By integrating the functions of mind, body, and breath in the same time frame, a practitioner will experience the real joy of yoga practice.
Srivatsa Ramaswami

In Sanskrit, Vinyasa Krama means 'movement and sequence methodology'. As Srivatsa Ramaswami aptly describes it, vinyasa krama is 'a systematic method to study, practice, teach and adapt yoga...the yoking of mind and body takes place with the breath acting as the harness'. 

Vinyasa Krama encompasses the broadest definition of yoga, that of union (yukti in Sanskrit) and mental peace (samadhana) by integrating mind and body through breath.   

Vinyasa Krama highlights:

  • Emphasis on stability and comfort in a pose (asana)
  • Slow, soft and smooth ujjayi breathing 
  • Breath-movement synchronization
  • Arrangement of asanas into specific sequences (vinyasas)
  • Systematic progression from basic to advanced asanas
  • Counterposes to remove asana side effects
  • Inclusion of pranayama (breath control) exercises and meditation following asana practice
In of the best texts on yoga, The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga, Ramaswami presents a great variety of asanas based on his private studies of 33 years with Sri T. Krishnamacharya. The asanas are organized into vinyasas and ranked by a difficulty level to enable a student to practice safely at home. 

For more information on Vinyasa Krama, visit my teacher's site. You can learn more about yoga here.
 
What Ramaswami (above) says about his guru, Sri T. Krishnamacharya (below):

"It was a great opportunity to study under such a rare soul - he had a hard exterior, but like the South Indian tender coconut, was all sweetness and nourishment inside."