Kula, a Sanskrit word meaning community or family, is the third pillar of Anusara Yoga. This sense of community is more than just a group of people practicing together; it is a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can grow and flourish. Kula emphasizes the importance of relationships and the collective energy that arises from practicing with others.

Practitioners are encouraged to connect with one another, fostering friendships and support networks. This sense of belonging creates a safe space where individuals feel valued and accepted. It is within this community that the deeper aspects of yoga are often realized. As practitioners share their journeys, they learn from one another, offering support and inspiration.

Kula is considered the ultimate expression of yoga because it embodies the principle of union, the very essence of yoga. Through community, individuals experience the interconnectedness of all beings. This collective energy amplifies the benefits of the practice, as practitioners lift each other up and grow together. The friendships and bonds formed within the kula extend beyond the studio, enriching everyday life with a sense of connection and support.

Anusara Yoga, a modern practice rooted in the tradition of Hatha Yoga, was founded in 1997 by the US teacher and innovator John Friend. This unique method intertwines physical alignment, a profound philosophical worldview, and a nurturing sense of community. These three pillars—alignment principles based on biomechanics, a non-dual tantric worldview, and Kula (community)—create a comprehensive and transformative yoga experience that extends beyond the mat.

At the heart of Anusara Yoga are its alignment principles, meticulously developed based on biomechanics. Unlike other yoga practices that focus more on flow or flexibility, Anusara emphasizes precise anatomical alignment, strength and stability. This attention to detail ensures that each posture is performed in a way that maximizes its therapeutic benefits, reducing the risk of injury and promoting overall physical well-being .

The Universal Principles of Alignment are core to this method. These principles guide practitioners to open their hearts and align their bones, joints, muscles and fascia in optimal ways, creating a balance between stability and freedom. For example, the principle of "Open to Grace" encourages practitioners to soften and receive the breath fully, fostering a receptive state of mind and body. "Muscular Energy" and "Inner Spiral" further instruct how to engage muscles effectively and align the legs and pelvis to support the spine.

"Outer Spiral" and "Organic Energy" add further depth to the practice. Outer Spiral involves the outward rotation of the hips to firm and stabilze the pelvis. Organic Energy, on the other hand, is about extending energy outward from the core to the periphery, enhancing the flow of prana (life force) and creating a sense of spaciousness and freedom in the body. Together, these principles foster a holistic sense of balance and harmony within the body's structure.

Further, there is a set of 7 Loops to fine-tune physical alignment. These are particularly helpful in addressing specific, individual issues such as dropped arches, hyperextension of the knees, or a stiff upper back.

This meticulous approach to alignment is not merely about physical precision; it also cultivates mindfulness. Practitioners develop a keen awareness of their bodies, leading to a deeper connection between mind and body. Over time, this alignment practice strengthens the body, improves posture, and alleviates chronic pain, making Anusara not just a workout but a healing practice.

The word Anusara means "flowing with Grace" or "following your heart."

Anusara’s philosophical foundation is rooted in non-dual Tantric philosophy. The worldview describes everything in the universe as interconnected and inherently good. Unlike dualistic philosophies that separate the spiritual from the material, non-dual Tantra embraces life in its entirety. This perspective encourages practitioners to see the divine in all aspects of life, fostering a sense of unity and acceptance.

This philosophy supports an uplifting attitude to life. By recognizing the inherent goodness in themselves and the world around them, Anusara practitioners cultivate gratitude and positivity. The practice becomes a celebration of life, a way to honor and align with the flow of the universe. This outlook is profoundly transformative, encouraging individuals to approach challenges with resilience and grace.

Incorporating this worldview into the physical practice, teachers often use heart-opening themes and language that inspire and elevate. Each class becomes a journey not just of physical postures but of spiritual and emotional growth. This integration of body, mind, and spirit is key to Anusara Yoga, making it a holistic practice that nurtures the whole being.