Virya Yoga

This style of yoga is characterized by the equal emphasis placed on strength training, flexibility, cardio and balance, and on challenging the body, mind and spirit of the practitioner. Through the fluctuations between extremes (for example intensive work-out coupled with relaxing stretching) the adherent is able to expand the capabilities of their being to greater dimensions. This style of yoga seeks to further progress with the ability to face challenges (mental, physical and spiritual) and overcome them to create a tempered spirit that in turn powers a stronger overall being.

Virya is a ancient Sanskrit word meaning “effort, vigor, diligence, zeal, high-energy, or indomitable will.” It is considered a virtue in Buddhism (one of the controlling facilities or indriyas, one of the five powers or balas, one of the paramitas, one of the seven factors of enlightenment or bodhyangas, and is one of the Noble eightfold path to enlightenment prescribed by the Buddha.) Cogen was inspired to name his style of Yoga “Virya” by the following Yoga Sutra written by Patanjali in 200 BCE:

“It (Samadhi, or high state of meditation) is proceeded by faith, energy [i.e. Virya], mindfulness, and high intelligence for Samadhi.”
---Patanjali, 1.20

This style of yoga is meant to challenge the notion that Yoga must always be soft, easy and comfortable. While these are all important qualities, they are not the only aspects of our being that need to be developed.