather than the more standardized, right-or-wrong approach that has become common in many gym/fitness center or “power flow” style classes. A good Kripalu teacher will invite you to explore the deepening of a posture in your body rather than making you feel as if postures are something your body should already be able to do. ...

Hatha yoga incorporates breathing, physical postures, and relaxation and meditation to enhance the union of mind, body and spirit. It is hatha yoga that has become popular in the West, and is the type of yoga that is taught at yoga studios, health clubs and recreational facilities. Kripalu yoga is a type of hatha yoga. Kripalu yoga can be gentle or vigorous, and is known for its respect of both ancient yogic teachings and the inner wisdom of each practitioner’s being. (For more information about Kripalu yoga, click here ). ...

Our food, lodging, treatments, consultations and classes are all-inclusive, making our programs more affordable and accessible. While our Ayurvedic programs and the way they are offered are most similar to the Himalayan Institute’s programs, we offer a far broader range of treatments and daily classes in yoga, meditation and personal growth. There will be similarities in all programs, but Kripalu’s specialty is creating safe and sacred space where guests can experience renewal. ...

Yes. Absolutely. Provided your training is recognized by the Yoga Alliance. There is no change in our annual cost for teachers of other traditions. Contact us at kyta@kripalu.org for more information.