We need both the science and art of yoga!

By A. G. Mohan and Indra Mohan

The science of yoga is to understand the principles and practices with clarity and reasoning. The art of yoga is to see the whole person, assess their needs, and apply yoga in the way that serves them best. We need both the science and the art of yoga!

One of the most important principles we learned from Sri Krishnamacharya was that the application of yoga should be made suitable for the person receiving it. Teaching is for the taught: there is a person with a purpose, and on that basis, we decide what yoga practice would be best for them.

The Person: Who?

This is most important of considerations, and the most often forgotten! “Who is the student?” Each student is unique, with personal qualities and a particular starting point. In yoga, the teaching of methods and techniques should be suited to the student and not vice-versa. We should not decide on a practice beforehand and then force the student to fit into that mold.

The Purpose: Why?

The practice of yoga can be for one or more of many purposes, including: seeking freedom from a disease (therapeutic), increasing fitness (preventive and for wellbeing), or seeking inner peace (transformation). As long as the ultimate goal is decreasing suffering, all these purposes are meaningful outcomes of traditional yoga.

The Practice: What?

Practice is the specific means utilized to fulfill the particular purpose taking into consideration the person. The actual details of the practice are to be decided based on the person and their specific purpose. This is where we bring together the science and the art of yoga!

This triad of person-purpose-practice at the heart of sound yoga is of timeless relevance. For instance, asana without attention to the purpose and person, becomes just an imitation of a shape of the body. But when we consider the person and the purpose, it serves a genuine and deep need. This applies not only to asana, but to pranayama, meditation, and other limbs of yoga too. Take care and apply yoga in the way that is most suited to you.