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yoga: Yoga means to yoke (unite) with the source of our Being (which is pure Awareness, God).
Samatva
1. Shat-karma (six purification exercises); Shodhana (cleanliness)The Seven-Fold Path / The Seven Limbs:
Note: All of the above disciplines are listed in twos because there are two differing versions of the Seven-Fold Path. However, the two versions do not contradict each other, as the first discipline in each set (most often) is used to create the condition of the other.
1. Pranayama (breath control)The Six-Fold Path / The Six Limbs:
Sivananda / Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Sivanada Yoga is based on the Hatha Yoga teachings of Swami
Sivananda Saraswati and his disciple, Swami Vishnu-devananda.
Sivananda Yoga focuses on the health of mind and body, as well as on spiritual
development.
The philosophy of Sivananda Yoga is summarized in its ‘Five Points of Yoga’:
Proper exercise (asanas);
Proper breathing (pranayama);
Proper relaxation (savasana);
Proper diet (vegetarianism); and
Positive thinking (Vedanta) and
Meditation (Dhyana).
Official site: www.sivananda.org
Svaroopa
Svaroopa (registered mark) Yoga, developed by Rama Berch, is a
style of Hatha Yoga focused on opening the spine.
By relieving deep tensions through the practice of specific Hatha Yoga asanas, the spine
is opened and an inner transformation is jumpstarted.
Official site: www.masteryoga.org
Svastha / Svastha Yoga Ayurveda
Svastha Yoga is a style of Hatha Yoga founded by A.G. and Indra Mohan and based on the
teachings of their Guru, Sri. T. Krishnamacharya.
Svastha Yoga emphasizes health and balance, and includes the study of Ayurveda
(traditional and holistic medicine system of India). In keeping with the teachings of Sri.
T. Krishnamacharya, asana practice is very adaptive to the needs of the individual
student.
Official site: www.svastha.com
For more on the teachings of Sri. T. Krishnamacharya, please see: "Viniyoga"
Tantra
Tantra Yoga is a complete yoga system based on ancient Hindu
scriptures called ‘Tantras’. It can be considered an alternative yoga system
that runs in parallel to the Vedic system of yoga.
(Vedic-yoga is based on the ancient Hindu scriptures called the ‘Vedas’,
Hindu literature called ‘Upanishads’, and the ‘Yoga Sutra’ of
Patanjali.)
Tantra Yoga and Vedic-yoga often crossed paths during their development, creating the
condition of two systems and philosophies mirroring each other. Specific yoga practices
and techniques have also flowed between the two.
A unique aspect of Tantra Yoga is that is has a more feminine view of the universe, whereas Vedic-yogas have a more masculine view. However, each yogic system acknowledges the value of both the masculine and feminine.
There exist three different approaches or branches of Tantra Yoga:
1. Dakshina-marga / Dakshina Marga / White Tantra
Dakshina-marga (the right-hand path) follows an ascetic path of knowledge, devotion
and worship. Increased awareness is achieved by increasing the flow of energy (kundalini)
and clearing the subconscious. Celebacy is used to prevent energy loss.
2. Vama-marga / Vama Marga / Red Tantra
Vama-marga (the left-hand path) follows a sexualized path of devotion. An
important element in Vama-marga 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.
3. Kula-marga
Kula-marga (the path of the Kaula sect ) follows a path similar to Kundalini Yoga.
Please note: The above description is for the Hindu Tantra. There exists another system of Tantra in Buddhism.
Vedic
Vedic Yoga is not a yoga style; it is a category of Yogas based
on the ancient Hindu scriptures called the ‘Vedas’, Hindu literature called
‘Upanishads’, and Patanjali’s ‘Yoga Sutra’ compilation of
existing teachings.
Examples: Ashta-anga, Hatha and Raja Yoga.
Viniyoga
Viniyoga is a popular term used to describe the Hatha style of yoga as taught
by Sri. T. Krishnamacharya and his son T.K.V. Desikachar, although Desikachar is not in
support this term (nor any other term which brands his teachings).
Viniyoga is a gentler form of Hatha Yoga, very adaptive to the needs of individual
students, so much so that Viniyoga is often taught one-on-one. Emphasis is placed on
proper alignment and stretching of the spine; full extension of legs and arms in asanas is
not as important. Asana movements are in meaningful sequences and led by the breath.
Spiritual practice is considered very important, and Viniyoga classes often include
chanting and meditation.
Definition provided by Yogatones:
Viniyoga is essentially the adaptation of yoga to the individual rather than the
individual to yoga. This tradition is based on principles practised and taught by renowned
Shr T Krishnamacharya. The practice focuses on combining correct breathing with both
dynamic and static asanas. The asanas are modified, varied and adapted according to each
student's particular circumstances and individual requirements.
The practice can also include pranayama, sound or mantra, where appropriate. The aim is to
bring about a balance or reintegration of body, breath and mind. For this reason the
classes are either on a one to one basis or small groups. AG Mohan, TKV
Desikachar, and Gary Kraftsow are the most well known teachers of this method in the
West.
Vinyasa / Vinyasa Flow
(Includes all styles that are indicated as ‘Vinyasa-Hatha’ in this
glossary)
Vinyasa is the term used to describe yoga which flows between asanas in a controlled
system of breath and movement. Since there is only one breath per movement, Vinyasa Yoga
is quite vigorous and challenging.
Vinyasa Yoga is 'Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga' (an ancient form of Hatha Yoga).
However, by dropping 'Ashtanga' from the name, Vinyasa Yoga may be declaring itself as a
less-traditional form of ashtanga. For instance, Vinyasa Yoga classes may place more
emphasis on fitness and less on spiritual development. Classes may also favour variety
over repetition and music over silence.
Please see: "Ashtanga
/ Ashtanga Vinyasa / Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow" for more on the origins of Ashtanga
Vinyasa Yoga.
Vinyasa Krama
Vinyasa Krama Yoga is a style of Ashtanga Vinyasa-Hatha Yoga, where great
importance is placed on the optimal and intelligent sequencing of asana and breath
movements in yoga practice.
See also: "Ashtanga
/ Ashtanga Vinyasa / Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow"
Vipassana Meditation
Vipassana Meditation, also called 'Insight Meditation', is a
meditative technique of self-observation. It is believed that by seeing things as they
really are (including the universal truths of impermanence and suffering) that the causes
of suffering can be understood and conquered. Rediscovered by Gotama Buddha 2500 years
ago, and carried through generations of teachers, it has been brought into modern times by
Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
There are three stages in the practice of Vipassana Meditation:
1. Good moral conduct and the removal of mental impurities (important for calming the mind
in preparation for meditation);
2. Self-observation and the development of equanimity (body processes and sensations are
carefully observed without reaction); and ultimately
3. Loving kindness to others.
Mother Sayamagyi carries on the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin at the International
Meditation Centre in Rangoon, Burma.
Official site: www.internationalmeditationcentre.org
S. N. Goenka also carries on the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin in India, and globally
through his network of assistant teachers. The Vipassana technique is officially taught at
10-day residential courses at no cost to the participants.
Official site: www.dhamma.org
Please note: The above description is for non-sectarian Vipassana in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. 'Vipassana Meditation' can also refer to an entire category of Buddhist meditation.
Vishwa / Gurukala
Vishwa Yoga is a Hatha yoga system taught by the International Gurukalam. Please see: "Gurukala"
White Tantra / Dakshina Marga
White Tantra is the right-hand path of Tantra Yoga. It follows an ascetic path of
knowledge, devotion and worship. Increased awareness is achieved by increasing the flow of
energy (kundalini) and clearing the subconscious. Celebacy is also used to prevent energy
loss.
Some yoga instructors offer White Tantra classes which include sexual aspects of Red
Tantra (Vama Marga). It would be more accurate to call these classes 'Pink Tantra', a
combination of White and Red Tantra paths.
See also: "Tantra"
Yantra
Yantras are geometric and often colourful designs representing,
at times, aspects of the Universe, the human body, and goddesses or deities.
Different styles of yoga exist within Yantra Yoga. In one traditional style, the yogi
first concentrates on a Yantra image to internalize it. Yogic awakening is achieved by
gradually dissolving the internalized image along with one’s ego.
Yin
Yin Yoga is an ancient system of Hatha Yoga specifically focused on
strengthening and stretching the deep tissues around the hips and lower spine in order to
improve one’s ability to comfortably meditate for prolonged periods.
Yin Yoga focuses on floor postures. Asanas are never rushed – poses are relaxed and
intentionally held for longer stretches of time. When appropriate, Yin Yoga has also been
used for physical rehabilitation.
Yoga for your Nose
Yoga for your Nose is not a yoga style; it is a westernized
and somewhat inaccurate description for the Indian technique of Jal Neti (Jala Neti,
saline-water nasal cleansing). Neti (nasal cleansing) is one of the Shat Karmas (six
cleansing techniques) of Hatha Yoga.
See also: "Hatha"
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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.
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