Kaliji with Margaret
Mysore, India December 2008
Today I thought you might be interested in learning a little about a wonderful practice that helps me maintain harmony in all that I do. By incorporating TriYoga into my daily life, I have a deeper appreciation of the inner strength that develops through balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Transformation occurs from within and once this is recognized, the surrounding world changes too, as every individual becomes a living example of what is best for themselves and others.
TriYoga is the system of yoga developed by Kali Ray, known as Kaliji. In January 1980, TriYoga Flows came intuitively to her as a result of kriyavati when she was leading a group meditation. Since then, Kaliji has established a comprehensive yoga method that incorporates the triple principle present in creation.
The beauty of TriYoga lies in its completeness as a method that allows the body to develop physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a complete experience encompassing asanas, pranayama, and mudra that blends body movements with breath. Meditation is taught in each class with sound and light visualization used to promote concentration leading into meditation.
Kaliji has established flows that work in accord with the whole person, enabling the student to focus fully on their practice while transferring a tranquility that stays with them throughout the day. Using a procedure of precise alignment, intuitive flows, and prana the student moves in a series of flows that improves strength and circulation, enhances inner peace, and promotes a deeper awareness of knowledge that arises from within.
Releasing Energy
When the body is supported correctly, it releases tension and negative energy and permits prana to move freely, making this style suitable for all ages and levels.
The classes are one and a half hours long and structured in precise sequences that awaken the intimate flow of prana and bring about a raised level of expansive awareness. The pace is fluid, and clear instruction throughout ensures that students are guided to maintain an even and rhythmical breath synchronized at a steady pace with a fusion of asanas, pranayama, and mudras.
Pranayama is an integral part of each class and even beginners learn techniques such as Shining Breath and Sun Moon Breath which aid in calming the nervous system and creating alpha brain waves. Exquisite mudras like Flowing Lotus work in combination with prana and asanas by securing energy within the body and eye mudras aid in drawing energy upward. It is a living process that moves beyond the physical through the dynamics of a method that represents the balance of life as the student learns to move and feel intuitively.
Each class ends with a period of meditation which centers on concentration of inner light enabling the mind to gain self-inquiry and allowing prana to be absorbed into the body. The result is a systematic practice that develops strength of mind and body, expands conscious awareness, and sustains the harmonious principles of the trinity.
All energy, such as light and sound, moves in waves and TriYoga incorporates this wavelike motion into a distinctive series. For example, when transitioning from cat pose to cat tuck the spine extends vertebra by vertebra in a spinal wave that flows from the base of the spine to the crown of the head with each inhalation and exhalation while maintaining a rhythmic flow of breath.
Relaxation occurs through correct alignment and economy of breath and movement. With regular sadhana (yoga practice), a heightened awareness arises to the universal truth that exists when balanced prana passes through the body. Additional classes include instruction on flows, prana vidya, Sanskrit, and jnana (philosophy).
Releasing Obstacles
As a TriYoga teacher, the discipline of daily practice centers and feeds my mind, body, and spirit. It is a rewarding experience, one where my existence is probed and challenged to overcome obstacles, many of which I place in my own way, either consciously or unconsciously. TriYoga is a constant process enabling me to be energized and enthusiastic, while asking me to be conscientious and thoughtful; demonstrating fairness and respect.
Ultimately, TriYoga is a wonderful teacher, profound, promoting the discovery of my innermost being. Its simplicity creates the opportunity for me to continue learning in love and enriching life.
I have a deeper appreciation of the inner strength that develops through balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Exploring the depth of each pose has taught me to reach beyond my own fears and gain confidence, by continuing to develop mentally, physically, and spiritually. Working to meet the challenges of practice is reflected in my interaction with others and I have grown through striving to maintain harmony in my daily life.
January 5th, 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of TriYoga which is now an international organization with over 600 teachers in 30 countries and hundreds more in the teacher internship program. Kaliji teaches classes and has been a keynote speaker at many seminars throughout the world. TriYoga is an organization that participates in aiding individuals and families with medical and financial help throughout the world. Other charitable activities include prison outreach and educating and raising awareness of caring for the environment and animal rights.
For much more in-depth information on Kaliji, classes, or training, the national website is TriYoga
Kaliji is my teacher and mentor and is a constant source of inspiration and guidance.
My TriYoga studio in Massachusetts is Studio
