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This month’s column will feature a lengthy answer to one of the most commonly asked questions about yoga. What are the different kinds of Yoga, and which is best for me?
Forms of Yoga
I frequently get questions from students on the differences and benefits of the various styles of yoga. Hatha, Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Moksha, Bikram…all these foreign sounding words that elicit thoughts of ankles wrapped around the back of your head. Well, this month I will give you a brief glimpse of some of the most popular forms of yoga, where they originate, and what you can expect in a class.
Most important to point out is that all physical forms of yoga, all yoga classes, are considered part of the Hatha Yoga system. Hatha Yoga is just one branch on a strong tree of yoga. Other forms of yoga include Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion), Jnana Yoga (yoga of study), Tantra Yoga (yoga of ritual), Raja Yoga (yoga of concentration and meditation in action), and Karma Yoga (yoga of selfless service), and these yoga’s have nothing to do with yoga postures or physical exercise. Hatha Yoga is a classification for all physical forms of yoga that help to balance and restore the entire human system, and assist the practitioner in achieving a union of mind and body. Originally designed as a method to release tensions in the body, and raise the vibratory frequency to that more suitable for meditation, Hatha Yoga has evolved to offer much more, and now there are as many styles of Hatha Yoga as there are Hatha Yogis/Yoginis. Some styles include:
Hatha Yoga: When you see a class advertised as Hatha Yoga, you can expect a fairly gentle, structured class that is suitable for all levels, offering a balance of movement, breath, and concentration. One of the most relaxing forms of physical practice, this style of yoga is ideal for those wanting to ground, relax, and gently stretch the body.
Sivananda Yoga: A physical and lifestyle practice originally created by Sri Swami Sivananda, a former physician, and world renowned teacher, author, and spiritual leader. Sivananda Yoga is now taught worldwide, and focuses on a five part life practice of ‘proper eating, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking and meditation’. In a class you can expect a structured physical posture sequence, simple breathing exercises, and guided relaxation. Books like ‘Yoga for Mind and Body’ and ‘The Sivananda Companion to Yoga’ are excellent resources for the yogi or yogini looking to learn from this practice. As well, you can visit www.sivananda.org for more on the principals of this practice.
Ashtanga Yoga: A powerful practice developed by Sri Trirumalaj Krishnamacharya and his student Pattabhi Jois, who made an extensive study of the oral and rare written teachings of this system of physical practice that is now call Ashtanga Yoga. This is a physical ‘Hatha’ practice that honours the 8 Limbs of Yoga established by Patanjali, over a thousand years ago. Brought to the West in the 1970’s, this form of yoga has evolved into a powerful physical practice, with variations often referred to as “Power Yoga”, “Flow Yoga” or “Vinyasa Yoga”. This yoga style is well known in the media as the form of yoga practiced by the likes of Madonna and Sting. In a class setting, you can expect an athletic class combining consistent and focussed breathing with powerful, fluid postures, called “Vinyasa” or flow sequences. Books that can assist you in understanding the essentials of the Ashtanga Practice include: ‘Yoga Mala’ by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and ‘Ashtanga Yoga’ by David Swenson.
Iyengar Yoga: B.K.S. Iyengar studied Hatha Yoga from a young age in his home of India in the early part of the century. Over time, he developed his own method that focussed on precision in physical alignment and discipline in mind and breath. His method is now taught worldwide under the name Iyengar Yoga, and is a highly respected form of yoga for all levels. Making use of props like bolsters, blocks, straps and other devices, you can expect a class to focus on taking time to ensure proper technique and alignment rather than a flowing, heart pounding workout. An essential class for all yogis/yoginis to try at least once, as you will find your practice enhanced by the focus on perfecting alignment. For more information on Iyengar Yoga, essential reading includes ‘Light on Yoga’, ‘Light on Pranayama’, and ‘The Tree of Yoga’ by B.K.S. Iyengar.
Kripalu Yoga: Kripalu is called the ‘yoga of compassion’, and was originally created by Swami Kripalu in India, and then brought to North America in the 60’s by Kripalu’s disciple,Yogi Amrit Desai. Kripalu Yoga teaches that through compassion for the self, each student moves beyond the earthly desires (perfect body, perfect job etc), and gains an awareness of self that goes far beyond the body and the mind. This is a more meditative practice, and in a class setting you will find a very gentle physical practice that focuses on breath, concentration, and relaxation. A common saying in Kripalu Yoga is that, “Kripalu yoga is less about standing on your head, than standing on your own two feet’.
Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini Yoga was brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan in the 60’s, a time when many yoga masters were introducing their systems and philosophies to North America. Yogi Bhajan’s system combines a physical practice of exercises along with chanting and breath-work. The goal of this practice is to stimulate and channel the latent kundalini energies in the body. Yogi Bhajan was also a Tantric master, and thus Kundalini Yoga offers the practitioner a system of practice to attain an altered state of consciousness, intended to bring about a higher level of spiritual awareness whether in a yoga class, or in daily life. A Kundalini class is often a creative process, and you will find most classes are fairly non-stressful, with a great focus on conscious movement, and energetic attunement.
Bikram Yoga: A relatively new style of Yoga created by Bikram Choudhury, who practiced yoga in India and Japan for many years before bringing his unique style to California. This form of Yoga is often referred to as “Hot Yoga’, as it is practiced in a heated room. This is a controversial yoga form at the moment, as the founder has attempted to patent his yoga sequence, and along with the competitive, demanding nature of the practice, Bikram is seen in some circles as a ‘distortion’ of the true principals of yoga. Controversy aside, in this class you can expect a structured class with a dependable series of 26 poses in each class. This is a good class for athletes and those looking for an intense class with no frills.
Where is Yoga Going?
If you want to know what direction Yoga is heading in today, look to some of the newest forms of yoga. Moksha Yoga, Jivamukti, Anusara, and Radiant Light Yoga are all examples of new yoga forms, created by teachers who have had training and experience with many forms of yoga, and who have chosen to create something new out of their experiences . It is my prediction that the most natural evolution of yoga in this particular time is through the experiences of each individual teacher, as they blend and bond different systems, sequences and philosophies to create new and unique classes for their students. I encourage you to sample many different forms of yoga and many teachers. You will find that your own practice will evolve to blend and fuse your favourite movements as you create a home practice made just for you.
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