What is Yoga?

Yoga is a form of exercise that stretches and strengthens the
body through various poses known as ASANAS. For other people yoga is the
realization of inner self satisfaction and for others it is a religion that the believers follow.

All of these statements makes it hard to make a full understanding of what yoga is.

So what is yoga?
Yoga goes far beyond just mere exercises full of routines. Yoga is the union
of mind, spirit and body. Yoga comes from the Hindu philosophy used to attain
spiritual insight and harmony.

Yoga generally refers to the common use of a system of exercises that
is practiced as part of this discipline.

There are many institutions of yoga all of which have their own unique practices and
beliefs. But in this article we have listed down the five most common yoga practices.

HATHA: this is the most popular variety of yoga and one that has been commonly
taught for years. Hatha Yoga is the practice of perfecting your mind by
means of perfecting your body.

In Hatha Yoga you will use many asanas or postures, breathing techniques and meditations.

ASHTANGA: this yoga is another popular type of yoga which is much faster than the other
schools. Ashtanga yoga is a type of aerobic yoga instilling quick and
smooth transitions between poses.

KUNDALINI: This school is focused on awakening and focusing what is known as
kundalini energy. Kundalini energy is most easily compared to life energy that lies
dormant in our bodies. It is commonly represented by a coiled snake.

MANTRA: this type of yoga is focused on calming your mind and body through the
use of words and sounds. The well known ‘om’ chant is commonly heard in this
school.

TANTRA: This type of school is well known by way of its focus on sexual spirituality.
Tantric Yoga also focuses on kundalini energy, although the intent for awakening it is much
different from the Kundalini practice.

Yoga is a very diverse practice, no matter which school you choose. People of any age
can gain many benefits from regular yoga practices, and asanas can be
adjusted to fit physical limitations and other complications.

If you want a break from treadmills, weight rooms, or the pool, take a look at yoga.
Not only are you striving towards physical well being, you are striving towards
spiritual well being as well.

Traditionally, yoga consists of eight fundamental paths: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga,
Jnana Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Purna Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Maha Yoga and Ashtanga or Raja
Yoga. In the western world, the term yoga often refers to Hatha yoga and its
postures, movements, and breathing techniques.

The ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation from worldly suffering and
the cycle of birth and death. Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and
emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge
of the true nature of reality.