What is Yoga?

[theparentpack]

I feel really silly asking this but what is Yoga? I have heard the word and know it is some form of physical and/or meditative activity. What is Yoga? How does it work? Benefits? Purpose? Forgive my ignorance, but I may be interested in trying it.

[divine inspiration]

I feel really silly asking this but what is Yoga? .
It's always nice to have a place where you are comfortable enough to ask the really silly questions!
Yoga is both physical and mental/spiritual in nature. It is a great form of excercise that keeps you/makes you flexible, something I am certainly appreciating as I grow older and stiffer. There are some poses that actually reverse the effects of aging. The key word that I associate with yoga would be strength, breath, balence, flexability, tranquility...There are many, many different types of yoga, from forms that flow quickly from one pose to another, to hot yoga, where you sweat it out as you move from one pose to the next, holding the poses longer. Some teachers will also add an element of meditation or affirmations at the end of the class, which helps keep you mindful of your inner reactions to life. Because there are so many kinds, you might not find the style that fits you right off, so keep looking and trying different teachers.
A good place to start might be SRJC teacher Diana Wells for a cheap class and a great teacher. Give it a try.

[SuziL]

Yoga is a philosophical system of approaching life. While it finds its roots in the Vedic traditions, it can be applied in conjunction with any belief system (Buddhism, Christianity, etc.) A fundamental yogic belief is that each of us is born with a spark of the divine fire in us.

There are six types of yoga, organized in subcategories.

The major types are:

Hatha Yoga – Physical yoga, the practice of a series of poses or exercises. This is the type most familiar to people. There are variety of modalities of Hatha yoga, such as Iyengar, Bikram, Asthanga, Vinyasa, Tri Yoga, Anusara, and many more. One, or a blend of these, is what you'll most commonly be introduced to when you take a yoga class.

Bhakti Yoga – Devotional yoga, includes chanting and singing, sometimes dancing.

Karma Yoga – The yoga of good works. Working for the betterment of humanity to increase your karmic merit.

Jhana Yoga – The yoga of wisdom. Readying and studying sutras, scriptures, historical and modern works. Studying with guidance (teachers) and opening your mind to learning.

Raja Yoga – Meditative yoga, practicing one of the many methods of quieting your mind and through that inner stillness, finding union with the Divine.

Tantra Yoga – In simplest terms, the application of ritual, consecrating life and celebrating our union with the Divine. This can occur in special celebrations or our everyday acts. "Western Tantra" is a specialized subcategory that has received lots of attention because it focuses on ritualizing intimate (sexual) union, but Tantra Yoga, in itself, is not sexual.

I hope this very simple outline helps clarify yoga for you a little, although admittedly it is the tip of an infinitely large iceberg!

I write essays on the applications of yoga in everyday life, and you can can find them on my blog: www.yogalikesalt.com (https://www.yogalikesalt.com)

Suzi LeBaron
Yoga Bodega