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"Yoga is more than just a body moving - it is the cultivation of insight through: mindfulness in every moment, meditation, bliss, freedom, and joy." - Susanna Barkataki
"Yoga is more than just a body moving - it is the cultivation of insight through: mindfulness in every moment, meditation, bliss, freedom, and joy." - Susanna Barkataki
The word "Yoga" comes from Sanskrit and means Unity, or Oneness - the connection of Breath, Body, Mind, and Spirit.
The word "Yoga" comes from Sanskrit and means Unity, or Oneness - the connection of Breath, Body, Mind, and Spirit.
The many ancient practices, methods, and tools of yoga originate from the subcontinent of India and have been passed down from teacher-to-student for thousands of years. Yoga is a lifelong path of inner-world exploration and study; it is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. At it's roots, it is a practice dedicated to relieving suffering and finding liberation for all.
Yoga in the West is frequently thought of and practiced as a physical exercise. While asana practice is important, reducing yoga to only postures and movement deprives us from understanding a system that can cultivate more inner-peace, joy, and harmony within ourselves.
Raja Yoga and Patanjali
Raja Yoga and Patanjali
One of the most well-known schools of yoga originates from 'The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'
One of the most well-known schools of yoga originates from 'The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'
In this ancient text, Patanjali describes a comprehensive system of eight steps which are known collectively as Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga.
Raja Yoga traditionally emphasizes meditation as the path to self-realization: the body is being used as a focal point, connecting with breath and awareness to increase your skill of meditation (or dhyana) and ultimately bring the practitioner closer to an enlightened state of consciousness known as samadhi.
Yamas and Niyamas
Yamas and Niyamas
The first two steps or limbs of Raja or Ashtanga Yoga establish yogic ethics:
The first two steps or limbs of Raja or Ashtanga Yoga establish yogic ethics:
Yamas - refers to the 5 self-restraints relating to the outside world
Ahimsa, non-violence
Satya, speak the truth
Asteya, non-stealing
Brahmacarya, control over sensual desires
Aparigaha, non-attachment
Niyamas - refers to the 5 fixed-observances of the relationship with yourself and your body
Sauca, cleaning and purification
Santosha, contentment
Tapas, simplicity and humility
Svadhyaya, inner-work and self-study
Ishvara Pranidhana, complete dedication and surrender to God
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga - Yoga of Body and Mind Purification
Hatha Yoga - Yoga of Body and Mind Purification
Hatha Yoga is arguably the tradition most familiar to Western culture due to the focus on the physical body. The most fundamental text of Hatha Yoga is the 'Hatha Yoga Pradipika,' written by Swami Swatamarama, disciple of Swami Gorakhnath.
Hatha yoga asana practice is generally more slow and with more static posture holds than found in other popular styles, such as Vinyasa. However, the tradition of Hatha yoga encompasses much more than the physical practice which has become popular today. The techniques described in Hatha Yoga harmonize and purify the body systems and focus the mind, traditionally in preparation for more advanced chakra and kundalini practices.
More Types of Yoga
More Types of Yoga
The world of yogic practices, methods, and tools is vast and complex.
The world of yogic practices, methods, and tools is vast and complex.
There are many different lineages and schools of yoga to consider. The following descriptions are brief and this is not a complete list:
Janna Yoga - Yoga of Enquiry, Knowledge, and Wisdom
Karma Yoga - Yoga of Devotion through Action
Bhakti Yoga - Yoga of Complete Faith
Mantra or Japa Yoga - Yoga of Recitation
Kundalini Yoga - Yoga of Tantric Energy
Kriya Yoga - movement of consciousness through the breath
Iyengar Yoga - a form of Hatha Yoga, based on placing emphasis on the physical alignment of the body in the poses
Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow or Mysore Yoga - a form of Hatha Yoga, focused on the relationship between the breath and movement
Benefits of Developing a Yoga Practice
Benefits of Developing a Yoga Practice
Cognitive, Behavioral, and Psychological Influences:
Cognitive, Behavioral, and Psychological Influences:
Increased energy and improved mood
Positive impact on self-esteem and body image
Effectiveness in aiding the management of stress and anxiety
Increased quality of sleep
Helpful with recovery: overcoming addiction and chemical dependency
Physiological Influences:
Physiological Influences:
Promotes better posture and balance
Improves flexibility
Positive impact to cardiovascular functioning
Likely to increase strength
May reduce inflammation
Yoga Sadhanas - Ways to Practice
Yoga Sadhanas - Ways to Practice
"Sadhana" means spiritual ritual, and refers to your daily practice. There are many yoga sadhanas and ways to practice yoga, including Patanjali's eight limbs.
"Sadhana" means spiritual ritual, and refers to your daily practice. There are many yoga sadhanas and ways to practice yoga, including Patanjali's eight limbs.
A Few Examples:
yamas and niyamas - ethical codes of yoga
pranayama - breathwork
asana - body postures and movement
dharana - focus and concentration
dhyana - meditation
mantra - sounds and chants
mudra - hand positions
vichara - personal inquiry
yoga nidra - yogic sleep
Potential Stumbling Blocks
Potential Stumbling Blocks
Potential aggravation of high blood pressure, complications with glaucoma, possible muscle strain and back injury, exacerbation of existing injuries, and other pitfalls to be wary of when starting your yoga practice. Check out the resource links below:
Potential aggravation of high blood pressure, complications with glaucoma, possible muscle strain and back injury, exacerbation of existing injuries, and other pitfalls to be wary of when starting your yoga practice. Check out the resource links below:
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