Chapters (3)

Yoga FAQ | 013 | What is difference between Yoga & Stretching?

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar · 2:20

philosophy asana meditation

In this practice

Key teachings

Yoga is not merely physical stretching; it influences the mind and energetic system
The focus of yoga is on breathing and quietening the mind
Yoga involves the movement of Prana energy within the system
Yoga fosters inner connection and happiness, rather than boosting the ego

Ideal for

Beginners to yoga seeking foundational understanding
Practitioners interested in the philosophy of yoga
Anyone confused about the difference between yoga and stretching
Students exploring traditional yoga lineages

Lesson

Instructions

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar answers frequently asked questions on the topic of Yoga & Yoga Therapy.

If you need a question answered, kindly send them to info@khyf.net

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar is the successor and current lineage holder of the classical Yoga tradition of T Krishnamacharya & TKV Desikachar. He is an acclaimed yoga teacher, yoga therapist, healer and spiritual adviser. His objectives include the sharing of the authentic teachings of Yoga to the modern era, as well as building bridges between different healing modalities to promote physical, emotional social and spiritual health.

For more information on his work and teachings, kindly visit and

Steps

Pranayama (breathing exercises) for mind-quietening
Meditative Asana practice focused on breath
Dhyana (meditation) for inner reflection

Benefits

Quietens the mind
Promotes happiness and inner peace
Fosters connection to the heart and deep feelings
Enhances energetic flow (Prana)
Provides a deeper, more meditative experience

Prana Asana Ama

Transcript

[Music] a lot of people today think about yoga as a form of stretching exercises this is the furthest from the truth yoga is not at all stretching of the body actually yoga is a practice that influences our mind and more importantly our energetic system stretching exercises is a form of physical fitness and it is bring brought in from the Western Society into the world yoga has nothing to do with stretching of the muscles and body yoga has to do with the movement of Prana energy in our system so that we quieten our mind even when we are doing physical postures the focus of yoga is on the breathing and the focus of yoga is also on quietening the mind so that even physical practices like asanas become a more meditative experience physical stretching or exercises also boost the ego we sometimes wonder whether our muscles are bigger our muscles are stronger Etc whereas in yoga that is not the case in yoga we are wondering whether our mind is more quieter and we are more happier or whether we are more connected to our hearts so when we practice yoga we must remember that it is not a stretching exercise and actually we must focus on nourishing our breath in such a manner that it quietens our mind and therefore helps us to connect with our hearts and deep feelings inside us [Music] for

Practice summary

Level: all levels
Duration: 2 minutes
Equipment: none
Target areas: MindBreathEnergetic systemHeart/Emotional well being
Energy: balancing

More practice