What is Yoga?

Wheel Yoga = Union The union of body and mind

Hatha Yoga is the general name for all physical forms of yoga.

Yoga is a system of physical, mental and spiritual development which originated in India at least 3,000 years ago. It is not a religion or creed and can be practiced by any one of any age and by either sex.

Yoga takes into consideration the entire man/woman, in every respect - nothing has been overlooked. The methods of physical discipline comprise everything that man/woman needs for the perfection of health - correct breathing, posture, exercise, diet, physical and mental relaxation and hygiene.

Yoga is said to have originated in the Indus Valley. Archaeologists working there have unearthed statuettes of men in Yoga postures. These are said to be at least 5,000 years old. There is also a wealth of ancient literature on the subject. Yoga philosophy is said to have reached Ancient Greece and the Holy Land two or three centuries before Christ. It had it followers in Britain two centuries ago.

Over 500,000 people in Britain now practice yoga.

Definitions of yoga

TKV Desikachar (The Heart of Yoga), in his translation of sutra 1.2 from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, defines Yoga

'Yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction without any distractions.'

BKS Iyengar (Light on the Sutras) in his commentary on sutra 1.2 from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, defines Yoga

'Yoga is defined as restraint of fluctuation in the consciousness. It is the art of studying the behavior of consciousness, which has three functions: cognition, conation or volition, and motion. Yoga shows ways of understanding the functioning's of the mind, and helps to quieten their movements, leading one towards the undisturbed state of silence, which dwells in the very seat of consciousness. Yoga is thus the art and science of mental discipline through which the mind becomes cultured and matured.'

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a system of Hatha Yoga dating back to around 500 CE, which is attributed to the seer Vamana Rishi. It advocates the use of integrated breath and movement as a means of incorporating the eight limbs of Patanjali's Yoga into daily life. Sri T Krishnamacharya discovered an ancient manuscript (the Yoga Korunta) in the National Library at Calcutta and set his student, Sri K Patthabi Jois, the task of deciphering and collating it. Patthabi Jois has taught and practiced this form of yoga ever since.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic practice. The foundation is the synchronization of breath with flowing movement to create a moving meditation. Through regular practice, deep-rooted patterns are transformed liberating body, mind and spirit. The elements of the practice are ujjayi breath, bandhas, (energetic locks) and gaze points (drishti). The practice begins with centering in samasthitti, - it then flows through two sun salutes (Surya Namaskar) each repeated five times. In the Primary Series, the practice moves through standing postures, sitting postures, then into a finishing sequence. Ashtanga Yoga is undertaken in a sequential flow of focused and synchronized breath and movement

This powerful practice balances strength, flexibility and stamina as well as leading to a focused and concentrated mind.

'Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory.' Sri K Patthabi Jois