Yoga is a path of integration, uniting mind, body, and heart. The three primary yogas—Jnana (knowledge), Karma (action), and Bhakti (devotion)—offer distinct yet complementary approaches to self-inquiry and transformation.

Jnana Yoga cultivates wisdom through deep discernment, Karma Yoga teaches selfless action, and Bhakti Yoga opens the heart through devotion. But Rather than separate paths, they are meant to be integrated.

At Circle Yoga Shala, we honor the principle of Vinyasa Krama, a systematic approach to sequencing that unfolds practice in a special, gradual way. As described by T.K.V. Desikachar, it involves building from simple to complex while maintaining steadiness and ease. This arc of progression—preparation, goal, and conclusion—ensures each step lays the foundation for the next, allowing students to safely expand their capacity and deepen their practice.

Vinyasa Krama isn't just about sequencing toward a peak posture. It's a versatile framework that can be applied to breath work, dosha balancing, or broader life goals. By learning to construct sequences thoughtfully, teachers can offer practices that feel elegant, purposeful, and truly transformative.

Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, offers a holistic approach to health that differs significantly from Western medicine. Rooted in the belief that balance within the body, mind, and environment is key to well-being, Ayurveda focuses on the dynamic interplay of elemental forces—earth, water, fire, air, and space.

While Western medicine takes a bottom-up approach, focusing on the body's parts and functions, Ayurveda uses a top-down philosophy, addressing the systemic root causes of disease.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that action is essential to understanding. The prince Arjuna, caught in doubt and hesitation, is told by Krishna that inaction is not an option—because both action and inaction have consequences.

Here at Circle Yoga Shala, we often remind our students that simple isn’t easy. Nowhere is this more evident than in the principle of vinyasa krama—the intentional, step-by-step progression toward a goal, both on and off the mat. More than just sequencing poses for a peak posture, this method demands discernment: each step must be necessary, aligned, and built on a stable foundation.

Yet true simplicity is deceptively difficult. It requires stripping away distractions, refining choices, and resisting the urge to do more when less is enough.

Here at Circle Yoga Shala, breath is more than a tool for mindfulness—it's an active partner in posture practice. By aligning specific breathing patterns with the demands of each pose, a technique called biomechanical matching, practitioners can enhance their practice with greater physical support, ease, and awareness.

Learn how inhaling during backbends and exhaling in forward folds can enhance and aid your yoga practice.

Not all teacher training programs are created equal. Some follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, treating every student and every body as though they’re the same. But yoga is an incredibly personal practice—one that meets you where you are.

Cookie-cutter programs often miss this nuance, leaving little room for your unique body, mind, or spirit to thrive. What’s the alternative?

Choosing the right Yoga Teacher Training program can be a deeply personal decision, as well as an important one. So, what should you look for in a yoga teacher training program?

But beyond the logistics, there’s something even more essential that often gets overlooked.