The Power of Yoga

The Sanskrit word «Yoga» has several translations and can be interpreted in many ways. It comes from the root "yoke", which means join or concentrate. Yoga is a system: a holistic system of refining the body, the mind and the spirit in unison. Because it is a practical science, it can be applied in many different ways. There are many different types of Yoga. Some styles of Yoga are meditative and focused on peace of mind; other styles of Yoga are more physical and based on poses or exercises.

Ashtanga Yoga (Patanjali's Ashtanga)

The basis of ashtanga yoga is the Yoga sutras (Sanskrit Verses) of Patanjali. We will consider the different aspects of yoga while remaining under the guiding principles of Patanjali's Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga). The Asana, Pranayama, Dharana, Dhyan & Samadhi or the Yama and Niyama are systematically described by Patanjali in his Sanskrit Sutras (verses).

1. Yama (Principles)

2. Niyama (Personal Disciplines)

3. Asana (Yoga Positions or Yogic Postures)

4. Pranayama (Yogic Breathing)

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

6. Dharana (Concentration on Object)

7. Dhyan (Meditation)

8. Samadhi (Salvation)

Hatha Yoga

The term Hatha Yoga has been commonly used to describe the practice of asana (postures). The syllable 'ha' denotes the pranic (vital) force governing the physical body and 'tha' denotes the chitta (mental) force thus making Hatha Yoga a catalyst to an awakening of the two energies that govern our lives. More correctly the techniques described in Hatha Yoga harmonise and purify the body systems and focus the mind in preparation for more advanced chakra and kundalini practices.

The Hatha Yoga system includes asana along with the six shatkarmas (physical and mental detox techniques), mudras and bandhas (psycho-physiological energy release techniques) and Pranayama (pranic awakening practices). Fine tuning of the human personality at increasingly subtle levels leads to higher states of awareness and meditation.

Mantra Yoga

Mantra Yoga has its origin in Vedic Sciences and also in Tantra, infact all the verses in Vedas are called mantras, it is said that any person who can chant or sing Vedas can achieve the ultimate salvation or union with supreme consciousness only by chanting the mantras, which is the aim Mantra Yoga.

Although there are different types of Yoga, they all share a common goal: to rehabilitate or create balance and harmony of mind and soul. No one Yoga style is better than another; it’s simply a matter of personal preference.