Anusara yoga is a relatively new form of yoga that has its roots in hatha yoga. Anusara yoga was started in California by yoga guru John Friend in 1997. Friend trains teachers through his Anusara yoga center and teaches at workshops around the country.
Anusara means flowing with grace or flowing with the heart. According to Friend’s website, Anusara yoga “unifies a life affirming Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with the Universal Principles of Alignment.” These principles of alignment form the components of Anusara yoga.
The Universal Principles of Alignment in Anusara yoga are Attitude, Alignment and Action. The asana is performed with intention and connection with an awareness of alignment and balance between freedom and stability.
The philosophy of this form of yoga practice includes a spiritual dimension that assumes the innate goodness in all and looks for good in all living things. The practice includes spiritual components and meditation, but nothing that isn’t compatible with other religions.
Each class begins with an invocation to recognize the universal spirit. The theme of the practice includes a connection to our divine nature and cultivating an open heart, both on and off the mat.
Much of the practice resembles hatha yoga with the movements coordinated with breath and the use of props for support, as needed. All the traditional standing poses, forward bends, inversions, twists, back bends and restorative poses you would find in a hatha yoga class are used in Anusara yoga.
The difference between the typical hatha yoga class at your local gym and Anusara is the spiritual and meditative components of this practice. The class is quiet and time is taken for meditation and centering in the practice.
Anusara yoga is trademarked and the official school trains and certifies teachers in this method of yoga. The Anusara Yoga Website has information on training and more about Anusara yoga. In addition, information and listings of certified teachers around the country can be found on the website.
If you search the directory and no Anusara teachers are available in your area, you can practice at home. DVDs are available with practices that range from 45 minutes to one hour. Most are mixed level practices that are suitable for either beginners or more experienced yogis.