When we use the word Yoga in the West, we usually are referring to only one kind of Yoga, Hatha, which was the first kind of Yoga introduced to the West. But actually there are about 28 different kinds of Yoga.
What does Yoga mean? It means “union” or "Vahdat", which is the union of the individual consciousness with the Cosmic Consciousness. Any process that helps the realization of this union is yoga. Among the most important and common traditions in the East are Raj yoga or “union through meditation”, Hatha yoga or “union through body postures; Jnana yoga or “union through the mind”, Kundalini yoga or the “yoga of consciousness”, Mantra yoga or “union through repetition of words” or "zikr"; Bakti yoga or “union through devotional work”; Yantra yoga or “union through concentration on images”, Samaa yoga or “union through music and dance”.
Why do Yoga?
How does yoga help us? It awakens the source of energy that is granted to us at birth that becomes gradually dormant through our social conditioning. In other words, the piled up stresses and tensions eventually waste and close the flow of the electro-magnetic current in our “nadis” or meridians causing mental and physical illness. By practicing the above-mentioned methods our energy centers are stimulated and balanced ensuring the sufficient absorbance of life force and the proper flow of electro-magnetic energy throughout the body. In this process we become physically, mentally and spiritually more healthy and balanced.
Almost all traditions include Jnana yoga in that they complement their practices with theory. Schools such as Iyengar and Ashtanga are basically schools of Hatha tradition emphasizing physical postures. Chinese and Korean Taoist schools as well as the Tantric traditions work to awaken and master the Kundalini energy using body and mind. In the Hindu and Sufi backgrounds, Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, combines breathing (pranayam), postures (asanas), meditations, Mantras, dancing (samaa), and chanting (kirtan).
How do I choose a Yoga class?
The first and most important factor is enjoyment. The style of work you choose must be so pleasurable that it helps silence your mind as much as possible and gives it a rest. Also, the most effective and safest styles are the ones with a long tradition and a succession of teachers behind them. Finally, beside her or his training and background, your yoga teacher must be committed to practicing yoga as a way of life, with every breath.
Yoga is not just a physical exercise. It is a lifestyle. Even though it might start with some postures, it gradually alters your physical health, your mental state, your eating habits, your relationships and much more. As Yogi Baja says: "Be Healthy, Happy and Holy. It is your birthright." Sat Nam.
