séc. II a.C.
Patanjali
Codified the Yoga Sutras, the foundational philosophical system of classical yoga with the eight-limbed path.
Read more →Yoga • Tradition • Legacy
Great Masters of Yoga
The six pillars who shaped the yoga we know today
1888–1989
Sri T. Krishnamacharya
The "Father of Modern Yoga". Trained Iyengar, Jois and Indra Devi, shaping all global branches of contemporary yoga.
Read more →1899–2002
Indra Devi
The "First Lady of Yoga" — first Western woman disciple of Krishnamacharya, she brought yoga to Hollywood and Latin America.
Read more →1915–2009
K. Pattabhi Jois
"Guruji" created Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, the dynamic style that gave rise to modern Vinyasa and Power Yoga.
Read more →1918–2014
B.K.S. Iyengar
Creator of Iyengar Yoga, he revolutionised practice with the use of props and a focus on precise anatomical alignment.
Read more →1938–2016
T.K.V. Desikachar
Creator of the Viniyoga concept, he adapted yoga to the individual and founded the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) to preserve his father's teachings.
Read more →