Kaula Yoga shares the same postures (Asanas) as many other forms of yoga, separated into four distinct series. A class can start with breathwork (pranayama) and warm-up postures to prepare the body and mind and centre attention away from the outside world.

Kaula Yoga is designed to uncover patterns in the mind and body, giving students time to notice what may arise in the body and mind while and after holding a posture. A student may be able to let go of emotions tied to the physical body and learn to listen more subtly when the body is trying to say something. Or even release emotions that may be stuck or stagnant in the physical form.

Relaxation is a strong theme in this practice; the student is given time in corpse posture (Savasana), going inward and then expanding outward through deep relaxation. We practice breath retention before moving on to the next posture. Props such as a yoga strap help you relax deeper into a pose without pushing or struggling.

Kaula yoga postures also help open the chakra system and move the subtle energies that form the body. The Final Savasana in class will be accompanied by about ten minutes of drumming.

What can you expect during a Kaula Yoga Class?

The first series will be a Standing Series or a Sitting Heating Series. The Standing Series includes standing postures such as Forward Bends, Standing Warrior, Half Moon, and Standing Cow Face. The Sitting Heated Series starts with warming up the body through Sun or Moon Salutations, then moves to seated postures such as Head to Knee and Triangle with Head to Knee.

The Second Series is Tridosa Balancing Series Savasana. This series is practiced supine (lying on your back) and starts with Corpse Pose (Savasana), where the student is guided through a relaxation process, followed by breath retention, before moving to the next posture—then returning to Corpse Pose again to feel the effects of the previous posture.

The Final Series is Tridosa Balancing Series Makarasana. You mostly practice this series from a prone position (lying flat on your chest). This series starts with Crocodile Posture, where you lie on your belly with your arms and legs extended. Crocodile is more active than corpse pose, and the breath retention before entering postures is shorter.

The final Savasana is longer and accompanied by about ten minutes of drumming. Because this corpse pose is more extended, it’s a great time to get comfortable; students can put a bolster under their knees, pull a blanket over their bodies, and even use an eye pillow.