Press Links

Nonsectarian but not Secular: Yoga and Religion

By Gary Kraftsow | 09/20/2023 | J Brown Yoga Talks

Gary talks to J Brown about the historical, philosophical, and religious context in which yoga appeared. They discuss the origins and substance of teachings given by TKV Desikachar at Colgate University in 1976, Patanjali’s interest in the phenomenon of faith rather than the metaphysical nature of the godhead, qualified non-dualism, escaping the materialism of asana, from alternative to complementary medicine, and transformation that addresses the fragmentation of our times.

The Yoga of Deśikācar

By Gary Kraftsow | 07/30/2021 |

A dialogue to honour and express gratitude for Sri TKV Deśikācar on the occasion of the 2021 International Day of Yoga. This online event was organised by Yoga Vahini and Ritambhara Ashram.

The intent behind this event is for teachers in the tradition of Sri T Krishnamacharya-Desikachar to reflect upon:

  • Who are the teachers of yoga in this tradition today?
  • What is the root of each individual’s current yoga teaching?
  • How did Sri TKV Deśikācar impact and influence each teacher in making them who they are today?

Four senior teachers in this tradition share their experience of learning with Sir and how he has influenced them:  Raghu Ananthanarayanan, Gary Kraftsow, R. Sriram, and Dr. Latha Satish.

The sankalpa is to culminate this dialogue series with a conference to honour the Guruparampara in 2022.​

Yoga for Managing the Stress Response – IYD San Antonio

By Gary Kraftsow | 07/20/2021 |

Join Gary Kraftsow for this one-hour presentation and short practice for the San Antonio celebration of the 2021 International Day of Yoga.  Learn some simple yoga techniques to help manage the stress response.

Embodied Yoga interview with Gary Kraftsow

By Embodied Yoga | 05/21/2020 |

Listen to Gary’s interview with Mark Walsh of Embodied Yoga as he discusses his days with Deśikācar and Kriṣṇamācārya, Yoga Therapy, the importance of the breath, the lineage of Viniyoga, the multi-dimensional model of the human being, the ultimate goal of yoga as preparation for death.

Meet Gary Kraftsow

By Holly Hammond | 09/03/2019 | Yoga Journal

Meet Gary Kraftsow. The first American yoga teacher to be certified by T.K.V. Desikachar and now the leading teacher of Viniyoga Therapy.

A Viniyoga Sequence for Managing Addictive Behavior in Yoga Journal

By Gary Kraftsow | 08/05/2019 | Yoga Journal

Gary Kraftsow was named a Lifetime Contributor and “one of America’s Leading Yoga Therapists” by Yoga Journal magazine.  In the July/August 2019 issue, learn more about Viniyoga and experience the power of an integrated Yoga Therapy practice to help manage addictive behavior.

Positive Life Magazine Recommends Yoga for Life with Gary Kraftsow

By Positive Life | 05/08/2019 | Positive Life

Positive Life Magazine has recommended Gary Kraftsow’s workshop, Yoga for Life, at Unity Yoga in Clonakilty, Co. Cork on June 14-16, 2019.

Are you living for your yoga practice, or using your yoga practice to help you live your life? Join Gary Kraftsow, Founder & Director of the American Viniyoga Institute, to explore specific Yogic teachings and practices that provide methods to help you achieve your highest potential. Through lecture and practice, you will learn how to move towards optimum health by adapting yoga practices to individualize and actualize your process of self-discovery and personal transformation.

Āsanaprāṇāyāma, meditation, and tantra:  if you’re interested in learning more, join Gary in Ireland in June.

Podcast with Brian James of Medicine Path Yoga

By Gary Kraftsow | 10/11/2018 | Medicine Path Yoga

Gary speaks with Brian James of Medicine Path Yoga about the early days on his 40-year yogic path, the meaning of Tantra, the Cakra-s as a symbol system and tool for personal transformation, and what Yoga Therapy is all about.

Podcast with J. Brown

By Gary Kraftsow | 08/21/2018 | J. Brown Yoga Talks

Listen to Gary and J. talk about:

  • Gary’s time in India and his relationship with TKV Desikachar,
  • the story behind the name of American Viniyoga Institute, and
  • the potential role of Yoga Therapy in healthcare.