Yoga Style Definitions: An Expanded
Glossary (page 3)Definitions and comparisons of 80+ yogic styles, yogic schools and traditions.
Yoga Style Definitions: An Expanded
Glossary (page 3)
yoga: Yoga means to yoke (unite) with the source of our Being (which is pure Awareness, God).
Alphabetical
listings of yoga styles, yoga schools and yogic traditions:
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
Because Tantra Yoga is also
considered a ‘complete yoga system’, it likewise can be described as ‘Maha
Yoga’.
See also: "Tantra"
Mahayoga, Buddhist
Mahayoga or ‘Mahayoga-pana’ is the first inner
tantra (spiritual path, pana) in Tibetan Buddhism. It involves ‘generation’, the
practice of stabilizing detailed internal visualizations. Mahayoga is also concerned with
the removal of aggression.
Mahayoga is followed by the two other inner tantras of Anuyoga and Atiyoga.
See also: "Anuyoga,
Buddhist" and "Atiyoga,
Buddhist"
Mantra
Mantra Yoga uses repetitive sound to bind the mind to one thought until the
restless mind is dissolved. Mantra Yoga is an excellent yoga for those who find it
difficult (whether due to age or affliction) to practice yoga styles which demand more
time, devotion, and/or physical strength and flexibility.
See also: "Om / Aum / Om Meditation"; Related
page: Mantra
Yoga
Mysore Ashtanga
Mysore Ashtanga Yoga is ‘Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga’ as taught by Sri
K. Pattabhi Jois at his school in Mysore, India.
Please see: "Ashtanga
/ Ashtanga Vinyasa"
Nada
Nada Yoga is the yoga of inner sounds. In Nada Yoga, the
yogi places a thumb against each ear and carefully listens to a specific chakra-generated
sound that can be heard in the ears. By concentrating on this inner vibration, it becomes
possible to enter a higher state of meditation. Additionally, Nada yogis may vocalize/hum
seven specific sounds to activate the seven chakras.
Natya / Dance
Natya Yoga is devotion through dance, and is form of Bhakti and
Karma Yoga. Natya Yoga also includes some classical asanas of Hatha yoga, pranayamas,
mudras, meditation and Carnatic music.
Those unfamiliar with Natya may wonder how these traditional Indian dances can be called
yoga. But upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Natya dancing is firmly rooted in
yoga principles. Natya yogis dance not for themselves, but entirely for God. Learning the
highly complex dance, in every movement and sound, is a sacrifice made in devotion God.
Concentrated visualizations are used to internalize the dance. The enactment of Natya
songs requires mastery of emotion. Even the applause at the end of a performance must not
be enjoyed; instead, the dancers must strive to maintain absolute indifference. Complete
devotion and service to God - without feeling attachment - is a combined practice of
Bhakti and Karma yoga.
Nia
Nia (trademark) is not yoga; Nia is a body-mind-spirit
fitness program created by Debbie and Carlos Rosas. The focus of Nia is to find health
– and experience joy – through movement. Classes are essentially non-impact
aerobic routines accompanied by music. Nia’s repertoire of moves originates from
T’ai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Jazz Dance, Modern Dance, Duncan Dance, the Teachings
of Moshe Feldenkrais, the Alexander Technique, and Yoga (asanas).
Official site: www.nianow.com
Based out of: Oregon, USA
Nidra
Sometimes Yoga Nidra is inaccurately used to describe a variety of
relaxation practices. However, to properly practice traditional Yoga Nidra (‘Yogic
Sleep’) the empty mind must enter a state of conscious deep sleep (also called the
‘Forth State’). One is fully aware of one's own pure Awareness but nothing else.
There are no thoughts and no worldly impressions. Upon waking, one may return fully rested
and restored in many ways, although Nidra Yoga does not replace the need for real sleep.
Oki-Do
Oki-Do Yoga, created by Masahiro Oki for practical
application to daily life, is a combination of Hatha Yoga (asana and pranayama), Zen
meditation, Tao, Meridian-based energy medicines (Shiatsu) and martial arts. Oki-Do Yoga
is focused on reconnecting with the inner life-force.
A unique feature of Oki-Do Yoga is that asanas are often practiced in paired groups. The
purpose of this is two-fold: to provide extra physical support and to develop co-operative
harmony between individuals. Joy, laughter and games are used to create a supportive
atmosphere and to remove individual self-doubts and negative thinking. Health and balance
for all parts of body and mind are emphasized. Classes also include (depending on the
teacher) varying degrees of meditation, stretching, Eastern healing and purification
exercises, breathing exercises, chanting, relaxation and information on yoga philosophy,
nutrition and overall healthy living.
Based out of: Japan
Below are some of the best known centers for Oki-Do Yoga:
Foundation Okido Dojo Holland, The Netherlands:
www.okidoyoga.nl
Oki Do Group, Italy: www.okidoyoga.it
Melbourne Oki-Do Centre, Australia: www.okido.org.au
Om / Aum / Om Meditation
According to the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita of Hindu and
Buddhist yogic scripture, OM is the First Word: the sound manifestation of God (the
Supreme Brahman) out of which the universe was created. The entire universe vibrates to
OM. By vibrating with OM, it is believed that one can become increasingly in tune with
God. Yogic awakening (Samadhi, union with God) is achieved by following the sound of OM to
the source.
Om Yoga is purely and simply practiced through meditation. One common method is to chant,
intone or mentally sing OM as a mantra until it is fully internalized. Another method
involves recognizing and hearing the natural OM sound within. Om Yoga is an excellent yoga
for those who find it difficult to practice yoga styles which demand physical strength and
flexibility.
See also: "Japa"
and "Mantra"
OM
OM Yoga, founded by Cyndi Lee in 1998, is a style of Vinyasa
Hatha Yoga infused with Buddhist philosophy.
Asanas are practiced in a flowing manner, with a strong emphasis on good form and proper
alignment similar to Iyengar yoga. Meditation guided by the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism
is also an important element in OM Yoga practice.
Official site: www.omyoga.com
Based out of: New York, USA
See also: "Vinyasa / Vinyasa Flow" and "Iyengar"
Pancadasha-anga / Pancadashanga
Pancadasha-anga Yoga is the Fifteen-Fold Path of Yoga
taught in the ‘Tejo-Bindu-Upanishad’.
The Fifteen -Fold Path / The Fifteen Limbs:
1. Yama (moral discipline)
2. Niyama (self-restraint)
3. Tyaga (abandonment, renunciation)
4. Mauna (silence)
5. Desha (place)
6. Kala (time)
7. Asana (posture)
8. Mula-bandha (root lock)
9. Deha-samya (body equilibrium)
10. Drik-sthiti (steadiness of vision)
11. Pranayama / Prana-samyamana / Prana-samrodha (breath control)
12. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
13. Dharana (concentration)
14. Atma-dhyana (meditation on the Self)
15. Samadhi (Union with God)
Patanjali
Ashtanga
Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga is Asta-anga Yoga. It is also called
‘Ashtanga’, ‘Astaunga’, ‘Classical’ and ‘Raja’.
Please see: "Ashta-anga
/ Ashtanga / Classical"
Power / Power Vinyasa
Power Yoga is Vinyasa Hatha Yoga, but renamed and re-designed to appeal to gym members
and fitness enthusiasts. Power Yoga is often taught in a heated room (Hot Yoga) and the
classes themselves can differ greatly from one yoga studio to the next.
Asanas are primarily performed to increase strength and flexibility, so the sequencing of
asanas is unimportant (not always the case, this depends on the particular teacher). Other
yoga practices normally complementing Hatha Yoga (such as chanting and meditation) are
also not considered as important.
Power Yoga may be inspired by Vinyasa Yoga, but it is questionable whether Power
Yoga can be considered real yoga. Without a spiritual focus, yoga is no longer yoga; it is
a fitness program.
See also: "Ashtanga / Ashtanga Vinyasa" and "Vinyasa / Vinyasa Flow"
Prana Flow / Prana
Vinyasa Flow
Prana Flow Yoga, developed by Shiva Rae, is a very energetic
Vinyasa Hatha Yoga system.
Asanas, chanting, music, movement meditations, mudras and meditation are used to cultivate
the flow of prana (‘life-energy’).
Official site: www.shivarea.com
Based out of: California, USA
See also: "Vinyasa / Vinyasa Flow"
Pranava
Pranava means ‘humming’ or
‘giver/controller of prana life-force’ in Sanskrit; pranava represents the
primordial sound OM: the vibration of the universe – the sound manifestation of God
– the sound of the soundless Absolute.
Pranava Yoga is more simply known as ‘Om Yoga’. Please see: "Om / Aum / Om Meditation"
Prenatal
Prenatal Yoga is a general term used to describe Hatha Yoga which is
practiced in a way most suitable for pregnancy. It is intended to reduce the discomforts
of pregnancy and prepare the mother, physically and emotionally, for labour and
motherhood.
Special attention and care must be taken when practicing yoga while pregnant. Always
inform your yoga instructor (applies to all yoga styles and levels) at the earliest point
in your pregnancy, as there are many guidelines (safe rules) for practicing asanas while
pregnant.
Some examples of Prenatal Yoga guidelines: Pregnant women should avoid inverted poses;
Caution should be taken against the false sense of flexibility which may come with
pregnancy; etc.
Meditation, relaxation, and deep breathing exercises (such as the ujjayi technique) are
also very important components of Prenatal Yoga.
Purna / Poorna
Purna Yoga, founded by Aadil Palkhivala and Mirra, is firmly based on the Integral
Yoga teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Richard ("The Mother").
Purna Yoga combines the asanas of Hatha yoga along with meditation, pranayama, nutrition
and overall healthy ‘yogic living’. Practitioners of Purna Yoga live it from the
heart.
Official site: www.purnayoga.com , www.yogacenters.com
Based out of: Washington, USA
See also: "Integral (Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Richard)"
Raja / Classical / Ashta-anga
Raja Yoga is an ancient spiritual meditative practice used to follow and
complete the Eight-Fold Path of yoga as taught by Patanjali and the ‘Yoga
Sutra’. Yogis often turn to Raja Yoga after other yogas (namely Hatha) have prepared
the body for yogic awakening (Samadhi, nirvana, union with God).
The Eight-Fold Path / The Eight Limbs:
Yama (moral observance); Niyama (self-restraint); Asana (posture); Pranayama (breath
control); Pratyahara (sensory inhibition); Dharana (concentration); Dhyana (meditation);
and Samadhi (ecstasy / nirvana).
See also: "Ashta-anga / Ashtanga / Classical"; Related page: Raja Yoga
Rajadhiraja
Rajadhiraja Yoga, like Raja Yoga, follows the Eight-Fold Path of
Ashta-anga. The great difference between these two yoga styles is that Rajadhiraja Yoga is
said to include additional ancient Ashta-anga techniques and beliefs disregarded by Raja
Yoga.
Some examples: Rajadhiraja Yoga includes additional mantras; Rajadhiraja Yoga teaches to
breathe through the left nostril while practicing asanas; and Rajadhiraja Yoga includes
specific exercises such as the Tandava for men and the Kaoshikii (a recent innovation) for
women.
See also: "Ashta-anga
/ Ashtanga / Classical" and "Raja / Classical / Ashta-anga"
Red Tantra /
Vama Marga
Red Tantra is the left-hand path of Tantra Yoga. It
follows a sexualized path of devotion. An important element in Red Tantra is the use of
‘Tantric Sex’ to open dormant energy centers. Yogic awakening is achieved
through deepening orgasm.
Certain Vama Marga practices are very controversial, especially the
‘panca-tattva’ initiation ceremony where a man and woman have ritual sex in
front of, and surrounded by, other initiates and the yoga teacher.
See also: "Tantra"
Restorative / Gentle
Restorative Yoga is a general term for slower paced ‘gentle’
Hatha Yoga practice. It is intended for those recovering from physical or emotional
illness or injury.
The focus of asana practice is to improve overall health; therefore, asanas are practiced
very slowly and with the use of supports and props. Restorative Yoga also includes
meditative relaxation exercises.
Restorative Yoga is sometimes synonymous with ‘Gentle Yoga’.
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. T .
U . V . W . X . Y . Z
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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.
