Review of Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings by A.G. Mohan

In this blog, I’ll be reviewing Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings by A.G. Mohan (with Ganesh Mohan), published by Shambhala Publications in 2010. A version of this review originally appeared in the British Wheel of Yoga magazine, Spectrum, Winter 2020 edition. The book offers a firsthand account of A.G. Mohan’s 18-year journey as a student of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, one of the most influential figures in modern yoga, until his teacher’s passing in 1989 at the age of 100.

The Father of Modern Yoga

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is often regarded as the “Father of Modern Yoga,” having played a pivotal role in shaping the practice as we know it today. Despite his immense influence, Krishnamacharya himself sought neither fame nor material success during his lifetime. As he famously said, “A capable student brings fame to the teacher.” This book serves as a tribute to his legacy, shedding light on the life and teachings of this humble yet transformative yoga master.

Krishnamacharya’s Life

The book opens with a touching portrayal of Krishnamacharya as a person. Ganesh Mohan, the co-author and son of A.G. Mohan, shares personal anecdotes about his interactions with Krishnamacharya, recalling how approachable and encouraging he was, even offering sweetened almonds as a treat.

Born in 1888, Krishnamacharya’s early education in the Vedas, yoga asana, and pranayama came from his father. A gifted scholar, he earned multiple degrees, including one in yoga and the theory of Samkhya from Patna University. A significant chapter of his life was spent studying yoga in the Himalayas under his guru for seven years.

Mohan acknowledges the challenges of piecing together an accurate biography, as Krishnamacharya was known to share varying accounts of his life and rarely spoke of his achievements. This humility adds a layer of mystery to his story but also highlights his selfless nature.

A.G. Mohan’s Journey with Krishnamacharya

Mohan recounts his own spiritual quest and how a chance recommendation led him to attend a lecture by Krishnamacharya. This encounter, beautifully described in the book, marked the beginning of a transformative student-teacher relationship.

Mohan’s experiences learning under Krishnamacharya are vividly detailed. He describes how Krishnamacharya taught from memory, reciting texts and scriptures without relying on notes or books. The simplicity of Krishnamacharya’s living and teaching space—a room furnished only with a chair, a bed, and a carpet for asana practice—reflects his modest lifestyle.

Interestingly, Krishnamacharya was selective in what he taught, omitting certain practices from texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika that he deemed unsuitable for his students. This discernment underscores his deep understanding of yoga’s essence and its practical application.

The Birth of Modern Vinyasa Yoga

Krishnamacharya is credited with creating the vinyasa system, which revolutionized yoga by linking breath with movement and transforming it from a static practice into a dynamic one. One of his favorite vinyasa sequences, centered around the Warrior postures, is included in the book for readers to explore.

Krishnamacharya primarily taught one-on-one and used yoga therapeutically to address health issues. While he initially conducted group classes, he later shifted to individualized instruction, emphasizing the importance of avoiding force in asana practice—a principle some of his famous students, unfortunately, overlooked.

Addressing Criticisms

Krishnamacharya’s early yoga demonstrations, often involving advanced asanas performed by his students at the Mysore Palace, have drawn criticism. Mohan explains that Krishnamacharya viewed these displays as “yoga propaganda,” necessary at the time to popularize the practice. However, it’s clear that such performances were not reflective of his true teaching philosophy or lifestyle.

Exploring Yoga’s Core Principles

The book delves into various aspects of yoga, including pranayama, kriyas, yoga therapy, yamas, niyamas, and meditation. Mohan shares his teacher’s wisdom on these topics, offering readers a deeper understanding of Krishnamacharya’s holistic approach to yoga.

The Later Years

Mohan remained a devoted student until Krishnamacharya’s death in 1989. He fondly recounts his teacher’s later years, noting that Krishnamacharya maintained good health, both physically and mentally, despite a hip fracture that he chose not to treat surgically. Mohan’s role in caring for his teacher during this time adds a personal and heartfelt dimension to the narrative.

Final Thoughts

Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings is an essential read for anyone serious about yoga. It provides an authentic and insightful look into the origins of modern yoga practice, showcasing Krishnamacharya as a brilliant, humble, and deeply devoted teacher. His legacy continues to influence yoga practitioners worldwide, making this book a valuable resource for understanding the roots of our practice.

For those interested in exploring the lineage of modern yoga, Krishnamacharya’s teachings remain a reliable and profound reference. This book is a heartfelt tribute to a man whose impact on yoga is immeasurable, yet whose life was marked by simplicity and humility.

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