Yoga Styles and Yoga Schools, Traditional and Modern (page 3)
~ An Expanded Glossary ~
Definitions, comparisons and explanations of yogic styles, schools and traditions.

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yoga: Yoga means to yoke (unite) with the source of our Being (which is pure Awareness, God).

Maha
Maha Yoga (the ‘great Yoga’) is an ancient style that combines and unifies Mantra, Laya, Hatha and Raja Yoga. It was first described in the ‘Yoga-Shikha-Upanishad’.

 
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, Buddist"

 
Mantra
Mantra Yoga binds 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.
Related page: Mantra Yoga

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 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

Pancadasha-anga / Pancadashanga
Pancadasha-anga Yoga is the Fifteen-Fold Path of Yoga taught in the ‘Tejo-Bindu-Upanishad’.

 
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 ‘Ashtanga 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 / Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow" 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
See also: "Vinyasa / Vinyasa Flow"

 
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 (particularly the 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.

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).

See also: "Ashta-anga / Ashtanga / Classical"; Related page: Raja Yoga

 
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"

 
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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.