Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga (KFIY)
Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga™ (KFIY™) is a specialised approach to Iyengar Yoga developed through the work of Father Joseph Pereira and Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar. It brings together yoga, self-awareness, recovery, spirituality, and holistic wellbeing, particularly supporting people affected by addiction and HIV/AIDS.
The purpose of yoga is to know thyself. At Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga, yoga is approached not simply as physical exercise, but as a practice of deeper self-awareness, discipline, mindfulness, healing, and inner transformation.
KFIY addresses what the Kripa Foundation describes as the psychosomatic dimension of recovery. The approach was developed for people undergoing treatment for addiction and HIV/AIDS and has also been beneficial for people dealing with other health challenges.
Through the precise practice of Iyengar Yoga, breath awareness, meditation, spiritual reflection, and the principles of recovery, KFIY seeks to support the connection between body, mind, and inner awareness.
Yoga is not only a workout. It can become a work inward.
KFIY encourages practitioners to develop greater awareness of the body, breath, mind, emotions, habits, and inner life.
What Is Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga?
Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga™ is a distinctive approach that brings the principles of Iyengar Yoga into the wider Kripa Model of recovery.
The practice incorporates the precision and discipline of Iyengar Yoga while connecting physical practice with the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of recovery.
According to the KFIY approach, the practice has been implemented in treatment centres in more than forty nations, bringing its particular approach to yoga and recovery to people around the world.
The Principles of KFIY
Iyengar Yoga is known for its precision, attention to alignment, thoughtful sequencing, use of props, breath awareness, and accessibility. These principles form an important part of the KFIY approach.
Alignment
Precise alignment helps practitioners develop greater awareness of the body's structure and positioning while practising each pose with care and attention.
Props
Props such as blocks, straps, bolsters, blankets, and other supports can help practitioners access poses appropriately and make the practice more accessible.
Sequencing
Poses can be arranged thoughtfully so that the body and mind are progressively prepared for different stages of practice.
Breath Awareness
Pranayama and conscious breathing can encourage mindfulness, concentration, relaxation, and greater awareness of the connection between breath and mind.
Longer Holds
Holding poses with attention and stability can encourage patience, discipline, strength, awareness, and deeper observation.
Personalisation
Iyengar Yoga values individual differences. Teachers can use appropriate variations and modifications to support different bodies, abilities, and limitations.
Iyengar Yoga for Addiction Recovery
KFIY was developed specifically in the context of addiction recovery and related challenges. Its practice forms part of the wider Kripa Model, which combines recovery principles with psychological, psychosocial, psychospiritual, and holistic approaches.
Yoga can provide a structured practice through which people can develop greater body awareness, discipline, concentration, patience, and self-observation.
Within the recovery process, these qualities can complement counselling, community support, the 12-Step programme, meditation, and spiritual development.
KFIY, Yoga and the 12-Step Recovery Programme
The Kripa Model incorporates the principles of the 12-Step self-help programme. KFIY adds a physical and experiential dimension to this approach by encouraging individuals to explore recovery not only through understanding, but also through the body and daily practice.
The practice encourages self-awareness, discipline, acceptance, responsibility, patience, and a deeper understanding of one's patterns and behaviour.
This creates a connection between the principles of recovery and the individual's lived experience through movement, breath, awareness, reflection, and practice.
The Psychosomatic Dimension of Recovery
KFIY addresses the relationship between physical experience, psychological wellbeing, and inner awareness.
Addiction and other difficult life experiences can affect the way people relate to their bodies, emotions, thoughts, and environment. A disciplined yoga practice can encourage individuals to become more attentive to these experiences.
Through careful practice, students can develop greater awareness of posture, breath, physical sensation, concentration, and emotional responses.
Benefits of Iyengar Yoga Practice
Regular Iyengar Yoga practice can support physical and mental wellbeing through precise movement, concentration, breath awareness, and sustained attention.
Improved Alignment & Posture
Careful attention to alignment can help practitioners develop greater awareness of posture and body positioning.
Strength & Stability
Yoga poses can progressively develop strength, stability, flexibility, and physical awareness.
Mind-Body Awareness
Focused practice encourages practitioners to observe physical sensations and develop a deeper awareness of the body and mind.
Patience & Discipline
Sustained practice and longer holds can cultivate patience, perseverance, concentration, and discipline.
Flexibility & Concentration
Consistent practice can support flexibility while the precision of Iyengar Yoga encourages concentration and mental clarity.
Greater Self-Awareness
The practice encourages individuals to observe themselves more carefully and develop a deeper relationship with their inner life.
KFIY as a Lifestyle
Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga is not intended simply as a collection of physical postures. Within the Kripa Model, yoga can become part of a wider lifestyle of awareness, discipline, service, recovery, spirituality, and personal transformation.
The approach reflects the influence of Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar and Mother Teresa on the work of Fr. Joe Pereira and the Kripa Foundation.
The practice connects yoga with the wider recovery journey and encourages individuals to carry awareness and discipline beyond the yoga mat and into everyday life.
Fr. Joseph Pereira and Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga
Father Joseph Pereira is the founder of Kripa Foundation and played a central role in developing the KFIY approach through his work with addiction recovery, yoga, spirituality, and holistic healing.
His work was deeply influenced by his relationship with Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar and the development of yoga within the Kripa Model of recovery.
Learn more about Fr. Joe and the wider Kripa Foundation through the Kripa Foundation About page .
KFIY Teachers & Instructors
KFIY has developed a community of teachers and trainers who work with the principles of Iyengar Yoga, recovery, addiction, the 12 Steps, spirituality, and holistic healing.
Explore the teachers and trainers involved in the KFIY community around the world.
Discover workshops, training activities, seminars, and events involving Fr. Joe.
Yoga, Spirituality & Christianity
KFIY also explores the relationship between yoga, spirituality, Christian contemplative practice, and recovery.
The KFIY programme has participated in international dialogue and events bringing together teachers and practitioners interested in the connections between yoga, spirituality, contemplation, and healing.
Explore the KFIY Conference and Yoga & Christianity programme for information about events, teachers, workshops, and conferences.
Workshops, Training & Events
Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga conducts workshops, training programmes, conferences, and other educational activities connected with yoga, recovery, spirituality, and holistic wellbeing.
“The Best Way of Helping is To Care”
— Fr. Joe PereiraContact Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga
For information about KFIY classes, workshops, teacher training, certification, events, and other programmes, contact the Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga team.
What Can You Contact Us About?
KFIY classes, research, events and workshops, teacher training, certification, registration, and other KFIY-related enquiries.
Kripa Foundation & KFIY
Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga forms part of the wider Kripa approach to addiction recovery and holistic healing.
To learn more about Kripa Foundation's work in addiction rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS support, counselling, community recovery, and holistic care, visit:
Discover Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga
Explore a practice that brings together Iyengar Yoga, awareness, discipline, recovery, spirituality, and holistic wellbeing.
Call +91 96733 05706 Email KFIY