Yoga has taken off in popularity throughout the western world, but the spiritual aspect that's involved in this ancient meditative practice is often overlooked. Instead, yoga is commonly touted as helping to improve a person's physical health and fitness level but, even though it most certainly can help in these areas, yoga also has very deep spiritual roots. The practice of yoga today is taken from a group of various spiritual practices that originated in India. In Hinduism it is defined as disciplines of meditation and ascesticism that help a person acheive a greater understanding of existence. Yoga is not only closely related to Hinduism but also to many of the other spiritual practices that are common in India, such as Buddhism and Jainism.
The ancient texts and philosophies that yoga is connected with date back to over 5,000 years ago. The texts in which yoga is discussed include the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna describes four types of yoga and one of the early vedic texts, the RigVeda. The origin of the word yoga comes from yuj, meaning to yoke or unite, and though this meaning has evolved throughout time, the true practice of yoga holds on to that concept of unity; the unity of body, mind and spirit. This is done through a fluid combination of movement, postures and breathwork. The physical postures used in yoga are called asanas, and technically this is but one of the eight limbs of yoga which includes mental, spiritual and physical well-being.
To get a better understanding of the unity between mind, body and spirit in yoga, let's take a look at some common methods of yoga.
Hatha yoga
This is one of the most popular types of yoga practiced today and if you sign up for a beginning yoga class it will most certainly be one that is based on the Hatha yoga method. The word Hatha (pronounced ha-tuh) means sun and moon and true Hatha yoga focuses on using various positions (asanas) and breath control as a way to strengthen the body and to help resolve problems that appear on the path of meditation. The other purpose of Hatha yoga is to activate the chakras (energy centers) of the body and raise the kundalini or dominant spiritual power. Typically, in the West, the physical side of Hatha yoga is emphasised, but if practiced in the true manner it can also be a spiritually enlightening experience.
Ashtanga Yoga
Literally meaning "eight-limbed yoga" Ashtanga is a system of yoga recorded by the sage Vamana Rishi in the ancient manuscript, the Yoga Korunta and outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Ashtanga yoga is essentially synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. A more vigorous type of yoga practice, Ashtanga aligns, strengthens and purifies the body while calming the mind.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripula is a type of Hatha yoga that is a gentle and introspective practice. In Kripalu, one is taught to hold various poses in order to explore and release any spiritual or emotional conflicts. Kripalu teches one to practice inner-knowing rather than looking from guidance from something that is external while at the same time helping one to establish a nurturing relationship with the body.
If you are new to the yoga experience it's best to start out with Hatha yoga in order to learn proper technique. Just keep in mind that yoga a personal journey and don't feel that you have to compare yourself to others or push yourself to extreme limits. Remember, it's not a competition, it's a journey.
Very often people prefer practicing yoga in the comfort of their home and guided yoga DVD's can be very helpful by providing some good motivation and intruction. When practicing yoga, be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and remove any heavy jewelry. It is also a good idea to use a yoga mat which provides comfort and helps you to have better grip when performing certain positions. By practicing yoga and making it part of your everyday life, you can improve your physical and mental health and also greatly enrich your spiritual journey through life.
A word of caution:
Contact your family doctor before beginning your yoga experience, especially if you have back or neck problems, are pregnant, have high blood pressure or any type of chronic illness.
Books
Kripalu Yoga/A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat- Richard Faulds and the Senior Teaching Staff of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Ashtanga Yoga/Practice and Philosophy- Gregor Maehle
Hatha Yoga Pradipika- Swami Muktibodhananda
Worthington, Vivian (1982) A History of Yoga
DVD's
Kripalu Yoga/Experience the Heart of Yoga (Three separate yoga formats for different levels of experience)
Ashtanga Yoga/Introductory Poses-Master the Essentials- Nicki Doane
(this is a very basic DVD but is good for someone who is just beginning with Ashtanga)
Doug Swenson
