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| Ashtanga
is the system of Yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi
Jois at the Ashtanga
Yoga Research Institute in Mysore,
India. This method of Yoga involves synchronizing
the breath with progressive series of postures—a
process producing intense internal heat and
a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies
muscles and organs. The result is improved
circulation, a light and strong body, and
a calm mind. |
Asana is grouped into 6 Series. The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body.
The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels (Nadis).
The Advanced Series A, B, C, and D [Sthira Bhaga] integrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility. |
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| Pattabhi B Jois, Founder |
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Hatha Yoga |
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Hatha Yoga is the ancient science of realizing one's perfect potential by working through the physical body, using Asana (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing) and other bodily techniques. It is distinct from other forms of Yoga like Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Karma Yoga (social work) and Jnana Yoga (study.)
Most Yoga taught today is some form of Hatha Yoga. However, outside India , the term Hatha Yoga is now taken to mean a classical style in which each position is held steadily and precisely for some time.
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This style offers asanas in a series of
flowing movements synchronised with the
breath. This vigorous practice is
done in a relaxed and alert atmosphere in
which the breath is used as a constant point
of reference for returning to and resting
in the present moment.
Expect to flow from one pose to another
with grace and precision in a Vinyasa class
– focusing on the pose and the breath
and allow your body to take its own time
to open up. Arm and core strength
are challenged, but the approach is gentle
and consistent with the yogic values of
patience and non-violence.
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"Svastha"
is a Sanskrit term for a state of health and
balance. Svastha Yoga emphasizes the importance
of breathing and working with the spine, and
personalizing yoga for each individual. Beginners
are instructed in specific asanas, movements,
and breathing techniques to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. “Re-integration:
a state where our minds perceive things clearly,
when an underlying sense of order seems to
prevail, and we feel a sense of love for everything
around us. In short we feel free.” |
A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan founded the Svastha organisation to teach yoga and Ayurveda.
A.G.Mohan was a personal student of Sri T. Krishnamacharya for 18 years,
from 1971 to 1989. In 1976, Sri A.G. Mohan co-founded the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai and was its Honorary Secretary until 1989. Indra Mohan received a post-graduate diploma in Yoga from Sri T. Krishnamacharya. She has been teaching and practising yoga for over 25 years.
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| Indra & A. G. Mohan |
| The Mohans are leading authorities on the therapeutic applications of yoga and Ayurveda. Their teachings are clear and practical while maintaining the integrity of the ancient traditions. They teach and practice therapy at their centre in Chennai, South India. |
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The
Iyengar method of Yoga is initially learnt
through the in-depth study of asanas (posture)
and pranayama (breath control).
Mr Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical
yoga Asanas and 14 different types of Pranayamas
(with variations of many of them) from the
simple to the incredibly difficult. These
have been structured and categorised so as
to allow a beginner to progress surely and
safely from basic postures to the most advanced
as they gain flexibility, strength and sensitivity
in mind, body and spirit.
The Iyengar method of Yoga may be said to
define itself as different from other |
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| B.K.S. IYENGAR |
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styles
of Yoga by 3 key elements, namely technique,
sequence and timing.
Technique means that in practice one learns ever finer
adjustments in the alignment of how one performs
one's asana and pranayama. In practice, correct
body alignment allows the body to develop
harmoniously in an anatomically correct way
so that the student suffers no injury or pain
when practising correctly. As all bodies are
different and people have different weaknesses
and strengths. Mr Iyengar has also developed
the use of props to help the body into the
correct positions required. Props are objects
like wooden blocks, chairs, blankets and belts
that help one adjust or support one in the
different postures so that one can work in
a range of motion that is safe and effective.
Sequence refers
to the sequences in which asana and pranayama
are practiced. For example, by varying which
postures are practiced after which, the mental
and emotional effects of the practice can
be intensified in a manner not otherwise possible
in order to bring about changes to the whole
being including ones spiritual evolution.
Timing refers to the
length of time spent in postures or pranayama.
Postures cannot be done swiftly or without
awareness. It takes time to move into a posture
and become stable. When this has been achieved
then one remains stably for some time to intensify
the depth of the posture and so extract its
benefit. Otherwise the potential effects and
benefits remain small compared to what is
possible. Pranayama is started once
a firm foundation in asana has been established
as physically the student requires the alignment,
flexibility, lung capacity and training necessary
to sit and breathe correctly while practicing.
Pranayama gives numerous physical benefits
including toning the circulatory, digestive,
nervous and respiratory systems, activating
the internal organs and creating a feeling
of energy and calmness. Equally importantly
it also brings the mind and senses under control
and makes the individual fit for the experience
of meditation. |
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| Kundalini is a Raj yoga. Linking breath to sound through postures and movements is a central aspect of Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini Yoga is based on kriyas (specially formulated sets of exercises) which allows you to target specific benefits and work on those specific aspects of yourself - body parts/systems/functions, mental, emotional aspects - and active meditations using muddras, body locks and sound.
As a consequence it increases oxygen capacity, boosts blood flow, balances the Glandular System, strengthens the Nervous System, and reduces stress-induced toxins such as Adrenaline and Cortisol. The effect is a heightened self-awareness and vitality that allows you to harness mental and emotional energy. Individuals feel more in control of themselves, with enhanced peace of mind, concentration, and a deep inner calm and self-confidence.
No matter what someone’s age or physical capacity is, Kundalini yoga and meditation can have immediate benefits. |
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Yogi Bhajan
(Harbhajan Singh Khalsa) |
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Any amount of time spent practicing – whether three minutes or an hour a day – produces significant benefits, and in turn, motiv-ates individuals to dedicate more time to its’ practice. |
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Beginner's Yoga |
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This class focuses on awareness of posture to help correct bad habits and teaches one how they can learn to live with a healthy back.
Poses are taught in a way to bring about correct alignment to the body. To get the most effect out of a pose, props such as belts, bolsters, blocks and blankets are used to help support or aid the student.
Breathing techniques and breath control are taught to guide one on how to move in and out of poses.
Beginner’s Yoga is suitable for all age groups. This class builds up strength in all the muscle groups and tendons, and improves the functioning of all organs, while bringing about quietness to the mind. |
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Sivananda Yoga |
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Developed by Swami Vishnu-devananda and named for his teacher, H. H. Swami Sivananda, Sivananda Yoga includes proper breathing (pranayama), proper exercise (asanas), proper relaxation (savasana), as well as principles of a proper diet and positive thinking.
Sivananda Yoga is a unique approach to Classical Yoga. It is simple, making it compatible with a modern lifestyle. Emphasis is given to the internal dynamics, in particular breathing and awareness. The breath is a tool for entering and leaving the postures, which allows both the body and mind to relax and open.
With regular practice, Sivananda Yoga retains the vitality of the body, retards the decaying process and decreases the chance of disease. It creates optimal health, greater concentration and enhanced awareness. |
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This is a profoundly powerful set of practices which must be experienced to be appreciated.
Sivananda Yoga is recommended for all levels and abilities.
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