|
Yoga pages
Yoga -Physical and Mental
Understand Yoga styles
Branches Of Yoga
Jnana Yoga - Intelligent Yoga
Yoga Practices
Yoga Guides - Pt 1
Womans Yoga and Health
Popular Styles of Yoga
Yoga Teachers - Pt1
Yoga Instructors - Pt2
Yoga Teacher
Yoga Site Map
Yoga Buy Books Online
Site Map xml
Yoga RSS Feed
|
Yoga Paths
 
Since human beings began practicing yoga thousands of years ago,
the symbol of a tree has often been linked with the discipline -
and for good reason! Yoga has a multitude of branches when it
comes to how you choose to practice and all of them are based on
the same philosophy, or trunk, of spirituality. Hatha yoga is
the one most well known to Westerners - the physical act of
practicing poses. Here are a few other paths that you may choose
to combine with your personal yoga practice.
Raja Yoga
In raja yoga, the main goal is a calm and spiritual, meditative
state. There are eight principles that are followed strictly and
in order in raja yoga and, though important, physical movement
or poses is not the focus. The eight principles or stages are:
* Ethical standards or 'yama'
* Self-discipline or 'niyama'
* Posture or 'asana'
* Breath control or 'pranayama'
* Sensory withdrawal or 'pratyahara'
* Concentration or 'dharana'
* Meditation or 'dhyana'
* Liberation or 'samadhi'
Karma Yoga
The focus of karma yoga is on service and treatment of others.
The basic idea is that our experiences today are a direct result
of our past actions. Therefore, everything that those who
practice karma yoga do today is in an effort to create a better
future for themselves and those around them. They do this by
eliminating the motivations of pessimism and egotism. This means
living for others instead of ourselves.
Jnana Yoga
Those who practice jnana yoga are most concerned with the
development of the mind. They are scholars interested in the
philosophy behind yoga and they their yoga practice focuses on
studying and understanding ancient and traditional texts. This
is thought to be one of the most intense yoga disciplines as the
learning is intense and difficult.
Unlike branches on a tree, the paths of yoga often intersect and
overlap. Though it is difficult to hang from two or three tree
branches at once, it is not difficult at all to practice more
than one path of yoga. Try them all if you like and choose the
ones that most appeal to you.
About the author:
Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino,
California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines
and provides yoga tips on www.justyogabasics.com.
Discover the
physical and emotional benefits of Yoga that millions of people are already
using!
More Yoga Tips
What is Chair Yoga?
Chair Yoga is a gentle form of Yoga. With so many types of Yoga available, here is one that most of us can practice. Inversions and complicated maneuvers are not necessary in a Chair Yoga class.
All it takes is the motivation to get started. Most... Click here to read...
Yoga Clothing - What To Wear For Yoga?
The right yoga clothes will make your exercises a lot more
enjoyable. The practice of yoga is a combination of various body
poses. The goal is to promote a healthy and fit body. The
question still remains - what should I wear?
It would help,... Click here to read...
Complete Health Bliss With Yoga Relaxation
Until recently, I was totally oblivious of the intertwinement between yoga benefits and yoga relaxation. Like many women, I also sought solace in leisure activities such as socializing, partying, watching a movie, or reading, to relax. It was... Click here to read...
|
