Yoga, meaning 'yoke' in Sanskrit, is a family of ancient spiritual practices originating in India. The diversity within Yoga philosophy itself is traditionally classified into four main branches: Karma Yoga (yoga of action/selfless service), Jnana Yoga (yoga of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion), and Raja Yoga (yoga of meditation), but other classifications do exist. It remains a vibrant living tradition in which the common goal of all branches is attainment of enlightenment.
In the later half of the twentieth century, a co-movement of Yoga teachers to the West and travelers coming to India to study Yoga led to a great rise in teaching of Yoga in western countries. As with Yoga itself, these teachings are incredibly diverse but it can be said that outside India, Yoga has become primarily associated with the asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga (a development within Raja Yoga placing more emphasis on physical practice than meditation). Ancient Hindu texts establishing the basis for yoga include the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and many others, which specify the criteria of having successfully mastered a particular yoga technique. |
Within the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the eight limbs (Ashtanga) of Yoga are listed and explained. They are Yama (ethical standards), Niyama (self discipline/observances), Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal/sensory transcendence), Dharana (concentration), Dyana (Meditation), Samadhi (enlightenment or ecstasy). These eight steps basically act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. They serve as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline; they direct attention toward one's health; and they help us to acknowledge the spiritual aspects of our nature.
**More information coming soon!
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Yoga Class Etiquette
- Please wear loose fitting comfortable clothes that you can move in.
- Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the start of your class. This will give you time to set up, and let the instructor know of any physical limitations.
- Please make sure your cellular phone is in the off position.
- Please leave your shoes at the front of the classroom.
- Do bring water in order to stay hydrated. Please check with your instructor regarding his/her guidelines on this.
- Please notify your instructor prior to the start of class, if you need to leave early.
- Do not eat for at least 2-3 hours prior to the beginning of class. If you need to eat something, a piece of fruit, glass of juice, or very small snack is OK.
- Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or fragranced body lotions or oils to class (others can be sensitive to certain scents).
- Be true to yourself. Yoga is not about "no pain, no gain."
- Remember there is no competition in Yoga: pay close attention to your breath and not what your neighbor is doing.
- Please do not make any sudden movements during class and bring your practice to a halt if you feel any pain, discomfort, or dizziness.
Enjoy this time to connect your mind, body, and spirit through the beautiful practice of yoga! |
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