Definitions, comparisons and explanations of yogic styles, schools and traditions.
It has recently become popular among yoga studios to ‘trademark’ their teachings as new yoga styles. New styles seem to be appearing every month! Typically, these new styles are variations of ‘Hatha Yoga’, the yoga known for its series of asanas (poses, stretches and postures). The difference between these Hatha-inspired styles often lies in how they combine (or don’t combine) elements of asana movement, alignment, intensity, breathing, pranayama (breath control), meditation, relaxation, chanting, lifestyle, etc.
Both traditional and modern yoga styles are
included in this Glossary. Additionally, a few practices which are not yoga (but often
confused for being yoga!) have been included for clarification purposes. We plan to add
additional styles in the future. If you’d like to suggest any improvements or styles
for inclusion, please contact:
A . B . C . D . E . F . G . H . I . J . K . L . M . N . O . P . Q . R . S . T . U . V . W . X . Y . Z
yoga: Yoga means to yoke (unite) with the source of our Being (which is pure Awareness, God).
Agni
Agni Vinyasa
Agni Vinyasa Yoga is a soft yet rigorous style of Ashtanga Vinyasa-Hatha Yoga
taught by Spyros Kapnias ("Garudananda"). It is also closely related to Iyengar
Yoga, specifically in its emphasis on good form and alignment during asana practice.
Asanas are performed in a quick series (shorter than most other Ashtanga Vinyasa asana
series) and at a rapid pace. To increase endurance, specific asanas are sometimes held for
a longer time.
Garudananda's site: www.iyogaclub.com
See also: "Ashtanga
/ Ashtanga Vinyasa / Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow" and "Iyengar"
Anahata
Anahata Yoga, developed by Ana Costa, is a style of Hatha Yoga focused on opening the
heart center (anahata).
Asanas are practiced in a relaxed and flowing manner, accompanied by short periods of
meditation. Emphasis is also placed on proper breathing.
Official site: http://anahataheartyoga.com
Anusara
Anusara Yoga is a Vinyasa-Hatha Yoga system with a tantric philosophy of intrinsic
goodness, founded by John Friend in 1997.
While encompassing all of the common classical Hatha Yoga asanas, poses are frequently
modified for varying bodies and abilities. Additionally, students are encouraged to
practice variations as a means of expressing their human spirits.
Official site: www.anusara.com
Anuyoga, Buddhist
Anuyoga or ‘Anuyoga-pana’ is the second inner tantra (spiritual path,
pana) in Tibetan Buddhism. Known as a stage of ‘completion’ and
‘perfection’, it uses internal visualizations to prepare for Enlightenment
(Union with God). Anuyoga also emphasizes knowledge and is concerned with removing the
obstacle of passion.
Anuyoga is preceded by Mahayoga (the first inner tantra) and succeeded by Atiyoga (the
final inner tantra).
See also: "Mahayoga,
Buddhist" and "Atiyoga, Buddist"
Ashta-anga / Ashtanga / Classical
Ashta-anga Yoga is the Eight-Fold Path of Yoga taught by
Patanjali and the ‘Yoga Sutra’. On this path, Hatha Yoga is used to prepare for
the higher spiritual practices of Raja Yoga.
The Eight-Fold Path / The Eight Limbs:
1. Yama (moral observance)
2. Niyama (self-restraint)
3. Asana (posture)
4. Pranayama (breath control)
5. Pratyahara (sensory inhibition)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (Union with God, ecstasy, nirvana).
Ashta-anga Yoga is also known as: ‘Ashtanga Yoga’, ‘Astaunga Yoga’, ‘Classical Yoga’, ‘Patanjali Ashtanga’, and ‘Raja Yoga’.
Ashtanga / Ashtanga Vinyasa /
Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow
Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of Hatha Yoga, first recorded in the manuscript
'Yoga Korunta'. For generations Ashtanga Yoga has been passed down from one teacher to the
next, and since 1948 is being taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at his school in Mysore,
India.
In Ashtanga Yoga, there is one breath for each movement. Movements are meant to flow
together so as to heat the body and produce a detoxifying sweat. This inner heat is also
intended to burn away the six poisons (desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy, sloth) that
surround the spiritual heart.
To avoid confusion with Ashta-anga (the Eight-Fold Path), the preferred names for the yoga
of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois are 'Ashtanga Vinyasa' or 'Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow'. Another
commonly used name is 'Mysore Ashtanga'.
Official site: www.ayri.org
See also: "Vinyasa
/ Vinyasa Flow"
Atiyoga, Buddhist
Atiyoga is the third and final inner tantra (spiritual path, pana) in
Tibetan Buddhism. Also known as the ‘Great Perfection’ and ‘Dzogchen’,
Atiyoga is the highest path to Enlightenment (Union with God).
Mahayoga is preceded by the two other inner tantras of Mahayoga and Anuyoga.
See also: "Mahayoga,
Buddhist" and "Anuyoga, Buddist"
Bhakti
Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of Love and Devotion, and is one of the most direct paths to
Union with God (Samadhi). Bhakti Yoga is also a very important element of Hinduism. It is
practiced by giving one’s full devotion to God. God is Love and Love is God, and a
Bhakta (Bhakti devotee) wants nothing else than to love and be re-united with God. It is
pure and unselfish.
According to Sri Ramanuja, there are eleven methods to realize God through love:
Abhyasa (continuous thinking of
God);
Viveka (discrimination between the
real (permanent) and the unreal (temporary));
Vimoka (longing for God and freedom
from all else);
Satyam (truthfulness);
Arjavam (straightforwardness);
Kriya (serving others);
Kalyana (wishing good to all);
Daya (compassion);
Ahimsa (non-injury);
Dana (charity); and
Anavasada (cheerfulness and
optimism).
Related page: Bhakti
Yoga
Bihar
Bihar Yoga (registered mark) is ‘Satyananda Yoga’, and is the name of the
school which teaches Satyananda Yoga.
Please see: "Satyananda"
Bikram / Hot
Bikram Yoga (trademark) is a style of Vinyasa-Hatha Yoga created by Yogiraj Bikram
Choudhury.
A unique aspect of Bikram Yoga is that it is vigorously practiced in a heated room, which
is also why it is sometimes referred to as 'Hot Yoga'.
Official site: www.bikramyoga.com
BKS Iyengar
BKS Iyengar Yoga is more simply known as 'Iyengar Yoga'. Please
see: "Iyengar"
Chakra
Chakra Yoga combines aspects of many yoga practices (Hatha Yoga,
Meditation, Mantras, Pranayama) for the purpose of activating the chakras (energy centers
located along the spine).
Chakra Yoga can also be thought of as a type of Kundalini Yoga.
Classical
Classical Yoga is Asta-anga Yoga. It is also called ‘Ashtanga’,
‘Astaunga’, ‘Patanjali Ashtanga’ and ‘Raja’.
Please see: "Ashta-anga /
Ashtanga / Classical"
Dahn / Dahn Hak
Dahn Yoga, developed by Ilchi Lee, is based on Chi (life energy)
and ancient Korean practices for developing a healthy body and mind. Releasing the brain's
unlimited potential is a major focus, and numerous exercises are being tried and developed
towards this end.
Dahn Yoga is a unique system, unrelated to the well-known yoga systems of India, but with
the same goals.
Official sites: www.dahnyoga.com
, www.ilchi.com
Dance
There are two types of Dance Yoga:
1. Natya Yoga;
2. Artistic dance incorporating the gymnastic aspects of the asanas, which is not Yoga at
all.
Please see: "Natya /
Dance"
Dhyana
Dhyana Yoga is the yoga of meditation. In Dhyana Yoga, the yogi compresses the
senses into a tight ball, sits firmly, and focuses the mind on a single point. If the mind
starts to roam, it must be forced back to the point of meditation.
Dhyana Yoga is the seventh limb of the Eight-Fold Path, a high form of meditation leading
directly to Samadhi (Union with God, ecstasy, nirvana).
For more on the Eight-Fold Path, please see: "Ashta-anga / Ashtanga / Classical"
Dru
Dru Yoga, brought to the West by Mansukh Patel, John Jones, Rita Goswami, Annie
Jones and Chris Barrington, is a style of Hatha yoga focused on channelling the body's
energy through the heart. Stillness, directed breathing and visualization are important
elements in Dru Yoga practice.
Asanas are practiced in a slow flowing and therapeutic manner. Emphasis is placed on poses
for the spine, and during movement it is important that joints remain relaxed. A unique
feature of Dru Yoga is its use of Energy Block Release sequences to relieve physical,
mental, and emotional tensions and release energy blockages.
Official site: www.druworldwide.com
Flow
Flow Yoga is Vinyasa Yoga. Please
see: "Vinyasa
/ Vinyasa Flow"
Forrest
Forrest Yoga (registered mark), developed by Ana Forrest, is a style of Hatha
yoga focused on developing strength, awakening the senses, and becoming connected with
one's deep core.
Asanas are practiced in vigorous sequences, and poses are often held for prolonged periods
of time to encourage sweating. Deep and proper breathing is an important part of asana
practice.
Official site: www.forrestyoga.com
Next Pages: G . H . I . J . K . L . M . N . O . P . Q . R . S . T . U . V . W . X . Y . Z
Related subject: Meditation | Go Back to: Yoga Definition | Free Download: Yoga Freeware
|
Download and even participate in this free introductory yoga program. |
Zentrum Publishing's Self-realization.com - Wellness for Body and Soul
Download our Yoga Freeware Program and our
Alternative Medicine Healing
Software
Yoga Links | Yoga Portal
Web page content Copyright © 2008 ZentrumPublishing
Disclaimer: Although this glossary of Yoga Styles connects to several specific yoga schools and yoga instructors, Zentrum Publishing in no way endorses any particular yoga school or yoga instructor. This glossary (which may contain inaccuracies) is meant only as quick-reference and aid for making some sense of the tremendous abundance of yoga styles.
Yoga Freeware
Project