Lineage is the central notion in yoga philosophy

With reference to yoga language, lineage denotes to the historical progression of knowledge transmitted from teacher to pupils. Lineage offers harmony between a yoga devotee and the historical foundation of the practice. Lineage is also labelled as parampara, a Sanskrit term which means "an uninterrupted row or series. In basic term, lineage is the basis of yoga's legacy which is humble, subtle and free from the dangers of personal ego.

It has been witnessed in vast theoretical literature and practical training that the practices of Yoga have been transmitted from generation to generation since ancient period and their forms have changed over the centuries. The historical background of yoga is captivating and has a vital role in the yoga for modern generation. Yoga originated in the sacred texts of the Rig Veda more than 5,000 years ago and imparted valuable knowledge to people. From primeval India to modern-day societies, history of yoga has great impact on people. Yoga practices are revolutionized from primordial time to contemporary period. Though, the fundamental literature and practice of Yoga has not been transformed.

In the historical basis of yoga, there is strong affiliation of teacher/student. Without a teacher/ instructor, pupils cannot gain rich knowledge about yoga practices. The direct transfer of knowledge and procedure from teacher to student is crucial part of the history of yoga because Hatha yoga cannot be learned from books or videos alone. Some yoga practices are done under the guidance of a trained yoga professional. Because knowledge gained from a book cannot correct misunderstanding of what is written in it. Same as a video clipping cannot help pupils in learning posture or technique.

Popular lineage of yoga lore transmission is of T Krishnamacharya who rejuvenated Hatha Yoga through an exceptional practice which he gained in the depths of Himalayas. He taught each pupil differently and did not believe in standardized classes where everyone was practicing in similar way. This method of training is called Mysore Style. His exclusive structure of Asanas which were linked by a defined Vinyasa flow known as Ashtanga Yoga which is different from the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali. The inner procedures of Ashtanga materialize through bandha, mudra and dristi together with deep ujjai breathing. These are the zeniths of contemporary Tantric technique, brought to clarify framework of Patanjali’s yoga beliefs and the non-dualism of the Upanishads.  These principles represent the core forms of Ashtanga Vinyasa into relief, exposing them as crystallizations of the meditative process. The same forms are identifiable in both Hindu and Buddhist contemplative traditions, as well as in the direct experience of the body that unfolds through devoted practice.

In nutshell, teachers usually have transmitted their knowledge and techniques to their students to achieve success in the practice and to preserve the proven methods. Most of the ancient yoga professionals protected the authenticity of the subject and the secret techniques and never allowed anyone to modify it. Every student of those great teachers had to take sacred oath to maintain and preserve the transparency of the practices. Every pupil or practitioner who has effectively practiced yogic procedures does not necessarily become a teacher. Every teacher selects few pupils who are considered adept to transmit teaching on behalf of the lineage.