Yoga Styles
A brief description of different styles of yoga

HATHA YOGA - Hatha Yoga (forceful yoga) is the term applied to a vast body of practices geared toward self realisation through perfecting the relationship of body mind and spirit. It has in the West been a term to describe the various yoga styles, as a group. Historically this is not correct. It is a yoga that is specific to the Kanphata sect, although the designation of the term is also used as a catch all for many different yoga approaches. It also is thought to indicate a 'soft' yoga style. Yet its roots are, as its translated name implies, formed on a strong, demanding yoga.

Many practitioners and teachers, unaware of its origins, are happy to practice the yoga positions (asanas) in the ways they themselves have been taught while using the term hatha yoga to designate their yoga styles that may incorporate several different styles they have learnt or experienced.

Hatha Yoga is often contrasted with Raja Yoga (royal), which is dedicated to following the eightfold path of Patanjali (credited with codifying the yoga path). Raja yoga is often known as Classical Yoga. As with all the other yoga styles, hatha yoga works with the yoga postures as the means for perfecting the attunement of the physical body

There are some excellent books on hatha yoga - too many to mention here: Check out the yoga books section

IYENGAR YOGA - Iyengar yoga is the yoga style that for some 65 years, the yoga master B.K.S.Iyengar researched, developed and brought to yoga. It is deeply scientific emphasising the integration of the body mind spirit connection. Also it is rooted firmly within the eight limbs of yoga as espoused by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras.

Not keen on ascribing the terminology of his style to himself, Iyengar always refers to the yoga style as Patanjali Yoga. With the current trend for creating a "My yoga" epithet, it is refreshing to find a well respected teacher that retains humility of style.

Iyengar yoga lays strong emphasis on the accuracy of the postures believing that alignment of the skeletal body brings alignment throughout the whole physical body - and further benefits the emotional and mental bodies as well. This is what makes yoga and the yoga positions so much more than just mere physical workout routines. Their effect on the psycho-physical not only brings physical balance and co-ordination but also mental clarity and health to the body's organs.

It was mainly due to the intensive research that went into this yoga style that the growth of many props such as blocks, belts, bricks and blankets were brought in to help the beginner, the infirm and out of condition students. It certainly has allowed many who have come to yoga to gain confidence in what may initially be perceived as impossible yoga positions.

For yoga props
Some excellent videos and DVDs from Ruth White, a major teacher in the Iyengar Yoga style:

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ASHTANGA YOGA - Ashtanga Yoga is a yoga style that has been brought to great prominence through the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. From around 1948 Pattabhi Jois's teachings have disseminated this yoga system to many students and teachers.

Ashtanga Yoga literally means 'eight limbed' yoga and adheres to Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga as set out in his Yoga Sutras. These eight limbs are such a common basis to yoga practice it is worth listing them:

• Yama (moral codes)
  

• Niyama (self-purification and study)
  

• Asana (posture)
  

• Pranayama (breath control)
  

• Pratyahara (sense control)
  

• Dharana (concentration)
  

• Dhyana (meditation)
  

• Samadhi (contemplation and bliss state)
  

Pattabhi Jois teaches that the first four practices, the external cleansing practices, can be rectified but the last four, the internal cleansing practices, cannot be corrected and can only be brought under control through the proper practice of Ashtanga Yoga. It is through the combination and co-ordination of breathing and movement (Vinyasa) that the internal cleansing takes place. The other important incorporation in Ashtanga is Tristhana, which refers to the union of three points of attention - posture, breathing and the gazing point. The gazing point being the deep focus on the work.

Within a class the beginner might find the yoga positions quite tricky to master. The vigorous and intense yoga workout routines can be extremely challenging. They consist of three series, or levels of work, classically using the sun salutation sequence (Surya Namaskar) as a warm up to these series. Strength, stamina and sweat are hallmark aspects of Ashtanga Yoga and from the tiring and exhausting first attempts of an initiate, the objective is to realise the truth that all is One.

Nice to know after all the effort invested! Yet eminentally possible.

Two of the foremost Ashtanga teachers can teach you on their extensive DVD and Video range - David Swenson and John Scott

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BIKRAM YOGA - This is one of the very vigorous yoga styles, created by Bikram Choudhoury, who brought his interpretation of the classical yoga posture routines to the West Coast of America and proceeded to garner a following of superstars from the Hollywood and Beverley Hills set who trumpeted its benefits and sweat producing workout routines.

The idea behind it is, according to Bikram, to emulate the heat of the sub-continent by heating, often carpeted, mirrored rooms to a temperature somewhere between 90 - 105 degrees. Armed with a large towel, a yoga mat and a mega mineral water bottle, the student sweats through the prescribed 26 classical hatha yoga postures that Bikram has allegedly claimed as his own.

The emphasis is very much on the physical workout and in most Bikram classes there is little or no discussion as to the spiritual side of the practice. Some have likened it to a concentrated 90 minutes ordeal of parade ground proportions with the shouting of the instructor to drive you on. Recently Bikram has leant heavily on an American procedure for identifying one's property rights - that of the legal arm of persuasion - in order to copyright this particular arm of yoga. To many it is unclear how a 5,000 year old practice can possibly be considered any individual's own and more poignantly how close this approach mirrors the eight limbs of yoga and the inherent philosophy that comes with the yoga remit.

It will be fascinating to see how this 'modern' approach develops. Meanwhile the P.R. from the yoga glitterati keep it up there in the public eye. For the student that enjoys a punishing routine and strong physical workout, this may very well fit the bill. (Note: It is not recommended to bring along your lawyer in any official capacity)

Suggest a title for this style and you could win a very special prize!

Go to the Forum and add your views
Read and comment on the Bikram controversy

KUNDALINI YOGA - For many centuries Kundalini Yoga was a well kept secret known only to initiates and masters within the spiritual confines of one to one teaching and closed orders in India and Tibet. The power of raising the Kundalini energy that resides within was considered too powerful, and if misused, too dangerous to be given free access.

It is true that this energy is powerful - just observing the created universe is witness to its awesome potential - so not allowing it become generally accessible without careful instruction was a wise precaution.

However Yoga Bhajan, the master of Kundalini Yoga and White Tantric yoga took the bold step to bring it to the West and out of hiding in the late '60's.

This Yoga of Awareness as he calls it caught the desire and need of many who were searching for spiritual meaning by experimenting through drugs and altered state experiences. The taboo of secrecy broken, there are now many responsible teachers who are able to bring Kundalini Yoga to the many.

Kundalini yoga is one of the yoga styles that allows a non-stressful way of working to help promote flexibility, energy, serenity and a sense of greater personal empowerment.

Through the use of chanting and pranayama exercises along with yoga postures, the channelling and release of the inherent Kundalini energy can be achieved. This allows the practitioner to move into a state of altered consciousness, connecting to a mystical and profound level of spiritual awareness.

Within this yoga there are many different breathing techniques that help release anything from daily stress to harnessing the full creative power within.

This style of yoga is one of the few yoga styles that allows sex as part of the practice. That is not to say that other paths disallow it but it is classically accepted that on many yoga paths the renunciation of sex is encouraged at a certain level and age so that the practitioner may be able to use the vital energy reserved to help reach a heightened level of consciousness.

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More on Kundalini Yoga...

KASHMIRI YOGA - This yoga style has its origins in Kashmir Shaivism, a form of Tantric mysticism and metaphysics developed around the 8th century c.e. Like Kundalini Yoga, Kashmir Yoga was imparted on a one to one level and thus its proliferation was never likely in that form.

The essence of its teachings is that the self becomes aware of its constant beingness - this was brought to Western prominence through the teachings and exposition of Kashmiri Yoga by Jean Klein, a European doctor whose studies introduced him to Advaita Vedanta. Not happy to label his work or himself as a figurehead, he referred to the yoga and practice as bodywork.

Within the context of Western yoga exposition the marked difference with the Kashmiri tradition against others is that there is a reluctance to promote technique. For many this may seem self defeating as there seems to be little or no form to get hold of. On the contrary, the form is in the formless that arises through initially witnessing the body, senses and resistance and then allowing the breath and lifeforce to move within unhindered. The experience is that of recognising the state of constant being and allow it to become the work itself.

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To quote Dr Klein.
"Ultimately there is no longer a subject who sees nor an object which is seen. There is only oneness.."

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Against some of the other yoga styles this may not at first seem attractive to those looking for an energetic yoga. The work that is performed through postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama) and meditation entail the practitioner in realising profound changes within her/himself by meeting the challenges in, sometimes, powerful physical work. As with all yoga styles the eclectic interpretations are there to meet the differing perceptions and needs of those looking for yoga in their life.

Probably one of the greatest teachers in the Kashmiri yoga style is Jay Rossi, a UK based yoga teacher who has developed a unique way of developing yoga in the Kashmiri tradition.

His retreats and workshops are perhaps one of the most fundamentally life changing experiences that we here at Yoga-Ez have experienced. Check out Jay's site and get on one of his retreats. Unmissable!

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POWER YOGA - This one of the powerfully invigorating yoga styles and was born out of the American interpretation of Ashtanga Yoga. It is a definitively sweat producing, muscle - building powerful workout. It is not for gentle yoga types and certainly those coming to it from a beginner's point would be well advised to be cautious about throwing themselves into it without excellent instruction. A good power yoga teacher would be able to cater for such beginners.
Unlike other yoga styles there is little or no pausing between yoga positions (postures) and thus it is an intense aerobic workout routine. Many sports enthusiasts take to Power Yoga as its ability to balance opposing muscle groups allows the alleviation of many sports pains and injuries.
Having said that it is also true that the word Power yoga does not necessarily equate with a full on workout. There are those that use the term yet are mindful of the intense inner power that is developed with the practice. As with many that come to yoga, they do so with the impression that 'good workout routines' are what it is about.
Often these people come to feel that not only has a strong work session been accomplished but what seems to happen is that life changes begin creeping in that alter the perception of workout to work within. That is the magic of yoga in whatever form it takes.
Those who teach Power Yoga and recognise this and underscore their approach accordingly, help enhance the yoga experience for those whose initial agenda was a strong, sweaty session!

One of the great power yoga teachers, Anne Marie Newland has terrific videos to help you get to know and love the power yoga style

See about Power yoga teacher training

KRIPALU YOGA - There is a quote attributed to a Kripalu Yoga practitioner - "Kripalu Yoga is less about standing on your head and more about standing on your own two feet"
This very neatly sums up the essence of Kripalu Yoga. Although the essentials of the physical work and the correct adaptation of the yoga positions are emphasised and taught, the ultimate objective is to go beyond the compulsion for perfect body form and allow the insight and awareness of the Self to arise and fill one's being. The literal meaning of Kripalu is compassion. It is this compassion for the self that allows the individual to work, discover and open to the inner being, that becomes the focus of the practice.
One might say that this yoga style is a more meditative yoga, yet the awareness that can develop through any yoga practice allows for the 'greater picture' to become more apparent and part of one's daily life, even outside of the practice time. This approach, seemingly not as dynamic as other yoga forms, does however work as deeply and brings about change in both the physical and mental levels.
Kripalu Yoga flowered out of the teachings of Yogi Amrit Desai in the mid sixties in the USA. It was under the tutelage of Swami Kripalu, Desai's guru in India that he learnt and exported what has now become the foundations of Kripalu Yoga.
With its centre based in Massachusetts this style was one of the first to develop an ashram (retreat) based yoga practice in the West. Since its beginnings on the eastern seaboard, the spread of Kripalu Yoga now extends throughout and beyond the USA.

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VINIYOGA YOGA - is a gentle yoga style that has been developed by Sri T. Krishnamacharya and his son T.K.V. Desikachar. A descendant of the legendary 9th century yogi Nathamuni, Krishnamacharya's Viniyoga is firmly rooted in his lifetime scholarship of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Viniyoga encourages the student to practice the posture work so that it follows the appropriate movement for the individual's body and situation. This facilitates the function of the posture over its form.
It is a yoga style that allows all aspects of yoga to adapt to the needs of the student integrating movement, breathing and awareness in order to improve both physical and mental health.
It encourages the individual to then move toward stretching their abilities thus enhancing the state of attention. This develops an ability to become more positively responsive to external situations and also acts as therapy to maintain optimum health in body and mind. To quote Desikachar:
"Like everything, Yoga must be presented intelligently. It should be spoken of carefully and offered with due regard for the aspirations, needs and cultural background of the individual. This must be achieved in stages. The appropriate application of Yoga - involving physical exercises, deep breathing, relaxation, meditation, lifestyle, food, studies and so forth - is, for me, what is represented by the word Viniyoga."
Viniyoga is popular both in North America and Europe and under the guidance of TKV Desikachar and his offspring this style enjoys a large and growing following.

SIVANANDA YOGA - This yoga style originates from the teachings of an Indian yoga master Swami Sivananda, who having trained as a western doctor dedicated his life to promoting the benefits of yoga. His disciple - Swami Vishnu-Devananda designed what now has become the Sivananda Hatha Yoga class and is aimed specifically to be suitable for the western body and mind.
Sivananda yoga promotes a five pointed plan to health and happiness - that of proper exercise, breathing, relaxation diet positive thinking and meditation.
The postures are based on the classical Hatha Yoga presentation and there is also a strong emphasis on mantra chanting. The devotional form of yoga (bhakti) is practised in this form.
There are many centres of Sivananda Yoga around the world and their teacher training courses in locations ranging from India to the Caribbean allow many yoga aspirants to teach.
The yoga is moderate in intensity but is at the same time challenging. The practice tends to focus on a classical series of twelve postures incorporating the Sun salutation sequence.
Its popularity is witnessed by the wide variety of centres and the number of teachers that are processed through their training centres. Although this can sometimes lead to what may be considered a 'fast track' teaching qualification it does inspire many to go on and further their practice for many years.
Here are some good yoga books in the Sivanada yoga style.

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INTEGRAL YOGA - is a gentle style of Yoga developed and introduced to the West by Swami Satchidananda in the late sixties. It was he who introduced, at Woodstock, the chanting of Om (a sacred mantra) to those gathered and spawned the popularity of mantra in the collective western consciousness. Since then a growing following has developed that now includes many centres of Integral Yoga both in the U.S. and worldwide.
The concept of Integral Yoga is the incorporation of the various aspects of yoga into a practice whereby the individual is able to reach the point of self realisation.
The different branches of yoga are:

• Raja Yoga - the path of concentration and meditation
  

• Japa Yoga- the attunement through repetition or chanting mantra (sacred sound vibrations) to the inner significance of the divine vibration.
  

• Hatha Yoga - the implementation of physical postures
  (asanas) and breathing practices to purify and strengthen body and mind.
  

• Karma Yoga - The performance of work as selfless service without attachment to the resultant gain that helps bring the Karma Yogi to becoming a conscious instrument of Divine Will.
  

• Bhakti Yoga - the path of devotion to God, a spiritual teacher or incarnation of the Divine that uses this role model to transcend the personality and become a Divine instrument.
  

• Jnana Yoga - the use of the intellect and the practice of self analysis and enquiry, so that attachments to mundane existence are released into freedom, freedom, realised through the Higher Self
  

These paths are core components of the yoga system and are not exclusive to any one style. However bringing these components together as a group is how the Integral approach defines its uniqueness.