What is Yoga?

The word yoga is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" (the yoke or bind). A practitioner is called a yogi, a doctor, a yogini.

Postures ....

The contemporary Western approach to yoga is not based on a belief or a particular religion, but yoga is rooted in Hinduism and Brahmanism. Yoga was developed by seers and ascetics who live mainly in the southern parts of India. Seers have observed nature and lived as close as possible to the earth, the study of various aspects of nature, animals and themselves. Observing and imitating different postures and habits of the animal kingdom, they were able to develop the grace, strength and wisdom.

It was through these very disciplined lives that the practice of yoga postures developed. It is necessary to develop a series of postures to maintain flexible and able to withstand long periods of silence during meditation body.

The writings ....

back contains sacred writings called "Vedas" Brahmanism. These writings contain instructions and incantations. He was the oldest text "Rig Veda" in the Scriptures that appeared the word yoga, I was there nearly 5,000 years. The fourth text called "Atharva Veda" contains mainly magic spells rituals and cures many of which use medicinal plants. This text provided that the average person with spells and incantations to use in your daily life and practice of "Veda" can still be seen on the streets of India today.

The Bhagavad Gita, another ancient book on spiritual life is described as a yoga Treaty, although the word yoga is used as a spiritual medium. It was this literature that Patanjali "eight limbs of yoga" were developed. Yoga Sutra are mainly on the development of the "nature of mind" and I'll explain more about this in the next section.

Width ....

The Vratyas, a group of priests who worshiped fertility Rudra, god of wind might try to imitate the sound of the wind in your song. They found that they could produce the sound by controlling your breathing and through the practice of breath control "Pranayama" was formed. Pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga.

Roads ....

The Upanishads, which are the sacred revelations of ancient Hinduism developed the two disciplines of karma yoga, the path of action and jnana yoga, the path of knowledge. The roads have been developed to help students free of suffering and eventually gain enlightenment.

The teaching of the Upanishads differed from that of the Vedas. The Vedas have required external offerings to the gods in order to have a happy abundant life. The Upanishads through the practice of Karma Yoga focuses on the inner sacrifice of the ego to be free from suffering. Instead of the sacrifice of crops and animals (external), which was the sacrifice of the inner self that became the basic philosophy, so yoga has been known as the path of renunciation.

Yoga shares some characteristics also with Buddhism that can be traced through history. During the sixth century BC, Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of meditation and practice of physical postures. Siddhartha Gautama was the first truly Buddhist yoga studio.

What is Yoga Sutra and how yoga philosophy for development?

Yoga Sutra is a collection of 195 statements essentially provide an ethical guide to living a moral life and incorporating the science of yoga in it. An Indian sage named Patanjali is supposed to read back there more than 2000 years and has become the cornerstone of the philosophy of classical yoga.

The word literally means sutra "a thread" and is used to designate a particular form of written and oral communication. Because of the suddenness style sutras are written in the student you must rely on a guru to interpret the philosophy contained in each. The direction in each of the sutras can be adapted to the particular needs of the student.

The Yoga Sutra is a system of yoga, but there is no description of a single posture or asana in it! Patanjali has developed a guide to living the good life. The core of his teaching is the "eightfold path of Yoga" or "the eight members of Patanjali." These are Patanjali's suggestions for living a better life through yoga.

Posture and breath control, the two fundamental practices of yoga are described as the third and fourth branches of eight limbs of Patanjali path to self-realization. The third practice of modern yoga postures today. When you join a yoga class you can be found that is all you need to fit your lifestyle.

The eight limbs of yoga

1. Yamas (restraints)

They are like "moral" who lives his life through: Their social behavior:

or Non-violence (ahimsa) - not injure a human being

or Truth and honesty (satya) - To not lie

or (asteya) - not fly

Or Nonlust (brahmacharya) - avoid meaningless sexual encounters - moderation in sex and all things.

or possessiveness or greed (aparigraha) - do not accumulate, is free from greed and worldly desires

2. niyamas (observances)

This is the way we treat our inner discipline:

O Purity (shauca). The embodiment of purity through practice of the five Yamas. Treat your body like a temple and caring.

or joy (Santosha). Finds happiness in what you have and what you do. Take responsibility for where you are, seek happiness in the moment and choose to grow.

Or austerity (tapas): Develop self-discipline. Show discipline in body, speech and mind to aim for a higher spiritual purpose.

or study of the sacred text (svadhyaya). Education. Relevant studies books that inspire and teach.

or live with the divine consciousness (ishvara-pranidhana). Spend on what your god or what is seen as divine.

3. asanas (postures) -

These are the yoga postures:

o To create a flexible seating long body and calm the mind. If you can control your body, you can also control the mind. Patanjali and other ancient yogis used asana to prepare the body for meditation.

Only the practice of yoga postures can benefit health. You can start at any time and at any age. As we age, atiesamos, do you remember the last time he could have bent down to pick up something and how you felt? Imagine aged in their fifties, sixties, seventies and still be able to touch the toes or balance on one leg. Did you know that most injuries among the elderly are falls? We tend to lose balance as we age and practice something that will help certainly is an advantage.

The fourth part, breath control is a good vehicle to use if you are interested in learning meditation and relaxation .......

4. Pranayama (breathing) - Control of breathing:

inhalation, retention of breath, and exhaling

o The practice of breathing, it is easier to concentrate and meditate. Prana is the energy that exists everywhere, it is the life force that flows through each of us through our breath.

5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)

Or Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses. It occurs during meditation, breathing exercises, or the practice of yoga postures. When master Pratyahara you will be able to focus and concentrate and not be distracted by outside sensory.

6. Dharana (concentration) - teaching the mind to focus.

o When the sense of time is concentrated. The goal is always the spirit, for example, fixing the mind on an object and push all thoughts. Dharana is true when the mind can concentrate effortlessly.

7. Dhyan (meditation) - the state of meditation

or concentration (dharana) leads to a state of meditation. In meditation, we have a keen sense of consciousness and are one with the universe. It is ignoring all distractions.

8. samadhi (absorption), - bliss

or absolute happiness is the ultimate goal of meditation. This is a state of union with oneself and God or the divine, this is when you and the universe are one.

The eight members work together: The first five are in the body and brain-yama, niyama asana, pranayama and pratyahara - these are the basic elements of yoga and provide a platform for a spiritual life. The last three are about recondition the mind. They were developed to help the practitioner to achieve enlightenment or oneness with the Spirit.

How to choose the right kind of yoga for you?

The type of yoga you choose to practice is quite an individual preference and therefore what we are looking here to start. Some types include adding positions, some movement through them faster. Some styles focus on body alignment, others differ on the pace and selection of postures, meditation and spiritual fulfillment. All are adaptable to the physical situation of the student.

So you need to determine the style of this yoga with their individual psychological and physical needs. You may just want a vigorous workout, he wants to focus on developing its flexibility and balance. Do you want more emphasis on meditation or simply aspects of health? Some schools teach relaxation, some focus on strength and agility, and others are more aerobic.

I suggest you try some different classes in your area. I note that even among the teachers of a particular style, there may be differences in how students will benefit from the class. It is important to find a teacher you feel comfortable to really enjoy and create longevity in the practice of this mode.

Once you start to learn the poses and adapt to your body, you can feel comfortable to practice at home too! All types of yoga have sequences that can be done to work different parts of your body. For practical fifteen minutes in the morning may be your start to the day. Your body will feel strong and flexible in a short time and with the knowledge, the choice is there for you to develop your own routines.

yoga mainframes

The two main systems of yoga is Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga is based on the "eight limbs of yoga" developed by Pananjali in the Yoga Sutras. Raja is part of classical Indian system of Hindu philosophy.

Hatha Yoga, Hatha Vidya is also a particular system of Yoga founded by Swatmarama a yogic sage of the 15th centry in India. Swatmarama compiled the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" which introduced the system of Hatha Yoga. Hatha yoga is derived from a number of different traditions. It comes from the traditions of Buddhism including Hinayana (narrow road) and Mahayana (highway). also comes Tantra traditions that include Sahajayana (spontaneously) and Vajrayana (on issues of sexuality.) in hatha yoga there are different branches or styles of yoga. This form of yoga works through physical means the body through postures, breathing exercises and practical cleaning.

Swatmarama Hatha Yoga differs from the Raja Yoga of Patanjali in that it focuses on Shatkarma, "the purification of physics", as a way of directing the "purification of the mind" and "vital energy". Patanjali begins with "purification of the mind and spirit" and "body" through postures and breathing.

Large schools of Yoga

There are about forty-four schools of Yoga and many others who also claim to be yoga. Some of the larger schools are Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga (as mentioned above). Kundalini Yoga Pranayama there also and Hatha Yoga comes. Jnana, Karma, Bhakti, Ashtanga and Iyengar are Raja.

Hatha Yoga styles arising include:

yoga pranayama

The word pranayama means prana, energy and ayama, stretching. the regulation of breathing, extension, expansion, length, stretching and control describes the action of pranayama yoga. Some controls breathing pranayama are included in the general practices Hatha Yoga (to correct breathing difficulties).

This school of yoga is built entirely around the concept of prana (vital energy). There are about 99 different positions, many of them are based on similar physical or breathing exercises around.

Pranayama also means the cosmic power, or the power of the whole universe manifested by the conscious life is in us by the phenomenon of breathing.

Kundalini Yoga

kundalini yoga is in the tradition of Yogi Bhajan brought the style to the West in 1969. He is a very spiritual backbone approach to hatha yoga involving chanting, meditation, techniques used to raise the kundalini energy that is the basis of breathing .

yoga styles derived from Raja include:

Raja Yoga / Ashtanga Yoga

Raja means Royal or Real. It is based on the direction of the force of his life to bring the spirit and emotions in balance. In doing so attention can focus on the object of meditation, ie Devine. Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga is one of the four main paths of yoga from Hinduism. The others are Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Raja or Ashtanga philosophy derived from the "eight limbs of yoga" composed by Patanjali.

Power Yoga

Power Yoga was designed by the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, a renowned Sanskrit scholar who inspired Western Yogis with his Ashtanga Yoga Style and philosophies. It is often considered the western version of Ashtanga yoga in India.

power yoga is strong and athletic and is very popular among men. It works with an attitude and mental outlook of the student and incorporates the eight members of the practice of yoga.

Jnana Yoga

Jnana (sometimes spelled "jnana") means wisdom and jñani is a wise man. Sometimes called the "demanding yogi."

This form of yoga focuses on the study of life and internal issues Adhyatmic, the practice of some relaxations and kriyas, contemplative meditation. The main purpose of Jnana meditation is to withdraw the mind and emotions of life and perception of self in an illusory way so that we can see and live in harmony with reality or mind. This form of yoga focuses on meditation to work

the transformation and lighting.

karma Yoga

Karma means "action". Karma yoga is based on the discipline of action based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred scripture of Hinduism. This selfless service of yoga emphasizes adherence to duty (dharma) while remaining detached from the reward. Karma is the sum total of our actions, both in this life and in previous lives.

bhakti Yoga

Bhaki yoga has many phases to this practice. Bhaki means "devotion" and Guna Bhaki is to worship according to their nature. A yoga practitioner Bhakta is not limited to a culture or a religion, the focus is more to the inner life rather than the entire devotion. Self-love itself universal nature.

Bhaki yoga is the state of being in touch with our existence and being and existence and being of all things. No matter if you believe in something or not do it alone quality is the opening of mind and heart, unexpected and unknown.

Those who have read about quantum physics in which every atom in the universe is connected to the underlying reality will be able to assimilate the philosophy behind yoga Bhaki.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga was developed in India by B.K.S Iyengar, born on 14 December 1918. At 16, he was introduced to yoga by his Guru Sri T. Krishnamacharya. Iyengar Yoga is now one of the most popular styles that are practiced in the west.

The instructors are very knowledgeable about the anatomy and the specific location of the body for each position. There is less emphasis on pranayama or breathing and mediation techniques, so why practice is very popular in the west.

Iyengar Yoga focuses more on the correct foot placement to ensure the spine and hips are aligned. Iyengar has developed numerous accessories and different techniques to respond to individuals in their practice.

other styles

Integral Yoga or Purna Yoga

Integral Yoga is a yoga of synthesis, the harmonization of forms of karma, jnana and bhakti yoga. It was developed by Swami Satchidananda.

It is also considered as a synthesis between Vedanta (Indian system of philosophy) and Tantra (beliefs and practices using the principle of divine energy that creates and sustains the universe, channeling energy in the Asian human microcosm). It was also explained as a synthesis between Western approaches to Eastern spirituality.

The postures are softer than other forms of yoga and courses usually end up with long periods of deep relaxation, breathing and meditation. Integral Yoga is a set approach to hatha yoga.

Sivananda Yoga

Sivananda Yoga offers a soft focus. It includes meditation, chanting and deep relaxation in each session. Students are encouraged to be healthy, including being a vegetarian.

Bikram yoga

Bikram yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury he has been taught by Bishni Ghosh brother of Paramahansa Yogananda. Bikrams yoga is generally taught in a room located between 95 and 105 degrees temperature.

The heat helps soften the muscles and ligaments. There are about 26 yoga postures and produces a real workout because the heat is intense enough. So this yoga focuses more on the physical performance of poses, not on the sides of relaxation and meditation.

Some of the great masters ...

All styles share a common lineage. The founders of two major styles of yoga Raja / Ashtanga and Avenger were all students of the same great master named Krishnamacharya.

Sri T. Krishnamacharya, was born in the village of Muchukunte, the state of Karnataka, in 1888. His formal education, especially in Sanskrit, includes degrees from several universities in northern India. He studied for seven years in a distinguished yogi western Tibet: Rama Mohana Brahmachari who ordered the therapeutic use of asanas and pranayama. Then he returned to South India and established a school of yoga in the palace of the Maharaja of Mysore. He died at the age of 101 in 1988.

Integral Yoga and Yoga Sivananda also were founded by students of another great teacher named Sivananda. Swami Sivananda Saraswati was born in Kuppuswamy Pattamadai, Tamil Nadu, India. A Hindu by birth, is a well known Yoga and Vedanta (a main branch of Hindu philosophy) author.

He is known for having written more than 300 books on these and related topics during his life. In 1936, he founded the new religious movement "The Divine Life Society" on the bank of holy river Ganges. He died on 14 July., 1963

So what type is right for you?

Not all types of yoga available, but you can see from the short explanations of each yoga practice may differ considerably. Each makes use of physical postures and breathing to strengthen the body for meditation, an integral part of the practice of yoga.

It is important that students understand what they want from your yoga practice and choose a style that will respond to that. If you try and not think it is physical, try another, because it will be totally different. If you start one that is too demanding to move back until you find convenient for you.

Some of us want to work only in the body and some want to put more emphasis on research method of self-realization, regardless of the reason why I am sure that there are enough styles and develop more every day to meet our needs .

You are never too old to start yoga, I found people seventy years since the first and experience life changing affects. If ever he sat and watched your cat or dog wakes up in the morning, which is the first thing they do? extended. If we stop for a moment and look at what we can learn from nature and the animal kingdom, we realize that only the simple act of stretching is lost somewhere through our evolution.

The following table shows the rating between 1 and 10 gave me to explain the degree of physical and degree of meditation / relaxation in all yoga practices (10 being highest)

Name Yoga meditation and physical relaxation Rating Rating

Pranayama yoga 4 August

Kundalini Yoga 8 June

Raja Yoga / Ashtanga Yoga June 10

February 10 power yoga

Jnana Yoga 6 August

Karma Yoga 6 August

Bhakti Yoga 6 August

4 August Iyengar yoga

Purna Yoga or Integral Yoga 6 August

Sivananda Yoga 6 August

Bikram Yoga 10 (due to heat) 2

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She believes that the use of physical movement to understand about your body and yourself is a powerful tool for "personal development". It supports and encourages different forms of exercise and movement in Eastern culture as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga and martial arts as well. You will find many items of interest on its website "articles" in these areas [http://www.khata.com.au]