The wisdom of legendary yogis transcends centuries, offering practical guidance for today’s fast-paced world. From ancient sages to modern masters, these visionaries shaped yoga philosophy—and their insights can transform your daily life.
1. Patanjali (Circa 200 CE)
Contribution: Authored the Yoga Sutras (foundation of classical yoga)
Key Teaching:
“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”
Modern Application:
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Use breathwork (like Nadi Shodhana) to calm mental chatter
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Practice single-tasking instead of multitasking
2. Swami Sivananda (1887–1963)
Contribution: Simplified yoga into 5 principles
Key Teaching:
“Serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realize.”
Modern Application:
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Daily gratitude journaling (a form of giving)
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Digital detox (purification for the mind)
3. B.K.S. Iyengar (1918–2014)
Contribution: Precision-based alignment (Iyengar Yoga)
Key Teaching:
“The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.”
Modern Application:
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Ergonomic work setups (applying alignment principles)
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Use props (blocks/straps) to make poses accessible
4. Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952)
Contribution: Brought yoga to the West (Autobiography of a Yogi)
Key Teaching:
“Calmness is the living breath of God’s peace.”
Modern Application:
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Morning energy rituals (his famous Energization Exercises)
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Kriya Yoga techniques for stress relief
5. Sri Krishnamacharya (1888–1989)
Contribution: Taught modern masters (Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois)
Key Teaching:
“Teach what is appropriate for the individual.”
Modern Application:
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Personalized yoga routines (no “one size fits all”)
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Chair yoga for those with limited mobility
6. Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi, b. 1953)
Contribution: Embodied compassion in action
Key Teaching:
“Love is the only medicine that can heal the wounds of the world.”
Modern Application:
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Random acts of kindness (her “hugging saint” philosophy)
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Environmental activism (her green initiatives)
7. Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev, b. 1957)
Contribution: Makes yoga relevant to modern seekers
Key Teaching:
“If you resist change, you resist life.”
Modern Application:
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Corporate mindfulness programs (like Isha Kriya)
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Ecological responsibility (Project GreenHands)
8. Tara Stiles (b. 1981)
Contribution: Democratized yoga (Strala Yoga)
Key Teaching:
“Yoga is about feeling good, not looking good.”
Modern Application:
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Body-positive approach on social media
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Stress-free movement (no rigid alignment rules)
How to Apply Their Wisdom Daily
Morning:
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Patanjali’s focus (5 min meditation)
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Sivananda’s service (send one kind text)
Workday:
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Iyengar’s alignment (posture checks)
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Sadhguru’s adaptability (embrace a small change)
Evening:
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Yogananda’s calmness (gratitude reflection)
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Amma’s love (compliment a stranger)
“The light that shines beyond all things on Earth, beyond us all, beyond the heavens—this is the light that shines in your heart.”
— Chandogya Upanishad (inspired many yogis)
Deepen Your Practice with our Wisdom of the Masters Workshop in Hội An!
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