The Ultimate Goal
Yoga is a system that benefits the body, mind, and spirit by teaching self-control through a series of postures and exercises, as well as through breathing, relaxation, and meditation techniques. The ultimate goal of yoga is self-realization -- so that each individual can attain his or her complete physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual potential.
Yoga Exercises Another, and more limited, goal of yoga as a system of exercises is to restore the whole person to balance and to improve and maintain good health. Yoga exercises employ postures that emphasize relaxation and avoidance of muscle stress or pain, individuals who are overweight, or suffer from high blood pressure, arthritis, or spinal disk injuries should consult a physician before doing yoga.
Well Trained Yoga Teacher
A well trained yoga teacher is recommended when there are any medical or physical problems. The numerous different positions that are part of Hatha Yoga were originally designed to prepare the body for meditation. That's because, during meditation, the individual was required to sit straight and still for long periods of time, and to be able to breathe easily and freely.
Hatha Yoga The positions or postures were developed to give the early yogis the strength, energy, and balance to maintain prolonged meditation. Those qualities of strength, energy, and balance are exactly what make Hatha Yoga so appealing and appropriate to many in today's modern world.
Many Variations
There are many variations of Hatha Yoga, with some more vigorous than others; and nearly everyone -- from athlete to sedentary office worker -- can find a program that suits his or her interests, physical ability, and goals. Despite the variety of styles, from Power Yoga or Aerobic Yoga to traditional, all versions of Hatha Yoga are similar in terms of the basics.
Slowing Down Breathing Those basics are founded primarily on breathing properly. Since the respiratory system is considered the link between the body and the mind, breathing becomes a tool to achieve some specific relationships between them. Yoga teachers emphasize that by slowing down breathing we relax, and by speeding it up we energize ourselves.
Ancient Origins
However, because of its ancient origins and its adoption into the Hindu religion, yoga is often identified as part of an Eastern religion. On the other hand, some consider yoga to be only a system of meditation, while others think of it as just a series of strange exercises or poses. Nonetheless, despite its spiritual aims and its sometimes deeply philosophical schools or branches, yoga is not a religion.
Several Methods
Yoga was ready to enter the mainstream of alternative health therapies. or is it simply a way to concentrate deeply or to exercise well. Rather, it is a way of trying to live properly in order to maximize one's full potential. Since it stresses the unity of the whole person, it contains several methods or "paths" that emphasize the physical, spiritual, and mental aspects of being human.
Many Branches Of Yoga Yoga also is often described as a great tree of many branches, with each branch or school suited to a different personality, lifestyle, and overall approach to life. Altogether, there are six major "paths," schools, or styles of yoga -- known by such names as Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Tantra Yoga -- each is distinguished by a different approach.
Internal Balance Of Mind
Despite the different focus or emphasis of each, all paths emphasize proper breathing techniques and meditation, and all are grounded in the belief that internal balance of mind and body is essential to good health. Through breathing and attention to how the body feels, those muscles that are not involved in holding the pose are relaxed. Men often wear shorts and a T-shirt and women wear leotards. Both are usually barefoot.
Inward Focus In fact, compared to most exercise or workout gyms where people are constantly observing themselves and others, those doing yoga often simply close their eyes and direct their attention inward. This inward focus does away with the notion of competition. Staying within one's self and not trying to outdo someone else removes the possibility of attempting something one cannot do.
Ashtanga Yoga It also keeps one relaxed. A good yoga teacher will also suggest that a student not compete with him/herself, since competing against yesterday's achievements can create as much tension as trying to best another. A late 1990s variation of Hatha Yoga is Ashtanga Yoga, which seems to appeal to urban types who want an aerobic workout to be part of their yoga experience.
Yoga Classes Another branch called Iyengar Yoga moves slowly and seeks to refine posture and alignment while building up strength. Yoga classes generally cost between $10 and $15 per 90-minute sessions. More yoga videotapes are becoming available, with one popular three-tape video selling for $59.98. A single tape usually costs about $19.95. Also there are dozens of excellent books that serve very well as practice manuals for the do-it-yourselfer.