What is Yoga?
The term yoga has been derived from the word yuj in Sanskrit meaning Joining. Yoga is joining of individual self with the universal self.
According to Patanjali, Yoga is a conscious process of gaining mastery over mind. It is the technique of ‘mind control’. The power to concentrate on any desired subject/object and capacity to remain quiet for any length of time.
Many of us have developed the first aspect which is concentration to a certain extent but rarely the second aspect of remaining calm and silent have been harnessed. Yoga gives the necessary techniques and skills in a subtle manner to stop thoughts in our mind, thereby working physically, mentally and emotionally.
The term yoga has been derived from the word yuj in Sanskrit meaning Joining. Yoga is joining of individual self with the universal self.
According to Patanjali, Yoga is a conscious process of gaining mastery over mind. It is the technique of ‘mind control’. The power to concentrate on any desired subject/object and capacity to remain quiet for any length of time.
Many of us have developed the first aspect which is concentration to a certain extent but rarely the second aspect of remaining calm and silent have been harnessed. Yoga gives the necessary techniques and skills in a subtle manner to stop thoughts in our mind, thereby working physically, mentally and emotionally.
'Manah Prasamanopayah Yoga ityabhidhiyate’
Yoga is a skillful trick to calm down the mind.
(Yoga-Vasisth: 3.9.32)
Yoga is a skillful trick to calm down the mind.
(Yoga-Vasisth: 3.9.32)
Majority of the people believe that yoga is meant only for keeping the body fit and healthy and have limited it to a physical exercise. Yoga is the art and science of living, and is concerned with the evolution of mind and body. Therefore, yoga incorporates a system of disciplines for furthering an integrated development of all aspects of the individual.
Yoga Styles
There are many different yoga styles available. However, most styles of yoga are based on the same basic yoga poses/asanas. However, the experience of one style can be drastically different to another.
We have outlined the most popular forms of yoga, along with their essential characteristics, to make it easier for you to know where to begin.
The list below begins with classical Patanjali yoga, then moves down the list from vigorous, flow-style classes to the more relaxing passive classes, finishing with restorative yoga.
Patanjali Yoga : Patanjali is a general category that includes most yoga styles. It is an old system that includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures), pranayama (yoga breathing exercises) and sutra (sounds), which help bring peace to the mind and body, preparing the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation. Patanjali style will be relatively gentle, slow and great for beginners or students who prefer a more relaxed style where they hold poses longer.
Hatha Yoga: Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical kinds of yoga that includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (yoga breathing exercises). A dynamic class in the Ashtanga tradition. It gives a good cardio workout. Generally, hatha yoga style probably going to be slow-paced and gentle to fast-paced movements and will provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.
Vinyasa Yoga: Like hatha, vinyasa is a general term that describes many different styles of yoga which focuses on coordination of breath and movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga. It essentially means movement synchronized with breath and is a vigorous style based on a rapid flow through sun salutations. You may also see a vinyasa yoga class referred to as a flow class, which refers to the continuous flow from one posture to the next.
Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga is a system of yoga that was brought to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This style of yoga is physically demanding as it involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic yoga practice and is not for beginners. If you attend an ashtanga class at a studio you will be led nonstop through one or more of the ashtanga series, while being encouraged to breathe as you move from pose to pose. Each series is a set sequence of asanas, always in the same order. It is typically fast-paced, vigorous and physically challenging.
Power Yoga: Power yoga is essentially yoga with brawn which mean a vigorous, vinyasa-style yoga. It differs, however, in that it is not a set series of poses, but rather allows the instructor freedom to teach what they want. It's the American interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. But power yoga takes ashtanga one step further. Many of the poses (asanas) resemble basic calisthenics - push-ups and handstands, toe touches and side bends, but the key to power yoga's sweat-producing, muscle-building power is the pace. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic workout. Two American yoga teachers, Beryl Bender Birch and Bryan Kest, both of whom studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, are most often credited with inventing power yoga.
Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga is the method of yoga that is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. One thing you can be sure of when you attend a Bikram class is consistency. Outside of the instructor, a Bikram class is the same no matter where you go, consisting of the same, copyrighted twenty-six postures and two breathing techniques, in the same order for ninety minutes, in a room heated to 105°F (40.6°C), with a humidity of 40%. You can also be certain that you will sweat; the room is hot and the class challenges you both physically and mentally. Founded by Bikram Choudhury, this form of hot yoga is meant to flush toxins, manage weight, flexibility, prevention of injuries and allow students to move more deeply into poses.
Iyengar Yoga: The trademark of iyengar yoga is the intense focus on the subtleties of each posture. B.K.S. Iyengar taught classes from his home in Pune, India and has become one of the most influential yoga gurus of our time. In a typical iyengar class, poses are held much longer than in other schools of yoga, in an effort to pay closer attention to the precise musculoskeletal alignment within each asana. Another trademark of iyengar yoga is the use of props, such as blocks, belts, bolsters, chairs and blankets, which are used to accommodate injuries, tightness or structural imbalances, as well as teach the student how to move into a posture properly.
Sivananda Yoga: Sivananda yoga is a form of hatha yoga founded by Swami Sivananda and brought to the west by Swami Vishnu-devananda. A class typically begins with Savasana (relaxation pose), kapalabhati and anuloma viloma, followed by a few rounds of surya namaskara. The class then moves through Sivananda's twelve asanas, which together are designed to increase strength and flexibility of the spine. Chanting and meditation can also be a part of a full-length class.
Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini practice concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. Kundalini yoga incorporates repeated movements or exercises, dynamic breathing techniques, chanting, meditation and mantras. Each specific kundalini exercise, referred to as a kriya, is a movement that is often repeated and is synchronized with the breath. The practice is designed to awaken the energy at the base of the spine in order to draw it upward through each of the seven chakras. Brought to the west by Yogi Bhajan, this form of yoga looks and feels quite different than any other, due to its focus on repetitive, enhanced breathing and the movement of energy through the body.
Yin Yoga: Sometimes referred to as yoga for the joints, not the muscles, it directs the stimulation normally created by the asana into areas deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues. Yin Yoga works the connective tissues of the ligaments, fascia, joints and bones. A significant characteristic is the long held, passive nature of the postures. While initially this style of yoga may seem boring, passive, or "soft," it can be quite challenging due to the long duration of the postures, which can last from five to twenty minutes. The purpose is to apply moderate stress to the connective tissue - the tendons, fascia and ligaments - with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility.
Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT): Integrative yoga therapy brings together asanas, pranayama, mudra, yoga nidra, mantra and meditation into a complete package where they can be utilized for therapy. IYT was an attempt to create a training program with the focus on yoga as a healing art, and has designed programs specifically for medical and mainstream wellness settings, including hospital and rehabilitation centres.
Restorative Yoga: Restorative yoga is a gentle, relaxing, passive form of yoga that allows students to relax and release the body into a gentle stretch that is held for as long as 10 minutes. This style makes use of a wide range of props, including bolsters, blocks, straps and blankets. The intention is to provide support within each pose, making it easier to completely let go.
Yoga Styles
There are many different yoga styles available. However, most styles of yoga are based on the same basic yoga poses/asanas. However, the experience of one style can be drastically different to another.
We have outlined the most popular forms of yoga, along with their essential characteristics, to make it easier for you to know where to begin.
The list below begins with classical Patanjali yoga, then moves down the list from vigorous, flow-style classes to the more relaxing passive classes, finishing with restorative yoga.
Patanjali Yoga : Patanjali is a general category that includes most yoga styles. It is an old system that includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures), pranayama (yoga breathing exercises) and sutra (sounds), which help bring peace to the mind and body, preparing the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation. Patanjali style will be relatively gentle, slow and great for beginners or students who prefer a more relaxed style where they hold poses longer.
Hatha Yoga: Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical kinds of yoga that includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (yoga breathing exercises). A dynamic class in the Ashtanga tradition. It gives a good cardio workout. Generally, hatha yoga style probably going to be slow-paced and gentle to fast-paced movements and will provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.
Vinyasa Yoga: Like hatha, vinyasa is a general term that describes many different styles of yoga which focuses on coordination of breath and movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga. It essentially means movement synchronized with breath and is a vigorous style based on a rapid flow through sun salutations. You may also see a vinyasa yoga class referred to as a flow class, which refers to the continuous flow from one posture to the next.
Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga is a system of yoga that was brought to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This style of yoga is physically demanding as it involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic yoga practice and is not for beginners. If you attend an ashtanga class at a studio you will be led nonstop through one or more of the ashtanga series, while being encouraged to breathe as you move from pose to pose. Each series is a set sequence of asanas, always in the same order. It is typically fast-paced, vigorous and physically challenging.
Power Yoga: Power yoga is essentially yoga with brawn which mean a vigorous, vinyasa-style yoga. It differs, however, in that it is not a set series of poses, but rather allows the instructor freedom to teach what they want. It's the American interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. But power yoga takes ashtanga one step further. Many of the poses (asanas) resemble basic calisthenics - push-ups and handstands, toe touches and side bends, but the key to power yoga's sweat-producing, muscle-building power is the pace. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic workout. Two American yoga teachers, Beryl Bender Birch and Bryan Kest, both of whom studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, are most often credited with inventing power yoga.
Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga is the method of yoga that is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. One thing you can be sure of when you attend a Bikram class is consistency. Outside of the instructor, a Bikram class is the same no matter where you go, consisting of the same, copyrighted twenty-six postures and two breathing techniques, in the same order for ninety minutes, in a room heated to 105°F (40.6°C), with a humidity of 40%. You can also be certain that you will sweat; the room is hot and the class challenges you both physically and mentally. Founded by Bikram Choudhury, this form of hot yoga is meant to flush toxins, manage weight, flexibility, prevention of injuries and allow students to move more deeply into poses.
Iyengar Yoga: The trademark of iyengar yoga is the intense focus on the subtleties of each posture. B.K.S. Iyengar taught classes from his home in Pune, India and has become one of the most influential yoga gurus of our time. In a typical iyengar class, poses are held much longer than in other schools of yoga, in an effort to pay closer attention to the precise musculoskeletal alignment within each asana. Another trademark of iyengar yoga is the use of props, such as blocks, belts, bolsters, chairs and blankets, which are used to accommodate injuries, tightness or structural imbalances, as well as teach the student how to move into a posture properly.
Sivananda Yoga: Sivananda yoga is a form of hatha yoga founded by Swami Sivananda and brought to the west by Swami Vishnu-devananda. A class typically begins with Savasana (relaxation pose), kapalabhati and anuloma viloma, followed by a few rounds of surya namaskara. The class then moves through Sivananda's twelve asanas, which together are designed to increase strength and flexibility of the spine. Chanting and meditation can also be a part of a full-length class.
Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini practice concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. Kundalini yoga incorporates repeated movements or exercises, dynamic breathing techniques, chanting, meditation and mantras. Each specific kundalini exercise, referred to as a kriya, is a movement that is often repeated and is synchronized with the breath. The practice is designed to awaken the energy at the base of the spine in order to draw it upward through each of the seven chakras. Brought to the west by Yogi Bhajan, this form of yoga looks and feels quite different than any other, due to its focus on repetitive, enhanced breathing and the movement of energy through the body.
Yin Yoga: Sometimes referred to as yoga for the joints, not the muscles, it directs the stimulation normally created by the asana into areas deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues. Yin Yoga works the connective tissues of the ligaments, fascia, joints and bones. A significant characteristic is the long held, passive nature of the postures. While initially this style of yoga may seem boring, passive, or "soft," it can be quite challenging due to the long duration of the postures, which can last from five to twenty minutes. The purpose is to apply moderate stress to the connective tissue - the tendons, fascia and ligaments - with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility.
Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT): Integrative yoga therapy brings together asanas, pranayama, mudra, yoga nidra, mantra and meditation into a complete package where they can be utilized for therapy. IYT was an attempt to create a training program with the focus on yoga as a healing art, and has designed programs specifically for medical and mainstream wellness settings, including hospital and rehabilitation centres.
Restorative Yoga: Restorative yoga is a gentle, relaxing, passive form of yoga that allows students to relax and release the body into a gentle stretch that is held for as long as 10 minutes. This style makes use of a wide range of props, including bolsters, blocks, straps and blankets. The intention is to provide support within each pose, making it easier to completely let go.