At-A-Glance
Listen
For over 50 years, T.K.V Desikachar devoted himself to teaching yoga and making it relevant to people from all walks of life and with all kinds of abilities.
- Son and student of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya from 1960 until Krishnamacharya’s death in 1989.
- Founder of the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM).
- His teaching method was based on Krishnamacharya’s fundamental principle that yoga must always be adapted to an individual’s changing needs in order to derive the maximum therapeutic benefit.
- Reading time is around 9 minutes.
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya Venkata Desikachar (1938-2016)
Better known as T.K.V. Desikachar – Was one of the world’s foremost teachers of yoga and a renowned authority on the therapeutic uses of yoga.
T.K.V. Desikachar had the privilege of living and studying with his Father (Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya), from 1960 until Krishnamacharya’s death in 1989.
In addition to the three decades of yoga training he received from his father, T.K.V Desikachar held a degree in structural engineering.
T.K.V. Desikachar was well known for his generosity of teaching and sharing.
Teach what is inside you, not as it applies to you, to yourself, but as it applies to the other.
T.K.V. Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
His teaching method was based on Krishnamacharya’s fundamental principle that yoga must always be adapted to an individual’s changing needs in order to derive the maximum therapeutic benefit.
To Learn More about this Lineage
Often referred to as ‘The Father of Modern Yoga’, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century and is credited with the revival of hatha yoga…
Teaching Clearly and Simply
TKV Desikachar was known for his inimitable ability of demystifying yoga philosophy and for his pioneering work in the area of wellness and yoga therapy.
As a diagnostician and yoga therapist, TKV Desikachar’s skills were legendary and all his students will stand testimony to his mastery as healer and spiritual guide.
TKV Desikachar’s landmark book, The Heart of Yoga, remains a bestseller and is considered a comprehensive reference book for both yoga teachers and enthusiasts alike.
It is when obstacles do not seem to be present that it is most important to be on our guard.
Nothing is more fraught with danger than to mistake a temporary state for a permanent one.
We must expect cycles of clarity and confusion, recognizing that falls from clarity may be more disturbing than a state of no clarity at all.
When obstacles appear, it is necessary to advance toward a state of reflection to reduce their impact and prevent them from taking over.
T.K.V. Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
His no-nonsense teaching style continues to resonate in the minds of his students and to him goes the credit of creating the representational stick figures that are so widely used by students and teachers of yoga the world over.
The guru is not one who says, ‘I am the guru.’.
There are great stories in the Upaniṣads of the guru who rejected the very idea of teaching.
One of the qualities of a person who is clear, who is wise, is not to need to say ‘I am clear, I am wise.’
There is no need to say this.
T.K.V. Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
This highly practical book was a key text during my teacher training that I continue to reference today.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone wishing to develop a personal yoga practice and gain a better understanding of Yoga.
To Purchase your own copy, Visit the Yoga with Len Books & Guides Page.
Books & Guides. Inspired Learning!
From simple getting-started guides for Beginners to materials suitable for Advanced Students of Yoga, Well-Being, and Self-Care, you’ll find something here to suit all levels of experience and interest!
The Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM)
Established by TKV Desikachar in 1976 as a non-profit Public Charitable Trust, KYM is among the premier centres of yoga and yoga therapy in India. KYM Website
T.K.V Desikachar oversaw KYM’s work in therapy as well as training and guiding the faculty of KYM.
KYM is recognised by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) as one of the lead yoga institutes in India. KYM also has the SIRO (Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) recognition awarded by the Department for Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India, Further, KYM is recognised by the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. KYM is also one of the few yoga centres to possess the ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Be it for general wellness, Yoga Therapy or Yoga Teacher Training Programs, or Vedic chanting, the KYM is well known for its holistic health promotive approach. KYM functions out of two locations in Chennai, Mandaveli and Kilpauk.
In education the first requirement is the teacher, the second is the student.
What should happen between them is learning.
How it should happen is through the constant teaching of that which will be relevant to the student.
That is education
T.K.V. Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
For more than 50 years, T.K.V Desikachar devoted himself to teaching yoga and making it relevant to people from all walks of life and with all kinds of abilities.
Key Take-Aways
TKV Desikachar was known for his inimitable ability to demystify yoga philosophy and for his pioneering work in the area of wellness and yoga therapy.
- Desikachar was one of the world’s foremost teachers of yoga and a renowned authority on the therapeutic uses of yoga.
- Teach what is inside you, not as it applies to you, to yourself, but as it applies to the other.
- Understand the fundamental principle that yoga must always be adapted to an individual’s changing needs in order to derive the maximum therapeutic benefit.
