Which yoga principle emphasizes the importance of stacking joints to form a solid foundation?

The principle of alignment in yoga is crucial as it focuses on the correct positioning and stacking of joints in order to create a stable and balanced foundation for various postures and movements. Proper alignment ensures that the body functions optimally and minimizes the risk of injury by distributing weight evenly across the joints and muscles. When practitioners are aware of their alignment, they can maintain structural integrity and engage the right muscles effectively, which enhances their overall practice.

In contrast, while balance, flexibility, and strength are also important aspects of yoga, they do not specifically address the foundational aspect of joint stacking. Balance pertains to maintaining equilibrium within postures, flexibility involves the range of motion in the joints and muscles, and strength relates to muscle power and endurance. None of these concepts directly highlight the structural importance of alignment that is foundational to safe and effective practice. Therefore, alignment stands out as the essential principle in this context.