Yoga Vinyasas – Which Ones Are Right For You?

What does the term yoga vinyasas mean? Find out how you can add yoga vinyasas to your existing yoga practice.

Yoga Vinyasas – Which Ones Are Right For You?

When you think about yoga, you likely think first of poses that emphasize self awareness and flexibility.  You can, though, link poses in series called yoga vinyasas. In these vinyasas, the poses are done in a free-flowing sequence that adds to your overall yoga experience. While your yoga teacher is trained to create vinyasas for you, there are also certain existing sequences that you can do on your own once you know what poses they involve. Two that are particularly popular in the West are the Sun Salutation and Warrior II.

Sun Salutation

One of the most popular sequences is known as the Sun Salutation. It is a single flow of 12 different yoga postures. With each, you should inhale to accompany your stretching and exhale as you contract or fold your body in. This particular vinyasas is designed to build your strength and increase your overall flexibility. Like with most vinyasas, you may find variations on this depending on what style of yoga you are using, but there are a few basic poses and a flow that is fairly consistent among the variations.

For the Sun Salutation, you go through the flow twice in order to complete one round. Do it one time for the right side of the body and the other time for your left. If you are crunched for time, still try to do at least one. Even that one half of a sequence will help you to feel revitalized.

The sun salutation starts with mountain. From there you go with hands up, head to knees, lunge, plank, and stick. Still flowing, you go into upward dog, downward dog, and lunge. Finally, the sequence finishes with head to knees, hands up, and mountain again. As you can see, the Sun Salutation is naturally circular just as many other yoga sequences are.

Warrior II

Another popular sequence for yogis in the West is called Triangle, or the Warrior II. This particular vinyasas emphasizes your breathing. Though it is usually recommended to try this moving between positions on the beat of your breath, you can experiment with different breathing patters to see what is best for you and how each affects you. In fact, this ability to freely experiment is what has made this such a popular vinyasas.

The sequence for Warrior II works through four poses. You will use Mountain, Triangle, Warrior II and the standing Yoga Mudra. Moving in that order, you will flow through the sequence in time with your breathing. This particular sequence will have a tendency to release stress and help with your flexibility. Be sure, as with all yoga, to pay careful attention to your breathing patterns while staying focused on yourself.

Once you begin to learn a number of yoga poses, you can begin to experiment with vinyasas on  your own or with a teacher. They allow you to not only work within the poses, but also to maintain both a physical and mental flow when you perform your daily yoga. Additionally, you can find other yoga sequences that suit your skill level, need, and style of yoga. Overall, the vinyasas are a part of yoga that may help you see and feel results more quickly and more consistently.

Keywords:

yoga vinyasas, yoga

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – An Historical Text

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a text still used today by many yoga teachers, traditions, and schools. Find out more about its history, and what is contained within it.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – An Historical Text

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a book of 195 separate phrases that are designed to be easy to memorize. Because it is a work that is every bit as much a part of modern yoga as it was a part of the birth of yoga, this particular book is held in very high esteem in the yoga world.

Some Background

The origin of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the topic of some debate among both historians and practitioners. For instance, there are some people out there who credit the writing of this set of sutras to a grammarian named Patanjali. Later, though, a timeline was constructed that showed that to be unlikely. Within the yoga community, though, many say that Patanjali was actually just a compiler and that before the work was written, the Sutras were simply memorized and passed down between teacher and student. Timelines do, though, suggest this text was constructed in about the second century B.C.

The name of this text is named using Sanskrit words: yoga, you probably know, is a mindset wherein you are able to gain mastery of feelings and thoughts alike. Sutra literally means “thread.” This thread is basically the connection between the sutras in the work. In fact, some people call the Patanjali Sutras the Yoga Aphorisms in English. It is not an altogether incorrect loose translation.

Understanding the Text

The sutras in the text are divided into four books. Fifty one of the sutras are contained in the book called Samadhi Pada, fifty five of them are in Sadhana Pada, fifty five are also in Vibhuti Pada, and thirty four of the sutras can be found in Kaivalya Pada.

The book Samadhi Pada contains sutras that are most considered fundamental to yoga. It emphasizes that yoga is about discipline and that it is the ability to master your feelings and thoughts. Many of the most famous yoga sutras come from this particular book.

In the Sadhana Pada, there is much about practice since the Sanskrit word “sadhana” actually does mean practice. This chapter is where Kriya Yoga and the eight limbs of yoga first appear. These aspects reflect the idea that yoga is both selfless and spiritual.

The Vibhuti Pada can be translated “power.” The roles of the sutras in this particular book are to describe and help the yogi to achieve full awareness through yoga. It is essentially about attaining higher levels of awareness of one's self. 

Finally, the Kaivalya Pada means, again in Sanskrit, “isolation.” What this book is really about, though, is achieving liberation, according to the principles set within it. Yoga teaches to concentrate on self and attaining higher levels of consciousness, and this book uses 34 sutras to pursue this idea.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a staple for many, and describe the ideas upon which the yoga tradition has passed through more recent (from the 2nd century BC), history.

Keywords:

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Yoga Supplies - Find Out Why Yoga Supplies It All

Yoga supplies article that helps to provide informative information on yoga and how yoga supplies it all

Yoga Supplies - Find Out Why Yoga Supplies It All

Yoga is said to be the oldest practice of self-development known. It started in India which dates back about 500 years ago. By exercising Yoga, one can gain information and benefits on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Moreover, it encourages the individual to focus on his or her capabilities as well as self-awareness.

There are several methods of Yoga. This includes physical postures, breathing control as well as meditation. But most of the time, people engage in Yoga to shape up and to improve one’s health and well-being. Only a few are really into pure mediation and reflection without doing or performing the Yoga asanas.

It is said that Yoga is not a series of steps to be followed but an evolving process. Through time, one who practices it is cleansed and aware of his being. As a result, he perceives life as good and does well on many aspects.

Through Yoga, one can practice or improve his body. Furthermore, he can practice controlling his breath and knows self-control. He or she also attains or has the capability to direct his mind and to interact with the object of his concentration. However, one must be dedicated enough in order to achieve these goals and have its corresponding benefits.

Yoga has become a common practice nowadays and has influenced millions around the world. Different classes and groups are found in various cities and regions. The most common form of Yoga is Hatha yoga. This kind of yoga involves breath and body coordinated. Through physical exercise and harmonized breathing, a certain relief and blood circulation is improved.

This can increase one’s vitality, strength and flexibility. Hatha yoga is only one form of Yoga. There are still many other kinds aside from that. Some are fast aerobic Yoga workouts while some are strong precise styles for the fitness conscious people. There are also styles for those who prefer gentle and focuses more on healing.

Yoga is open to all people of different ages, faiths and lifestyles. One need not pay for a personal tutor or attend a prestige Yoga class. There are books and references which you can use if you want to learn Yoga self-taught.

However, you must choose a kind or form of Yoga that is apt for you and your lifestyle. It is also important to know your own qualities so that your learning is guided. It is because each kind of Yoga has its own unique form of meditation.New forms of Yoga are also developed nowadays.

In addition, there are videos and dvd’s available in the market to guide you as a beginner. There are also supplies sold and available when you are already applying or performing the physical activities involved in Yoga. There are videos like Yoga for athletes, yoga for couples, yoga with grace and strength and yoga workout for beginners.

There are various supplies and equipment that can be used while you are into a Yoga session. Equipments like yoga mats, yoga belts, yoga straps and blocks. There are mats that provide support when you are already into the exercise.

hese mats protect and serve as a cushion for you when you are performing on hard floors. They are accompanied with Yoga straps as well as blocks that aid you in your Yoga workout.

In addition, it is advised that you pick clothing that will not prevent you from moving freely. In this way, you can stretch and optimize your flexibility skills.

Keywords:

yoga supplies, yoga practice, yoga postures, yoga, kind of yoga

Yoga Schools – What Is Right For You

Indian yoga schools offer a variety of programs, some for people who just wish to gain increased mastery in their yoga practice, and others that provide certification so that you can teach yoga. Find out about the different yoga programs available here.

  

 

Yoga Schools – What Is Right For You

Yoga schools hold a special place in yoga education because many of the top locations are in the cradle of yoga’s birth: India. These schools offer some of the most complete and intense training for yoga in the world. Though you could attend a school anywhere, learning in India might be compared to learning culinary skills in France, or literature in London. Whether attending short term classes to train or long term classes to learn the art of teaching yoga, these institutions are places with many yoga education options to choose from. Here are a few you might find in your average yoga school.

Sopan

Yoga Sopan is considered one of the easiest types of yoga to master. The course is often a week long or less. For those who are new to yoga, even in India, this is the place to start. You will learn the movements of yoga as well as the breathing techniques, chanting and meditation. All of these are the foundation of yoga and thus will virtually always be available in a high level yoga school. Mastering Sopan is like learning the fundamentals of any sport or activity: it builds a base and foundation upon which greater things may be built.

Pravesh

In somewhere between 25 and 35 days, most schools will help you to learn Yoga Pravesh. For about an hour per day you work on the movements of your limbs while adding in the movement of neck, waist and hips for a more complete yoga foundation. As yoga schools move along, there will often be lectures or talks added during lessons so that you may gain a better overview of not just the physical side of yoga but also the mental and spiritual sides.

Certification

If you wish to pursue an actual degree in Yoga from a yoga school, they can take anywhere form 3-5 months. In them, once you have built a proper base, you will be introduced to the idea of asanas as well as the more advanced methods for self cleansing and mental focus. You will likely, in addition to yoga session, be involved with research and lecture too as gaining a yoga degree is a complete merger of mind, body, and spirit. This merger will allow you to practice yoga at the highest level and maybe even pursue teaching since you will have truly learned to combine your mind, body, and spirit.

Advanced Degrees

In addition to the degrees and levels listed, you can work up to advanced teaching degrees at many yoga schools. Whether you are becoming a teacher or just wish to master the ins and outs of yoga as a practitioner, you will find that these schools offer you the best in what yoga has to offer you at every level of your being. Remember, as with any yoga instruction, though, always make sure you are comfortable with the school you enter. Yoga is about trust and balance, and with the plethora of high level schools in India and around the world, you will surely find what you need.

Keywords:

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Yoga's Eight Fold Path to Enlightenment

An insightful and informative article about Yoga's eight-fold path to enlightenment.

Yoga's Eight Fold Path to Enlightenment

While many consider Yoga to be a form a physical exercise, it is also known to be an exercise in spiritual development.  Most would agree that the true goal of Yoga is to provide the individual with the means to achieve inner peace and balance.  To achieve these lofty goals, students are encouraged to become familiar Yoga's eight fold path.  The eight fold path consists of eight disciplines; Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samhadi.

The first fold, Yama, advises students to engage with the world from a moral standpoint, and is actually broken down into five distinct elements.  The first element, Ahimsa, teaches the student to respect the world around him.  The second, Satya, teaches that one should be honest with themselves and with others.  The third, Asteya, teaches not to steal from another.  The fourth, Bramacharya, advises against overindulgence of any form.  The fifth, Aparigraha, teaches the student to live a simple life that is not distracted by material things.

Niyama, or the second fold, is considered the path of self restraint and consists of three distinct elements.  Shaugh, the first element, teaches students to keep the body and mind clean and pure.  Santosh, the second element, teaches the student to be happy and contented with the task at hand and to give an honest effort in all endeavors.  Tapa, the third element, suggests that certain pleasures must be given up in order to attain one's goals.

Asana is the third of the eight fold path, and it is concerned with physical training and building stamina.  Asana is made up of 84 yoga poses, which are focused on developing strength, increasing health, and preparing for meditation.  This stage is as much about physical conditioning, as it is mental or psychological discipline.  Pranayama, the fourth fold, concerns controlled breathing.  Proper breathing is important for mastering true relaxation and self discipline.  The proper way to breathe while practicing yoga is to breathe in, and breathe out while pausing in between.

Pratyahara is the fifth of the eight folds, and is concerned with the individual's control of sensory stimulation.  The intent is to induce a sense of inner peace and quiet, by tuning out external stimulation.  Dharana is the sixth fold, and it is primarily concerned with focusing one's concentration on meditation.  When a meditative state has been attained the student is then on to the seventh step, Dhyana.  The final step, Samhadi, is attained when all previous steps have been completed and the individual experiences a true oneness with all things.  The student is, as of this point, in tune with the universal flow.  Namaste!

Keywords:

Yama, Asana, Dharana, Dhyana, Samhadi