Hatha yoga is an ancient hindu system of working with the human nervous system. Because it releases tension and endows one with renewed energy, far too many 20th century people, yoga teachers included, have come to look upon the venerable Indian physical science as solely an exercise for health and vitality of mind and body. It is that, but it is also much more. Hatha yoga practices are more spiritual than physical, more subtle than gross, more a means of understanding than an exotic way to relieve stress or limber up the body.

The sages who developed hatha yoga designed it as a way to gain conscious control of our life energies, a way to go within, to harmonize the external so the innermost Self could be encountered. To them, it was about states of consciousness, about living a divine life, and it was a preparation for meditation.

As you perform the asanas, concentrate on feeling the energies within the nerve currents. Sensitize yourself to knowing when the body has been in each position long enough to tune the nerve currents involved. Then shift smoothly into the next asana. It’s like a dance, a deliberate, fluid dance. During all postures, inhale using the diaphragm, not the chest muscles. Do not stretch unduly or force the body. Relax into the poses. Don’t worry if you can’t perform them all perfectly. In time, you will find the body becoming more flexible and supple. Free the mind of thoughts and tensions. You will be more aware, more alive, more serene.

While there are many more complex hatha yoga routines, these twenty-four asanas provide a balanced system for daily use. For the simple purpose of quieting the mind in preparation for meditation, this is all you will ever need. For best results, hatha yoga should be taught personally by a qualified teacher. These instructions and drawings are meant only as a rudimentary aid. For more elaborate regimens, inquire at a recognized school specializing in hatha yoga.

The scene of hatha yoga has a spiritual purpose – to balance physical and physic energies in preparation for meditation. It is not only meant to make us young, beautiful or creative, but to aid us in quieting the mind, body and emotions that we may awaken enlightened consciousness & know the Self within.

Robert Watson, noted hypnotist and owner of Yoga Instruction Therapy, a website dedicated to providing the best Yoga Articles on the internet.

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Hatha yoga workout training will allow you to become a teacher of yoga in due time, but there are a few things that you are going to consider too, before jumping in to the yoga fitness world. First, make sure that teaching is something that you truly want to do. Some people consider teaching not just a profession, but more of a vocation. Thus, it is important that you must do it with passion, Helpful questions might want to ask yourself: “Is teaching yoga workout something I’m really fond of?” and “Is teaching yoga fitness something that I am not going to get bored of?”

Also keep in mind that the career going through the world of yoga fitness and becoming a yoga workout teacher means that you are responsible for teaching people in a long term, in addition to what a teacher is supposed to be doing in a yoga workout: teaching the principles, how to hold the postures, and motivating them to learn about this wonderful exercise.

You will be helping people to better themselves and to better their lives, and this is certainly a positive aspect of it, but you will also need to think about the financial aspect of things, unless of course you are going to keep your full time job and just be a yoga teacher on the side.

Get Started

If you are interested in teaching the a yoga workout class or two, the first thing that you are going to need to do is learn about what options are out there, meaning finding out what kind of yoga workout other teachers are using, and comparing them with what you will be teaching.

When you are trying to compare between one hatha yoga teacher training course and another, there are certain factors that you are going to want to take into serious consideration, and this includes the price, length of the course, and so on.

Once you find what kind of yoga exercise you’d be teaching then it is best to ask a few instructors on this field, especially if it’s your first time to teach. Getting inputs from experts really help you in understanding the strategies required to perform. Learn the basics first as experience and being out there will really make the teacher shine in you. This might be an untapped potential that you have neglected over the years.

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Although there are many styles of yoga, the differences are usually about emphasis, focusing on one element or another. All of the styles share the same origin – one is not better than another – it is just a matter of personal choice – there is only one yoga. However, many people over recent years have developed and taught their own style and in some of them, much of the true meaning of yoga has been missed out. The following major styles of Hatha Yoga can be seen as the closest to the ‘true’ teachings of yoga.

The founders of the 3 major styles — Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga — were all students of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, a famous teacher at the Yoga Institute at the Mysore Palace in India. Two other popular styles, Integral and Sivananda, were created by disciples of the famous guru Sri Swami Sivananda.

Ashtanga Vinyasa

This is a presentation of classical yoga, rather than a style. It was developed by Pattabhi Jois (Krishna’s senior student), based on the teachings of the Yoga Korunta. ‘Ashtanga’ means ‘8 limbs’ – as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

The Korunta method of Yoga is extremely ancient and was discovered and updated by Shri T. Krishnamacharya, a great master from Southern India who died in Madras in February 1989 at more than 100 years old.

The intense physical activity gradually generates a high level of energy. Combining the postures and breathing control of classical yoga with dynamic movements, – physical, mental and spiritual powers are developed. This is a process for producing intense internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies the muscles and organs. The postures are linked by ‘Vinyasa’ movements taken from the Sun Salutation, synchronised with Ujjayi breathing. The Yoga Korunta consists of six series of some 40 postures each. The first series or first level, the second series or intermediate level, and the advanced series, levels A, B, C and D.

The first series is called Yoga Chikitsa (yoga therapy). It works on alignment, particularly of the muscles and joints of the body.

The second series is called Nadi Sodhana (purification of the subtle channels). It works on harmonising body and mind by fortifying the nervous system.

The advanced levels develop and intensify vital energy (prna).

Iyengar Yoga

Developed by B.K.S.Iyengar – This style emphasizes alignment and symmetry (especially through standing postures). It has a firm philosophical base in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It encourages the use of props and straps to aid proper alignment, until the pupil achieves perfection in the posture. The aspect of “timing” is emphisised – where students are taught to stay for a longer duration of time in each posture so as to experience it. Students work within their own capabilities, and as they progress in strength and flexibility – the props can be disguarded.

Viniyoga

Developed by T.K.V. Desikachar, the son of Krishnamacharya (teacher to some of the great yoga instructors including Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois). This gentle form of flow yoga places great emphasis on the breath and coordinating breath with movement. Viniyogas flowing movement or vinyasa is similar to ashtangas dynamic series of poses, but is performed at a greatly reduced pace and stress level. Postures are chosen to suit the students abilities – so it is excellant for beginners, and those recovering from illness.

Note – although this term is widely used – it has been stated that Desikachar is no longer associating himself with the term.

Integral

Developed by Swami Satchidananda – the man who taught the crowds at the original Woodstock to chant “Om” – Integral classes put almost as much emphasis on pranayama and meditation as they do on postures.

Sivananda

This style of yoga was founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda – a student of Sri Swami Sivananda. Sivananda yoga offers a gentle approach, which takes the student through the twelve sun salutation postures and incorporates chanting, meditation, and deep relaxation in each session. The Sivananda school of yoga encourage students to embrace a healthy lifestyle and the 5 points of yoga which are – healthy diet, proper exercise (asanas), proper breathing, proper relaxation, and meditation.

Ananda Yoga

Developed by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the – Autobiography of a Yogi). Ananda Yoga is a classical style of hatha yoga that uses asana and pranayama to awaken, experience, and begin to control the subtle energies within oneself, especially the energies of the chakras. Its object is to use those energies to harmonize body, mind, and emotions, and above all to attune oneself with higher levels of awareness. One unique feature of this system is the use of silent affirmations while in the asanas as a means of working more directly and consciously with the subtle energies to achieve this attunement.

Please note that the author can NOT be held responsible for incorrect information in this article. This is for entertainment purpose only.

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For more YOGA visit – www.yogabhoga.co.uk and for PURE raw foods visit www.rawfoodhomepage.com

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We are all human, living life with its many “ups and
downs,” but how can we keep our spirits up in difficult times? There are many types of Yoga, and not all are physical styles, like the many popular Hatha Yoga sub-styles. To name one that is not Hatha, and classified as one of the nine main Indian Yoga styles, there is Bhakti Yoga – the union of love, devotion, and worship.

The principle of Bhakti Yoga is universal to all people of all religions. A person who sings, prays, worships, and helps another person is practicing this form of Yoga – whether they have heard of Bhakti Yoga or not. It does not matter what religion you are because singing, praying, worshiping, forgiving, and helping are morally right.

To quote one of the most enlightened men of the 20th
century, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Therefore, life is a daily Yoga practice, even if you do not attend a Yoga class. When you help others, you are practicing Yoga. It could be argued that you are practicing other forms of Yoga, but that is not the purpose of this article. It is more important to understand that you can help others in many ways, and it does not have to cost you a fortune.

Projecting happiness is free and does not require a lot of money. Here are some ideas that will help you to be happier, and hopefully, more worry free. Whether you are a beginner, Yoga practitioner, Yoga teacher, or Master teacher of Yoga, you should spread happiness to everyone you meet.

Listen to everyone, regardless of his, or her, social
status. Let go of judgment; it makes fools of all of us. Pre-judgment is prejudice, and this is the one thing that prevents world peace. To some degree, we all have felt it, but you must discard it, suppress it, and never teach it.

You cannot listen if you are talking at the same time. The wisest and most educated person has learned that the purpose of listening is to understand; understanding is knowledge, and knowledge is power. There are times, when you cannot listen. This could be due to time restraints, the fact that you may have heard it all before, or possibly you do not consider this person’s opinion to be important.

My grandfather had a saying, “Even the court jester can teach you something about life.” Sometimes, we take the help, or opinions of others, for granted. How many times do we seek more information in order to make the best decision? The final decisions you make, in any given situation are entirely up to you, but when you can sit back and listen, that is time for learning.

Try to avoid arguments and stay the course of peaceful co-existence. You may not always be able to do this, but you should try to improve. You could keep a log of daily situations that end peacefully and those that did not.

This is not meant to make you feel guilty, but it is a
course in self-improvement.

You will then see your daily shortcomings and your success. Learn to develop your power of influence for the common good.

It does not matter who is right, especially, if your
intention is to proliferate happiness. Related to this, I share one more quote by Mahatma Gandhi.

“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?” – Mahatma Gandhi

Think about these words, and how you can make the world around you a happier place. This concept is contagious, but it has to come from within and spread worldwide.

© Copyright 2005 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He’s a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a Yoga teacher. www.yoga-teacher-training.org

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Yoga is widespread and is continuously being developed today. Millions of people around the world are into this activity. Its influence is vast and is constantly increasing. Of the so many forms of Yoga, hatha yoga is by far the most common form.

It involves both the breathing control mechanism and the physical exercise and postures combined. This exercise allows optimized blood circulation and improves one’s flexibility, stamina, strength and vitality.

Moreover, it is also a form of peaceful mediation that contributes to self-awareness and gives an extra energy that makes you have a warm perspective of life. Various centers are located and established on cities to promote awareness.

However, one may not need a tutor or a teacher in order to learn or perform Yoga. One can simply look for a book or find an appropriate DVD or video to suit your need. Aside from hatha Yoga, there exists another kind of Yoga. it is known as Dhan Yoga.

It is also referred to as Dahn Hak ot Dahnak. It started as an early form of Korean instruction program that aims to teach the people on how to expand and widen both the body and mind. For a certain period of time, it has been discovered that it had vanished but was later on rediscovered and its first center was established on Korea.

It was in 1991 that Dahn Yoga was brought into the United States. There are also existing centers there that have been established as time went by. Dahn Yoga does not only focus on the fitness aspects of Yoga.

It also educates the person on the principles and concepts on how the energy acts or moves in the body. It also teaches that ageing and weakening of the body is caused by stress. And removing stress will definitely improve one’s health and prolong his life. They believe that one should know how to improve and develop that energy flow inside the body.

Through this, health is efficiently monitored and safeguarded. With Dahn Yoga, one must know how to communicate and correspond to his physical body.

They also believe that our body has its natural healing power. And this natural healing ability can only be achieved when one has stimulated that certain energy that connects the body to the conscious mind.

Through deep stretching, breathing methods and meditation, Dhan Yoga promotes physical, mental, and spiritual healing and to connect us into our spiritual selves. It promotes body relaxation and the discovery of inner consciousness.

It gives a life away and free from stress and anxiety and a life which has self-control and enhanced concentration.

Through meditation and breath work, energy is accumulated in the body. As a result, the functioning of the internal organs and systems in the body is enhanced.

Moreover, the toxins and possible threats of disorder is hindered in a way. Then the feeling of better physique and well-being is achieved. This, in turn, boosts self-confidence and positive thinking. A new self is realized and released from addictive behaviors.

By the integration of the body and mind, latent abilities are realized and goals are set. In addition, Dahn Yoga practitioners sometimes volunteer teaching and training without payment. Dahn Yoga is altogether a group that is willing to promote healthy well-being, a happy mind, and a peaceful community.

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

Roger Mitchell has spent lots of years writing informative health articles on yoga like benefits of yoga. Other related subjects can also be found at www.HealthNewsInfo.org/sitemap/index.html. This content may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

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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.

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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.

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The yoga philosophy is generally a broad concept. In fact, it is divided into several branches, and each branch maintains a philosophy that is to some degree different from the others. For instance, in Ashtanga Yoga, which is but one of the earliest types, the development of all the human faculties such as the physical body, feelings or emotions, mind and life force are considered as the most important aspects that followers should work to attain. This development is not just something that is partial, but full.

Anusara yoga is an exceptional, therapeutic way of Hatha Yoga wherein the artistic expression of the heart mysteriously blends with biomechanics and scientific principles. Anusara Yoga was established and formed by John Friend.

The name Anusara is taken from a verse in Kularnava Tantra, which means flowing with grace, following your heart, or going with the flow. The verse reads in Sanskrit as shakti-nipata-anusarena sishyo-anugraham-arhati which means, through walking into the stream of the divine graces descent into ones heart, a true seeker is made worthy and enclosed in the grace that nurtures and sustains their every action.

Anusara yoga was founded in 1997, and is currently among the most well-known and rapidly growing yoga styles all around the globe, with more than one-thousand-two-hundred affiliated teachers, as well as a hundred thousand students world-wide. Anusara yoga classes can now be found all through the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Europe, and increasingly growing in a lot of other areas of the world.

Anusara yoga has also been drawing media attention internationally including a cover story in the Yoga Journal on 2004, U.S.s national news, as well as magazines and newspapers all through the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. Its remarkable popularity is largely owed to its uplifting philosophy, symbolized by a celebration of the heart, looking for the good in every person and every thing.

Accordingly, students with all stages of ability and experience of yoga are honored for the unique differences, talents, and limitations that they have. This life-affirming dream places the foundation for yoga system where joy and harmony of tightly united community is reveled. Anusara yoga is not only deemed as an elegant system of the principles of alignment and non-dual philosophy, but is also a superb group of highly trained yoga teachers and high-spirited students. The community feels its tightness of family connection, yet the laxity of a happy group of bohemian artists.

As a yoga community, it is well systemized and organized, however it still is gives a strong emphasis on individuality and creative freedom. Anusara yoga is bonded by everyones understood alliance to its spiritual principles of Anusara philosophy, like celebrating beauty in every diversity, honoring Divine creative freedom in every being, and truthfulness.

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About the Author (text)

Have you every thought of becoming a yoga instructor? Being a yoga teacher is a very fulfilling and rewarding career. To learn about the best yoga home study course go to www.yogainstructorscoursecertification.com

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Chakras are vortices located in the subtle body. Ajna 1chakra is located between the eyebrows. The existence of chakras is a point of contention to some. Yogis, and Yoginis, may practice balancing their chakras, while some religious fundamentalists feel this practice borders on witchcraft. However, let’s discuss one chakra that most everyone can identify with.

Ajna chakra is referred to as the “third eye” and is
sometimes called, “the mind’s eye.” Whether you believe in the existence of chakras, or not, most of us accept the concepts of intuition and insight. These concepts enable us to use self-reflection for our own advancement.

Most Yoga practitioners think only in terms of physical Yoga (Hatha Yoga), only. Yet all Yoga practitioners are aware that Yoga involves physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Therefore, let’s use the “window of your mind” to your advantage. Visualization is commonly used by successful people to turn thoughts into reality. Although this is a mental exercise, it is a form of spiritual innovation. This is also a formula that will continually yield success in your life.

By steadily practicing positive visualization, self-
analysis, and meditation, any Yoga student should be
successful within any chosen path taken during the course of his or her life. You will notice that I
mention “positive” visualization. Do you think that Tiger Woods ever focused on missing a putt or losing a golf tournament? Whatever you envision, can easily become your reality.

Therefore, always focus on achievement and success. You cannot afford to think of anything else. See yourself overcoming obstacles and living your dreams. This is what all achievers do.

Now, let’s take a closer look at intuition. If you are not an intuitive person, you should work on enhancing this quality. Balancing Ajna chakra might help you, and if this is not a possibility, you should keep a trusted intuitive person around you, when it is time to make important decisions.

This is not to say that intuition is the overriding factor in your decision making, but intuition always has weight. Intuition will help us seek and find the deeper truth in all matters. This allows us to develop our personal awareness of what is, what is not, and what could be.

As we continue our journey to find the deeper truth, we become much more aware of the many possibilities and opportunities we have to contribute to the common good of all.

© Copyright 2005 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He’s a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a Yoga teacher. www.yoga-teacher-training.org

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Nowadays, yoga is widespread and is new forms are continuously being developed today. Millions of people around the world enjoy yoga every day or week, depending on circumstances into this activity.

Of the so many forms of Yoga, Hatha yoga is by far the most common form, which involves both breathing control, physical exercise and postures combined. These exercises allow optimized blood circulation and improves flexibility, stamina, strength and vitality.

It is also a form of peaceful mediation that contributes to self-awareness and gives an extra energy that creates general wellbeing.

It should be easy to locate somewhere to practice your yoga as there are centers in most cities in the Western world.

If you prefer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yoga at home. With books, DVDs or videos to suit your need.

Aside from Hatha Yoga, there exists another kind of Yoga. it is known as Dahn Yoga.

It is also referred to as Dahn Hak or Dahnak. It started as an early form of Korean instruction program that aimed to teach the participants on how to expand and widen both the body and mind. For hundreds of years it vanished only becoming resurrected in the 80’s in Seoul, finally arriving in the US in 1991.

Dahn yoga also educates participants on the principles and concepts on how the energy acts or moves in the body. It also teaches that ageing and weakening of the body is caused by stress. And removing stress will, without doubt, improve health and prolong life.

Dahn yoga works by encouraging those taking part to communicate fully with their body, thus enriching their lives to the full.

Allied with the body’s natural healing ability, this is enhanced through stimulating energies that connect the physical body to the conscious mind.

Through deep stretching, breathing methods and meditation, Dahn Yoga promotes physical, mental, and spiritual healing and to connect us into our spiritual selves. It promotes body relaxation and the discovery of inner consciousness.

It gives a life away and free from stress and anxiety and a life which has self-control and enhanced concentration.

Through meditation and breath work, energy is accumulated in the body and as a result, functioning of the internal organs and systems in the body is enhanced.

With the integration of the body and mind, latent abilities are realized and goals set are more easily achieved. In addition, Dahn Yoga practitioners sometimes volunteer to teach and train without payment, promoting individual and community health, well-being, happiness and peace.

Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

(c)2006 Martin Haworth has a useful website with lots of information for those new to yoga as well as extended information for experts. Check it out at Make the Most of Your Yoga

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Yoga studios are springing up in many cities all over the world to cater to the demand by yoga beginners in the midst of the current economic downturn that is characterized by daily stress, fatigue and pollution. More and more people are taking up yoga classes to seek that elusive sense of relaxation, comfort and inward consciousness. It has provided them with a refuge away from the daily confusion and yielded benefits useful to their practical daily lives.

The benefits of yoga is that it is therapeutic both physically and mentally and it conditions the mind and body. Hatha yoga which is very popular in the west, for example, conditions the muscle joints making them flexible, tones the muscles, strengthens the spine, eases back pain, correct body postures, creates balance, improves overall fitness and health, increases circulation, strengthens the heart, reduces blood sugar levels and cholesterol and assists in weight loss.

It also creates balance and relaxes the mind and body, by freeing the spirit and sharpens mental concentration and awareness. Hatha yoga is known to relieve the symptoms of illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, obesity, fatigue, arteriosclerosis and prolongs youthfulness. No wonder then that yoga is becoming a popular activity to help solve modern day illnesses and problems.

In practicing yoga, practitioners will attain a sense of centeredness, grace and coordination. The different postures in yoga heals and invigorates the body as it stretches and tones the muscles and joints and improving blood circulation and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Yoga postures involves every muscle of the body and challenges them in a passive way, creating resistance by moving the body’s centre of gravity. The quality of yoga postures and strengthening of the muscles brings relaxation and refreshes the body and mind.

Unlike other forms of exercise like aerobics or jogging, yoga when done correctly does not cause any strain or injury and has no negative effects. For beginners, it is recommended that the presence and direction of a qualified yoga teacher is sought before fully practicing yoga on one’s own.

Yoga is suitable for people of all ages, including children. It helps to develop self-discipline and improves a person’s physical and mental health. It also improves memory and concentration through breathing exercises, and for young people it enables them to keep their natural flexibility for years. The benefits that the practice of yoga provides far outweigh the time and effort that practitioners put in their daily routine.

Copyright (c) 2009 Azmi Adnan

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a yoga practitioner. Subscribe to his newsletter for interesting articles on yoga at his website www.power-to-live.com/yoga.htm

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