About Yoga

YOGA
The Dali Lama once said, "My religion is kindness."  Buddhist and Yogic teachings emphasize kindness.  Most people think of gymnastics or contortionists when they think of yogis but no matter what posture one puts their body in, it should be done with enough kindness as to cause no harm.  This takes great attention and awareness sometimes, such as the case of computer workers and construction workers, to avoid injury and stress.  It does not take an able body to be kind, just an open
mind.

A kind word or gesture is a gem polished with the intentions of a giving heart.  Yoga can be practiced by anyone. One does not need a very capable body or even a clear mind, only a willing spirit and heart. There are infinite forms of yoga and all lead to the same pinnacle of bliss that oneness  in the consciousness of Brahman, a higher power or God.

The word "Yoga' itself means union, to unite or to yoke.  Therefore, any path that is used to attain oneness/union with divine, blissful existence is Yoga.

Mother Theresa was a "Karma Yogini" which is the path of action in the name of the Lord (selfless service).  Many monks and nuns follow a path of "Bhakti yoga" which is the yoga of devotion and involves receiving great soul satisfaction in performing spiritual rituals and rites.
"Jnana yoga" is the path of wisdom as practiced, for example, by the Greek philosophers of Socrates' time.


HATHA YOGA
In the Third Century B.C., the sage Patanjali codified yoga in his sutras.  These yoga sutras are the classical text on the yoga path as outlined in eight steps known as "Raja Yoga" (the royal path) or "Ashtanga" (meaning eight limbs literally and is not to be confused with "Power Yoga.")

"Hatha yoga" is a blanket phrase referring to two of the eight steps, namely "asana" (posture/pose) and "pranayama" (breathing techniques).  Ha-tha translates as "sun-moon" and resonates the balance expressed in the symbol and phrase "Yin-Yang."

There are many forms and variations of Hatha.  Some of the more well known are "Iyengar" (named after B.K.S. Iyengar, who is a genius at alignment and use of props), "Power yoga" (sometimes called "Ashtanga" is a form rediscovered by Patabhi Jois, a contemporary of Iyengar, incorporating "power" or aerobic moves to link postures), "Kundalini" (a calisthenic  hatha in Yogi Bajan's movement), "Shivananda" (referred to as "Integral Hatha" by Swami Satchidananda, a very classical form with a sense of flow and restful postures.

Swami Shivananda summed up the eight limbs in five principles:

 1. Proper relaxation
 2. Proper exercise
 3. Proper breathing
 4. Proper diet –"one that is nourishing and well balanced based on natural foods.  It keeps the body light and supple and the mind calm, giving a high resistance to disease."
 5. Positive thinking and meditation

The Full Eight Limbs/Royal Path:

I. Yamas

Nonviolence and truthfulness in word, thought, and deed; nonstealing, moderation in all things and nonpossessiveness (nonattachment);

II.  Niyamas

Purity; contentment; austerity; study of sacred texts; practicing the presence;

III.  Asanas (Postures)

IV.  Pranayama (Breath Control)

V.   Pratyahara (Withdrawal of senses, "Yoga nidra," "Yoni mudra," and corpse pose)

VI.  Dharana (Concentration, prayer)

VII. Dhyana (Meditation)

VIII. Samadhi (Nirvana, bliss, enlightenment)
Even just practicing the branches of Hatha Yoga alone can bring profound peace and energy.  Kirlian photography shows a difference after only 15 minutes of asana practice and it's interesting to note this difference was not present after 15 minutes of gymnastics.

Be kind to others by taking care of yourself with a yoga practice.