Anusara Yoga is a contemporary style of hatha yoga that emerged in 1997, founded by American yoga teacher John Friend. This unique approach sought to reintroduce elements of Hindu spirituality into what had become a more health-oriented Western practice of yoga. Friend's vision for Anusara was to combine a specific philosophical framework, which he termed Shiva-Shakti Tantra, with his own system of "Universal Principles of Alignment." This blend aimed
to offer practitioners a holistic experience that integrated physical postures with a deeper spiritual understanding.
The Tantric Heart of Anusara
At the core of Anusara Yoga's philosophy is its tantric nature. This perspective views the universe, as perceived through our senses and mind, as a direct manifestation of the divine. According to this underlying philosophy, this manifestation is considered pure bliss and joy, an essence of divinity that is inherently pure, the fundamental nature of everything and everyone, and beyond sensory perception. The divine nature, in this definition, is unconditional and free from all limitations. This tantric outlook suggests that goodness permeates all aspects of the world and its inhabitants.
This philosophical foundation is crucial to understanding the practice of Anusara. It encourages practitioners to approach their yoga with an attitude of
