There is NO such thing as Traditional Yoga.

There is no such thing as traditional yoga.

We are often told to perform a pose in a specific way because it’s “traditional.” This phrase carries weight—it makes us feel like we should honour something sacred, something time-tested. And so, we contort and mould ourselves to fit that so-called "traditional" pose.

below - the Iyengar extended Triangle - the right way? or is it just an interpretation?

The reality is that no single modern yoga practice can claim to be traditional in the truest sense. The yoga we practice today—whether it’s Ashtanga, Iyengar, Sivananda, or Vinyasa—is an adaptation of a practice that has evolved over centuries. They are all styles of Yoga. No one style is the definitive school of yoga.

For instance - take Ashtanga yoga. A teacher might guide you through a series of precise movements, insisting that you perform poses a certain way because it's “traditional.” What they really mean is that it’s the tradition of the Ashtanga lineage, not a universal yoga tradition. Similarly, in an Iyengar or Sivananda class, the instructions are shaped by those schools' particular approaches. These methods are valid in their own contexts, but they are not definitive representations of yoga’s traditions as a whole.

When someone says their yoga style or yoga class is traditional or authentic, or, both traditional and authentic combined (🤯) - at best, this reflects a specific lineage or teacher’s interpretation. At worst, it’s a marketing strategy designed to attract students by invoking the allure of authenticity.

Honouring Tradition Without Blind Conformity

Let’s pause for a moment to consider tradition. Just because something is traditional doesn’t necessarily make it virtuous. For example, child marriage is considered traditional in some parts of India. But that doesn’t make it right or something worth preserving. In the sub-continent, tradition is just something passed down from one set of elders to the next. Most often, that tradition is respected and observed through respect for the elders rather than respect or approval of the actual tradition.

In my opinion and real-life experience, blindly adhering to so-called traditions can cause more harm than good. In the context of Yoga - following traditions blindly can leave you lost in a crowd. If your body fits the lineage (and style of yoga) and you can do yoga a specific way without injury and harm well then great - but if you try to fit your body into a pose that goes against the instinct of your body, you are not honouring "divinity" within. You are not honouring yourself - either you are trying to 'people please' by fitting in or you are trying to be too respectful to your teacher. But where is the respect for yourself?

Yoga is not about forcing your body into a predefined mould or conforming to rigid, one-size-fits-all instructions. As Krishnamacharya—often called the father of modern yoga—famously said, “Don’t make your body fit the pose; make the pose fit your body.”

Yet, with the rise of systems like Ashtanga and Bikram yoga, this vital principle has often been overshadowed by dogmatic approaches. These methods have their place, but they should serve as frameworks for exploration, not rules to follow without question.

Yoga’s Evolution Through the Ages

When someone claims their yoga is “traditional,” it’s worth examining the broader historical context. Traditional yoga, in its original form, looks nothing like the modern practices we know today.

Centuries ago, yoga was practiced by sadhus in India and Nepal as part of their spiritual discipline. They would perform poses for extended periods, often in devotion to Shiva, while chanting, meditating, and sometimes using herbs to deepen their practices. These sadhus lived in caves or secluded areas, dedicating their lives to spiritual enlightenment.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and we see the emergence of modern yoga, heavily influenced by Krishnamacharya. He adapted classical seated poses used for meditation into dynamic sequences designed to improve health and physical well-being. His teachings evolved into what we now recognize as Hatha yoga, which, in turn, inspired systems like Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Vinyasa.

Each of these lineages is an interpretation of yoga, shaped by the needs of their time. And just as yoga evolved from Krishnamacharya’s teachings, it continues to evolve today. To call any modern form of yoga “traditional” is to misunderstand the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the practice.

Honouring Individuality in Yoga

This brings us to an important point: there is no single right or wrong way to practice yoga. The idea of a “correct” pose often serves only to please a teacher or conform to a specific lineage.

Yoga, at its core, is an individual path—a journey of self-discovery and connection to something greater. Each body is unique, and each person’s practice should honour that uniqueness. Yoga poses are not about achieving a picture-perfect aesthetic; they are about finding your own expression within the pose.

This is where understanding anatomy becomes essential. By studying anatomy, we learn to honour individuality. We understand that no two bodies are the same, and we stop trying to force ourselves—or our students—into a rigid ideal. Instead, we adapt the poses to suit the person. When we teach and practice this way, we are truly honouring yoga’s essence.

Yoga Is About Evolution, Not Perfection

The next time someone tells you that a pose must be done a certain way because it’s “traditional,” pause and reflect. Ask yourself: Is this instruction helping me connect with my body? Is it honouring my individuality, or is it trying to force me into a mould?

Yoga is not static. It is a living, breathing tradition that has evolved over centuries and will continue to evolve. As practitioners and teachers, it is our responsibility to honour this evolution by encouraging exploration, adaptation, and personal expression.

Ultimately, yoga is not about achieving perfection in a pose. It is about creating space—for your body, your mind, and your spirit—to grow and transform.

When we honour individuality, we honour yoga. And that is the most “traditional” thing we can do.

Read my story on the Origins of the Dancer Pose to see how Parvati adapted yoga as a reflection of her grace. If you haven't already, read my blog on the Pioneer of physical yoga, the great Krishnamacharya.

To learn more about "traditional yoga" - read my blog on my journey to Nepal to meet Sadhus.

Zahir Akram - Eternal Seeker

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