Hariom Yoga is a type of yoga based on Shivaism (worshipping the Lord Shiva) tradition. In this type of yoga, breathing and postures are performed and Om Namah Shiva (I worship the Lord Shiva) prayer is repeated. It's believed that through worshipping the Lord Shiva, spiritual salvation will be achieved. Hariom yoga type is kept very secret, and therefore very little known because in the ancient Shivaism tradition, there are even human sacrifices
Agni Vinyasa Yoga
Agni Vinyasa Yoga - The Movement of the Fire
Agni Vinyass is a Yoga system, the roots of which can be found in many traditions. It is Vinyassa (movement with breathing) of the Fire. It combines traditional Yoga systems such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Satyananda as well as other newer forms such as Terpsichore and Yin Yoga.
Even though there are specified patterns of movements which are performed, every session is quite different to the previous as its main characteristics are the creativity, joy, enthusiasm and experimentation that are involved.
Even though the alignments and the correct execution of the asanas are vital elements in Agni Vinyasa Yoga, when the body is well trained and healthy, it is also important for it to take poses which go beyond the strict sense of alignment so as to activate the joints and the energy centres which lie within.
The movement of the fire is a more vigorous, from a physical aspect, form of practice. The aim of Agni Vinyasa is to purify the body and that is why it is so vigorous. On the mental level, its aim is to enhance concentration and that is why it is consecutive, without allowing the mind to escape at all. It includes asanas which aim at liberating and opening our heart and thus getting rid of all negative feelings. Furthermore, instructions are constantly given during the session regarding alignment so that the mind can become sensitive and responsive to stimuli received from the surroundings.
As far as the breathing is concerned, during the asanas, we have the Ujjayi breathing and in some poses the Bastrika Pranayama or Breath of Fire. In the beginning there is only one breathe to every move or pose, with the aim of stimulating the body quickly. Then, there are more rigorous movements, kriyas, on order to awaken the kundalini throughout the spinal region.
In some classes, especially when they are aimed at strengthening specific body parts, in some asanas, there is the pose-motion (repeated movements 3-5) and then again the pose.
All the bandhas which are executed during the Agni Vinyasa are related to the asanas performed.
The music is one of the basic elements of Agni Vinyasa, however, in more advanced classes it is recommended not to have music so as to allow the mind to concentrate. The music which is played during the session is mainly mantras, which has a faster rhythm at the beginning and which slows down towards the end of the lesson and becomes softer.
At the end of each lesson there is a guided relaxation session or Yoga Nidra and the duration of which depends on the remaining and available time we have.
Agni Vinyasa is a Yogic system which is based on COMPOSURE and the aim of which is deep realization of movement, which lies in the Centre, and the opening of the heart and mind, for a life full of acceptance and compassion.
Source:Spyros Kapnias Garudananda
Agni Vinyasa - Ashtanga - YogaWorks - Certified Teacher Spyros Kapnias - Garudananda
Bhakti Yoga
The term “Bhakti” itself simply means “devotion”. Thus, Bhakti Yoga is the “yoga of universal love”, of abnegation and self-offering to the Supreme — otherwise referred to as the “yoga of devotion”. Here we find the practice of cultivating a humble and devoted service to the Divine, highest nature. The Bhakti yogi, through overflowing and indiscriminate, self-less love, breaks the bonds of the ego and experiences the unity of all things.
Some of the greatest Hindu mystics, such as Jayadeva were Bhakti yogis.
Lord Krishna said:
”I love the peaceful devotee who is neither a source of agitation in the world, nor agitated by the world. The Bhakti is one who is friendly and compassionate to all, free of fear, envy, hatred, and other annoyances that the world brings, who accepts the knocks that come their way as blessings in disguise.”
— Bhagavad Gita, Ch 12, V15
Source: International Yogalayam, http://www.discover-yoga-online.com
The term "bhakti" comes from the Sanskrit root "bhaj sevayam", which means to serve. Ultimately this refers to loving surrender or submission, which is commonly known as "devotion".
The following description was provided by Nikhileshwari Devi.
Bhakti yoga is the process of yoga that actively engages the emotional mind or heart through feeling. Prior to true bhakti yoga practice, a practitioner may have faithful feelings towards the presence of God and express this appreciation through kirtan, the recitation of Sanskrit verses, and other worshipping rituals. However, when a practitioner meets an enlightened bhakti saint, that saint's grace initiates his actual entrance into the path of bhakti.
There are three stages of bhakti yoga. The first stage of bhakti yoga establishes the inner grace given by the Saint and emphasises understanding and regular practice. This stage is called "sadhana-bhakti" (preliminary bhakti). At the second stage of bhakti yoga, there is an evolution of one's devotional potential (which is not unlike the evolution of yogic siddhis) and which manifests as a natural awakened stage of love called "bhav-bhakti" (advanced bhakti). In this stage, a pratitioner could enter into states of "prem samadhi" or devotional ecstasy. This is followed by enlightenment in bhakti yoga, which is called "bhagwat-prapti" or God realization, and is referred to as "siddha-bhakti" (final or divine-bhakti). The final stage of bhakti yoga is a divine power that a practitioner receives through grace. At this time, his material bonds or ignorance are eliminated forever and he visualizes and experiences God, forever.
Lord Krishna explained this in the Gita (18/65) to Arjuna, his disciple,
"When your bhakti or loving attachment to Me is complete, then with My final grace I will remove whatever material bonds are binding you, and bestow upon you the state of complete liberation. Then you will be with Me forever."
In fact, enlightenment is possible on all the yoga paths only through bhakti, because it is only through grace that the bonds of Maya (material bondage) are broken, and grace is received only through bhakti. As a result, in the Gita the path to God or the path to ultimate divine bliss is referred to as either dualistic-devotion (dwaita-bhakti) or nondualistic devotion (advaita-bhakti). This means whether you follow a non-dual practice that has as its goal an impersonal attainment of bliss, or a dualistic practice that has as its goal the realization of God's personal form and love, everyone must practice bhakti because this is the process that joins a soul with God, however that divinity is conceived on that particular path.
Nikhileshwari Devi is a sanyasi (ordained) in the Hindu tradition of raganuga bhakti and has been teaching bhakti yoga and kirtan for the last 20 years
Some of the greatest Hindu mystics, such as Jayadeva were Bhakti yogis.
Lord Krishna said:
”I love the peaceful devotee who is neither a source of agitation in the world, nor agitated by the world. The Bhakti is one who is friendly and compassionate to all, free of fear, envy, hatred, and other annoyances that the world brings, who accepts the knocks that come their way as blessings in disguise.”
— Bhagavad Gita, Ch 12, V15
Source: International Yogalayam, http://www.discover-yoga-online.com
The term "bhakti" comes from the Sanskrit root "bhaj sevayam", which means to serve. Ultimately this refers to loving surrender or submission, which is commonly known as "devotion".
The following description was provided by Nikhileshwari Devi.
Bhakti yoga is the process of yoga that actively engages the emotional mind or heart through feeling. Prior to true bhakti yoga practice, a practitioner may have faithful feelings towards the presence of God and express this appreciation through kirtan, the recitation of Sanskrit verses, and other worshipping rituals. However, when a practitioner meets an enlightened bhakti saint, that saint's grace initiates his actual entrance into the path of bhakti.
There are three stages of bhakti yoga. The first stage of bhakti yoga establishes the inner grace given by the Saint and emphasises understanding and regular practice. This stage is called "sadhana-bhakti" (preliminary bhakti). At the second stage of bhakti yoga, there is an evolution of one's devotional potential (which is not unlike the evolution of yogic siddhis) and which manifests as a natural awakened stage of love called "bhav-bhakti" (advanced bhakti). In this stage, a pratitioner could enter into states of "prem samadhi" or devotional ecstasy. This is followed by enlightenment in bhakti yoga, which is called "bhagwat-prapti" or God realization, and is referred to as "siddha-bhakti" (final or divine-bhakti). The final stage of bhakti yoga is a divine power that a practitioner receives through grace. At this time, his material bonds or ignorance are eliminated forever and he visualizes and experiences God, forever.
Lord Krishna explained this in the Gita (18/65) to Arjuna, his disciple,
"When your bhakti or loving attachment to Me is complete, then with My final grace I will remove whatever material bonds are binding you, and bestow upon you the state of complete liberation. Then you will be with Me forever."
In fact, enlightenment is possible on all the yoga paths only through bhakti, because it is only through grace that the bonds of Maya (material bondage) are broken, and grace is received only through bhakti. As a result, in the Gita the path to God or the path to ultimate divine bliss is referred to as either dualistic-devotion (dwaita-bhakti) or nondualistic devotion (advaita-bhakti). This means whether you follow a non-dual practice that has as its goal an impersonal attainment of bliss, or a dualistic practice that has as its goal the realization of God's personal form and love, everyone must practice bhakti because this is the process that joins a soul with God, however that divinity is conceived on that particular path.
Nikhileshwari Devi is a sanyasi (ordained) in the Hindu tradition of raganuga bhakti and has been teaching bhakti yoga and kirtan for the last 20 years
Classical Yoga
Classical Yoga is a term that signifies an approach to yoga in keeping with the traditional spiritual teachings of India. Classical Yoga recognizes spiritual transcendence as an evolutionary process which comes from an exploration of the self on all levels, the physical, mental, emotional, and higher spiritual. Recognizing yoga as a “way of life”, Classical Yoga is built upon a firm foundation of moral and ethical living, and involves the cultivation of a lifestyle conducive to health, harmony and transcendence.
Over the ages, many schools of Yoga have developed, each with their own particular approach, and their teachings continue to be passed down through lineages (known as paramparai) of gurus, teachers and disciples. At essence, any yoga style that rightly claims the designation of “Classical” has its philosophy, regardless of approach, firmly rooted in the ancient Vedic culture of India.
The term Classical Ashtanga Yoga is also synonymous with the Ashtanga Yoga system as codified by Sage Patanjali in his classical treatise, the Yoga Sutras, a text that outlines an 8-fold path guiding the student to the ultimate goal of Yoga, which is self-realization.
Dharma Mittra Yoga
Dharma Yoga Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa Series is a stairway to bliss that reintegrates the continuous flow of prana (cosmic energy) through the spinal column, emanating deep into all areas of the physical, metabolic, intuitive and bliss bodies. The carefully selected inspirational Yoga postures in Sri Dharma's Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa series for all the levels are a culmination of his 40 years dedicated organization. They will unify the physical, mental and emotional bodies. Practice of these asanas strengthens and tones muscles, glands and internal organs. The postures are performed with slow graceful movements, so fantastic inner calm and self-control are felt immediately. With regular practice problems and disease are gradually brought to an end & self-realization comes easily.
Gentle
This healing session embraces all ages, who wish to finally add the healing qualities of yoga into their lives. We move the body thru the classical poses very slowly, gently and conscientiously. There are rests taken between poses as the body moves towards inner introspection on a physical and meditative level. This class is highly beneficial for those returning from an illness or injury, or who haven’t moved in a long time. It is recommended for those who are just looking for an easy class, 50 & up, and pre-natal.
Style suggested by Brian Buturla
Japa Yoga
The word Japa is derived from the Sanskrit root “jap”, meaning "to utter in a low voice or repeat internally”. Japa Yoga is the repetition of a specific word, mantra or bija (seed sound) such as the Pranava AUM.
Japas can be performed verbally (vacika) or silently, which is a practice known as Ajapa Yoga. When the repetition is performed verbally on an exhale and mentally (silently) on the inhale, this is additionally referred to as Ajapa-Japa.
Furthermore, if a particular mantra, bija or symbol is written over and over again, this is known as Likhita Yoga. In this practice, the student practices silence (mauna), concentrating intently upon the meaning of the mantra (bija, symbol, etc.) while writing it.
In this way, written mantra is considered more powerful than verbal (Japa) mantra and silent (Ajapa) much more powerful still.
This yoga is used for mental purification and is considered to be the best yoga practice for the current age of Kali Yuga.
Jnana Yoga
Jnana (or Gnana) means “wisdom”. Jnana Yoga is the “yoga of knowledge”, where knowledge is not an intellectual process that comes from books or teaching, but rather as the consequence of direct experience and intuition resulting from a deep study of the “inner life”. Jnana Yoga practice consists of various contemplative and meditative kriyas, with the main objective being the development of the mind, discernment, and a sharp and pure intellect unclouded by flawed logic and conditioning. This leads one toward an attitude of detached, impartial witnessing toward the unfolding events of life. In this way the Jnani endeavors to discover the underlying truth behind every “lived experience”.
Jnana Yoga could also be described as the “yoga of fusion” with the superior energies of the mind and intuition. Jnana Yoga is solitary work. Jnana Yoga is the yoga of the Upanishads (books of the Vedas), and that yoga which closely approaches the Vedantic philosophy.
Hatha YogaOver the ages, many schools of Yoga have developed, each with their own particular approach, and their teachings continue to be passed down through lineages (known as paramparai) of gurus, teachers and disciples. At essence, any yoga style that rightly claims the designation of “Classical” has its philosophy, regardless of approach, firmly rooted in the ancient Vedic culture of India.
The term Classical Ashtanga Yoga is also synonymous with the Ashtanga Yoga system as codified by Sage Patanjali in his classical treatise, the Yoga Sutras, a text that outlines an 8-fold path guiding the student to the ultimate goal of Yoga, which is self-realization.
Dharma Mittra Yoga
Dharma Yoga Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa Series is a stairway to bliss that reintegrates the continuous flow of prana (cosmic energy) through the spinal column, emanating deep into all areas of the physical, metabolic, intuitive and bliss bodies. The carefully selected inspirational Yoga postures in Sri Dharma's Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa series for all the levels are a culmination of his 40 years dedicated organization. They will unify the physical, mental and emotional bodies. Practice of these asanas strengthens and tones muscles, glands and internal organs. The postures are performed with slow graceful movements, so fantastic inner calm and self-control are felt immediately. With regular practice problems and disease are gradually brought to an end & self-realization comes easily.
Gentle
This healing session embraces all ages, who wish to finally add the healing qualities of yoga into their lives. We move the body thru the classical poses very slowly, gently and conscientiously. There are rests taken between poses as the body moves towards inner introspection on a physical and meditative level. This class is highly beneficial for those returning from an illness or injury, or who haven’t moved in a long time. It is recommended for those who are just looking for an easy class, 50 & up, and pre-natal.
Style suggested by Brian Buturla
Japa Yoga
The word Japa is derived from the Sanskrit root “jap”, meaning "to utter in a low voice or repeat internally”. Japa Yoga is the repetition of a specific word, mantra or bija (seed sound) such as the Pranava AUM.
Japas can be performed verbally (vacika) or silently, which is a practice known as Ajapa Yoga. When the repetition is performed verbally on an exhale and mentally (silently) on the inhale, this is additionally referred to as Ajapa-Japa.
Furthermore, if a particular mantra, bija or symbol is written over and over again, this is known as Likhita Yoga. In this practice, the student practices silence (mauna), concentrating intently upon the meaning of the mantra (bija, symbol, etc.) while writing it.
In this way, written mantra is considered more powerful than verbal (Japa) mantra and silent (Ajapa) much more powerful still.
This yoga is used for mental purification and is considered to be the best yoga practice for the current age of Kali Yuga.
Jnana Yoga
Jnana (or Gnana) means “wisdom”. Jnana Yoga is the “yoga of knowledge”, where knowledge is not an intellectual process that comes from books or teaching, but rather as the consequence of direct experience and intuition resulting from a deep study of the “inner life”. Jnana Yoga practice consists of various contemplative and meditative kriyas, with the main objective being the development of the mind, discernment, and a sharp and pure intellect unclouded by flawed logic and conditioning. This leads one toward an attitude of detached, impartial witnessing toward the unfolding events of life. In this way the Jnani endeavors to discover the underlying truth behind every “lived experience”.
Jnana Yoga could also be described as the “yoga of fusion” with the superior energies of the mind and intuition. Jnana Yoga is solitary work. Jnana Yoga is the yoga of the Upanishads (books of the Vedas), and that yoga which closely approaches the Vedantic philosophy.
Hatha Yoga is one of the most recognizable and popular types of yoga in the West today. "Hatha" is often used in very broad and generalized ways to refer to physical yoga practices of some form or another. Traditional Hatha Yoga is a holistic yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical exercises and Pranayama. The Hatha yoga predominantly practiced in the West consists of mostly asanas (postures) and exercise.
In essence, Hatha Yoga is based on the balancing of the fundamental polarities of the being, the solar (+) and lunar (-) energies. The word Hatha itself is derived from the Sanskrit terms “Ha” and “Tha”, meaning sun and moon, referring to the two primary energies Prana and Apana. Hatha Yoga's aim is the recovery and maintenance of perfect health, the development of the mind and its mastery over the body, and perfect control over the vital energies.
With respect to the Ashtanga (8-limbed) Yoga system of Patanjali, Hatha Yoga can be loosely seen to encompass the first four of the bahiranga (outer disciplines), namely yama and niyama (morals and ethics), asana and pranayama. Though in a broader sense, Hatha Yoga is a complete system of bodily health which encompasses the physical cleansing kriyas such as the shat karmas (the six cleansing actions), diet and hygiene, and the physical yoga techniques of asana, pranayama, bandha and mudra. The asanas, pranayamas, bandhas and mudras are techniques for the control not only of the body, but the mind as well, and thus this discipline represents an essential preparation for the higher (inner) stages of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, referred to as the antaranga (inner disciplines).
The ultimate aim of these physical practices is the arousal and control of the “vital energy” stored in the conus medullaris at the base of the spine. Awareness of this “spiritual energy” is essential in yoga. It is this energy which “lifts the being” to higher levels of awareness and experience, and therefore, all of the practices of Hatha Yoga center around preparing the body to facilitate the upward flowing of this “psychic prana”.
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga recognizes that spiritual awareness and evolution can be attained through one’s actions in life. The Bhagavad Gita is the classical text on Karma Yoga, in which Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna, before the commencement of the great battle at Kurukshetra, on duty and self-less action. The karma yogi, then, performs his/her actions not out of desire for personal gain but out of rightness and benefit for all. This consecration of the fruits of one’s action to the Divine is what is known as self-less action. Karma Yoga, however, requires more than merely “good intensions”. One must have right knowledge of their actions and an understanding of the “cause and effect” relationships.
Unclouded by ignorance, desire and attachment, the karma yogi always performs the right action, at the right time, in the right manner, releasing him/herself from the bonds of the law of karma. In this way, the karma yogi finds liberation through active involvement in the world.
The term Karma Yoga is often used to refer to the giving of one’s time or professional services to the needy or in support of some benevolent organization. This is more aptly termed Seva Yoga, or the yoga of selfless service. Though this type of activity is often grouped in with Karma Yoga, one should not lose site of the higher aspects of Karma Yoga, that it isn’t merely a singular action performed at a specific time and place, but an unbroken selfless and discerning approach to life.
“The salt of life is self-less service. The bread of life is universal love. Life is not fully lived, life has not been fully realized, if you do not serve and love the entire humanity. The secret of true life is in the love of God and the service of humanity. Live to help others. The Divine power will stream through you as a life-giving force.”
— Swami Sivananda
Kashmir Yoga
The practice of Kashmir Yoga is designed to return you home to the heart of what is natural. Kashmir Yoga is an ancient form of Yoga, derived from eighth century Kashmir Yoga teachings intertwined with functional anatomy and the latest insights into our nervous system has a magical effect on mind, body and heart, using imagery, explorations in asanas and spacious breathing, you may find yourself awakening into your 'light open free state'. Definition:Jay Rosi
Style suggested by Veronika Pena de la Jara
Kirtan Yoga
Kirtan chanting has been integral to the practice of yoga (Sanskrit for "union" - the literal meaning of yoga) for thousands of years.
Kirtan may be most associated with the Bhakti Yoga tradition. It is essential to most other styles, as well. Traditional yoga teachers typically chant at the beginning and at the end of each hatha yoga session.
Kirtan chanting - repetition of the Divine name (mantra japa) coupled with melody (raga)- is a very powerful and ancient yogic practice in its own right. As such, it may be more specifically described as Nada Yoga, or "union via sacred sound."
Source:Shivadam
Shivadam has led kirtan throughout the Southwest US, India and Nepal and has provided accompaniment for other kirtan and Indian music events including for Self-Realization Fellowship, Krishna Das, and many of India's master musicians. Shivadam leads with harmonium and swarmandal, and he also plays tabla, dilruba, sitar, and other strings and percussion. With proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Hindi and Sanskrit, Shivadam brings decades of musical/spiritual practice and travels in India and Nepal into his authentically traditional, yet accessible, kirtan style. He is co-founder of the Phoenix Kirtan Sangha and the Phoenix-based kirtan ensemble, Prema Rupa, and he also regularly leads Dances of Universal Peace. He is an award-winning composer and recording artist, as well as an accomplished visual artist, most recently specializing in Indian iconography.
Kriya Yoga
This is the “yoga of extreme purification”. Most commonly, Kriya Yoga is taught as a system of practices for bodily cleansing and purification. However, purification in Kriya Yoga happens on many levels of the being, including the energetic (pranic) as well as the mental and higher psychic dimensions. The common “bodily purification” techniques known as kriyas, which includes practices for purifying the nadis (subtle channels) and energetic systems, actually fall within the discipline of Hatha Yoga.
Kriya Yoga, in its essence, refers to a process of purification at the higher level of the mind. This relates, within the Ashtanga Yoga system of Patanjali, to the first two of the eight limbs; namely yama and niyama (morals and ethics). Thus, Kriya Yoga, as it pertains to the re-organization of one’s attitudes and beliefs, and the purification of the mental plane, is considered the preliminary step toward yoga (ultimate union of the individuality with the Universality).
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga aims at the arousal and directing upward of the colossal latent power known as Kundalini, which resides at the base of the spine, at the level of Muladhara Chakra.
The Kundalini yogis emphasize that one’s body (physical and energetic) must be adequately prepared in order to handle this immense force, or else irreparable damage may occur. Thus, through a carefully developed system of kriyas and prakriyas, and training in the awareness and control of the higher energies, the yoga student is carefully conditioned. This (kundalini) force must then be carefully brought under the control of the mind by higher disciplines in yoga, which include advanced pranayamas (breathing techniques), dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation). Because of the powerful nature of kundalini, Kundalini yoga must be learned and practiced under the guidance of a qualified and experienced guru.
The term Kundalini Yoga was popularized in the West by Sikh Yogi Bhajan who, in 1969, began teaching a group of practices designed to awaken the dormant kundalini energy. This Kundalini Yoga, propagated through the 3HO Foundation, mixes chanting, breathing practices, and various yoga exercises, with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards.
Laya Yoga
Laya Yoga belongs to the Tantric school of yoga. In Laya Yoga the energies associated with the various centres of force (chakras) are gradually dissolved or assimilated through the ascent of the Kundalini Shakti.
Laya means “absorbing and dissolving” or “melting”. Thus, this is often referred to as the yoga of absorption or absorbing of the lower nature by higher divine spiritual forces.
Philosophically the spiritual aim of Laya Yoga begins with the recognition of the unity or oneness of everything. Thus, the state of Laya represents the melting or dissolving of the sense of separate self (ego) into the truth of the unity and oneness of all. The state of absorption (Laya) thus allows one to achieve ananda (bliss) and the experience of transcendental consciousness. The Laya state of yoga is described as the merging of one single soul (atman) into the Absolute or Universality — the re-unification of the self with God (or Universal Consciousness).
Laya Yoga is often viewed as a mystic tradition, which involves the use of mantras, mudras, yantras, and intensive meditations to dissolve the mind in transcendental Bliss.
Mudra Yoga
The Sanskrit word Mudra comes from the root Mud, which means “to commune or to bring together”. It literally means “joining (of the Lower Self with the Higher Self)”, and is represented in a facet of yoga, called Mudra Yoga.
In simple terms, the word mudra is translated to mean “gesture” or “seal”. Though these “gestures” are mainly thought of as specific hand positions, they can take form using many body parts and positions. A mudra can represent a gesture of the fingers, the hands, the neck and throat, within the oral cavity, the anus, or the entire body. Thus, mudra would not be traditionally considered a branch of yoga itself, but rather a class of practices which would be seen as a key component of the Hatha Yoga
tradition.
These gestures are at once energetically as well as physiologically relevant. From an energetic perspective, mudras help to create or accentuate particular pranic currents through the body during the practice of asanas and pranayama
. In general, we could say that mudras are performed in order to both close body apertures, as well as to complete subtle circuits of energy flow, in order to contain and to direct the flow of energy in desired ways. As a yoga practice becomes more advanced, mudras become increasingly important for controlling and guiding the pranic energy which is being absorbed by the body during the physical techniques.
Physiologically, mudras can affect nerve impulses and blood flow, as well as stimulate glandular activity, and are also used to intensify the effects of different pranayamas.
Pa Kua Chinese Yoga - Sintonia
Ancient Chinese Practice, coming from Taoist and Buddist Monks and from Chinese Medicine. Pa Kua, means Eight Changes/Transformations, it is the name of the Ancient Knowledge that we acquire from within, while practicing postures and breathing techniques and learning to adopt to life's changes. Every level and ability enjoys tremendous benefits.
Suggested by Master Bella Mokover , III degree Black Belt in Pa Kua Martial Arts, non-competitive Martial and Internal Chinese Art.She has her own studio in Los Angeles, where she teaches group classes and trains instructors in Chinese Yoga, T'ai Chi, Reflexology, Martial Arts and Weapons. Pa Kua International League has schools all over the world, growing exponentially very fast.
Pranakriya Yoga
Pranakriya yoga is based on the Hatha Yoga teachings of Swami Kripalu. Swami Kripalu was an ascetic yogi whose intensive practices led him to a very deep understanding of yoga, which he passed on to his students. His teachings were the inspiration behind Kripalu Yoga© as developed by Yogi Amrit Desai and taught at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts.
The teachings of Swami Kripalu are the inspiration behind Pranakriya Yoga, developed by Yoganand Michael Carroll, a long time student of Amrit Desai, Swami Kripalu, and other teachers in Swami Kripalu's tradition.
Suggested by:Lisa Cohen
Lisa has her roots in hot yoga styles, receiving 100 hour certifications to teach hot core power and hot vinyasa yoga sequences, the first being based on Bikram's 26 postures, and the latter being ashtanga influenced.She received her 200 hour yoga teacher certification in Pranakriya yoga from Michael Yoganand Carroll, a master kripalu teacher who began Pranakriya as a direct lineage from the tantric kripalu teachings.
Patanjali Asthanga Yoga
The term “Ashtanga Yoga” refers to an eight-fold path, as organised by Sage Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, to outline the certain steps or “levels of progress” that one must follow on the yogic path in order to reach the ultimate goal of Self-Realization (or Realisation of God). Thus, Ashtanga Yoga is a comprehensive system for the attainment of ultimate spiritual unity which has been tried and proven by countless yoga masters over the ages. This system can loosely be seen to encompass three schools of yoga: Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Raja Yoga.
A great deal of confusion often resides around the term ashtanga, as many practitioners and teachers use the same this word to refer to a popular gymnastic/cardiovascular group of yoga practices being taught today. This “fitness-based system” is also synonymous with the term “Ashtanga Yoga” or “Mysore Ashtanga Yoga”. However, this system of exercise is NOT what is traditionally meant by the term “Ashtanga Yoga” and one should be aware of this to avoid confusion. For this reason, the 8-limb Yoga of Patanjali is now often referred to as “Classical Ashtanga”, or even “Classical Yoga”.
It should be known that Patanjali, even though he is often referred to as the father of Ashtanga Yoga, himself did not invent this system. He merely codified the contemporary spiritual thought of his time into as systematic, scientific form of spiritual study, summarized in the 196 aphorisms of his well-known Yoga Sutras.
These Ashtanga, or 8 limbs of yoga are:
1. Yama - The moral observances that are necessary for achieving a condition of deep harmony with other beings.
2. Niyama - The ethical observances necessary for achieving a condition of deep balance within one’s self.
3. Asana - the physical poses or postures, which affect the being on many different levels, from physical, energetic, and mental/emotional, to higher psychic connections.
4. Pranayama - the use of the breath as a primary tool for control and manipulation of the life-giving, universal energy known as Prana.
5. Pratyahara - the stage of withdrawal of the attention into oneself.
6. Dharana - the wilful act of concentration of the mind, or the efforts of the mind to remain focused upon one point.
7. Dhyana - meditation or the state of “mystic absorption”.
8. Samadhi - the state of super consciousness characterized by the complete absorption of the individual self into the absolute, universal consciousness.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is classified as one of the four traditional branches of yoga under the Vedic system. It is a graduated system of yoga which takes the student through the necessary levels of physical, mental and psychic preparations to the highest state of Self-Awareness.
Raja means “highest”, and is also the sanskrit word for “king”. Thus Raja Yoga is “the Highest Yoga”, whose practices are primarily concerned with the mind. The mind is traditionally conceived as the "king" of the psycho-physical structure. Because of the relationship between the mind and the body, the body must be first "tamed" through self-discipline and purified by various means. Thus, Raja Yoga is also referred to as “Royal Yoga”, or the “King of Yogas”.
The term Raja Yoga is often used synonymously with the Classical Ashtanga Yogaof Patanjali, though within the field of Raja Yoga, many other of the schools of yoga are also considered to reside, all geared toward fusion of the being with the greater Macrocosm. This includes, among others, the Tantric Yoga schools of Yoga, as well as Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga and Yantra Yoga.
Shadow Yoga
Shadow Yoga is Hatha Yoga where the restrictions in the physical body are seen as layers of frozen shadows. Through the practice of a series of yoga sequences, as developed by Zhander Remete, the body is freed of these restrictions which in turn releases the mind from its conditioning. Progress through these forms brings about changes in flexibility and firmness,cultivates smooth breathing as well as awareness of the rhythmic flow of the inner motions of the life force. This prepares the student for the eventual application of “freestyle” where their Hatha Yoga practice is guided by intuitive responses.
The fixed forms of Shadow Yoga utilize the guiding principles of marmasthana (the Indian system of the 108 vital junctions of the body) to achieve the appropriate combination of positions and rhythmical movements to obtain an unobstructed flow of the breath.
"By controlling the downward action of inspiration (apana) and the upward action of expiration (prana) the practitioner simultaneously quiets and balances the three humours, purifies the channels of the subtle body, controls the movement of vital energy throughout the physical and subtle bodies, and develops control of his mind in single - point concentration" Zarilli, P. (1998) pp132-133.
Suggested by: Louise Goodvach
Solar Yoga
Solar Yoga Style includes a series of 47 referred to as Psycho-physicals developed and created in a Scientific format by Dr. Serge Reynaud De La Ferrier who was the found of Solar Yoga.Yogis from Mexico, Central and South America are familiar with as well as practice this style. Also the style is practiced all over Europe, Brazil. Argentina, Italy and Spain just to name a few.It has been around for over 65 years.
This style was suggested by Evy Coppola.
She has one of only 17 Yoga Alliance registered schools at both 200 & 500 levels in Texas.
Tantric Yoga
Tantra is the ancient Indian science of energy activation and control, based on the Shiva-Shakti principle of polar energies similar to the concepts of solar and lunar energies in Hatha Yoga. In Tantric Yoga, the aim is to remove the separation of these energies within the human Being so that the cosmic union may become a direct and intuitive experience. The term tantra however, is often misunderstood and carries with it several connotations today, many of which revolve around sex.
There are two major divisions or paths in Tantra - the Vama Marga (left hand path) and the Dakshina Marga (right hand path). Vama marga tantra deals with principles of energy in a materialistic, exoteric and literal manner, whereas the Dakshina Marga (right hand) deals with them in a subtler, esoteric and more refined manner. Vama marga is a potentially dangerous form of this school of Yoga, while Dakshina marga can be seen as a more elevated, evolutionary path.
The Dakshina Margis of the evolutionary school interpret the directives of the Tantras and Agamas (classical tantric texts) in a metaphorically sense, cultivating a body practices to awaken the kundalini energy, along with internal rituals and symbolic concentrations and meditations which lead to a harmonizing of all the energies of the Being and transcendence to higher states of awareness. The Vama Margis practice entirely different rituals, as they understand the teachings in a literal manner. Hence, the Vama Margis break social taboos, which may be justified by understanding that their goal is not sensual gratification, but self-transcendence in the context of bodily existence. But this is a dangerous path for the uninitiated, and too often misunderstood and grossly misused. Tantra has its own fully developed secret language (Sandha Bhashya) and unless the student fully understands this language, he may lose himself in the body rather than transcend it. For this very reason, it is widely regarded that the practice of tantra should never be approached except under the guidance of a qualified and realized guru.
Yanra Yoga
The Sanskrit root word Yan means “change”. Tra refers to a “tool”, thus the word yantra can be literally translated to mean a “tool of (for) change”.
Yantra is the arcane science of “number, name and form”. It is a subset of Jyotish (Vedic Astrology), which interprets the inherent mathematical/numeric structures that are the fundamental organization of the Universe (also known as sacred geometry), those forms, structures and relationships which also lie deep within the collective unconscious of man.
The term yantra is most commonly used in connection with complex geometrical forms (rupa) which serve as meditation devices (mandala dharana). These geometric structures impart a hidden or concealed meaning and serve as keys to unlock latent human powers and energies. When one has the key to the meaning encoded within the geometric/mathematical structure of a yantra, powerful knowledge is gained.
Yantra then, is a spiritual exploration through mathematics, a sophisticated meditation upon numbers which systematically analyses the manifest world of number, name and form, and explores their relationships. The “science of being hidden behind form”, yantra provides a method by which to know one’s self better, to understand one’s purpose in life, and to learn to live “in tune” with the ever-changing cycles of nature, rather than “out of tune” with them.
The foremost exponent of the esoteric science of Yantra Yoga is the late Swami Gitananda Giri Gurumaharaj
, of Pondicherry India.
Yoga in Daily Life
Yoga in Daily Life is a systematic approach to yoga based on the traditional practice of Hatha Yoga, It has been formulated into differant levels of practice by Paranmahans Swami Maheshwananda.It start from very basic movements and progresses to the more advanced postures. It includes pranayam and a progressive systematic approach to meditation as well called Self Inquiry Meditation. It has been in the west for more than 30 years and is practiced worldwide. This descrition below is from YiDl international website Yoga in Daily Life is a holistic system for body, mind, consciousness and soul, based on ancient teaching of yoga and adapted for today.
Suggested by:Sevapuri Hurst
