About Yoga

Patanjali is considered the father of yoga. He was a yogi living around the fifth century BC in India who wrote the Yoga Sutras. Today, there are many branches of the yogic tree -- many different styles and variations of styles. Yet we all share the same root.

"With this truth bearing light will begin a new life. Old unwanted impressions are discarded and we are protected from the damaging effects of new experiences."

8 Limbs of Yoga

Yoga is more than physical postures, it is a lifestyle -- a philosophy. Yoga is not a religion but does have a strong spiritual component to it that does not conflict with other world religions. Here is a brief description of the 8 limbs of yoga.

1. Yamas - values to live by
2. Niyamas - how you treat and conduct yourself
3. Asanas - physical postures
4. Pranayama - breath work
5. Prathayara - withdrawal of senses
6. Dharna - concentration
7. Dyhyana - meditation or devotion to the divine
8. Samadhi - enlightenment

Hatha Yoga

This is the type of yoga that most Westerners are familiar with. It is the physical part of yoga practice. There are many styles or types of Hatha Yoga being taught in our country. Some are gentle, some are rigorous. It's important that you familiarize yourself with the various styles of yoga available;  select the style that feels like a good fit; then find a yoga studio or yoga teacher that offers that style. 

Read descriptions of the various yoga styles available
More resources on yoga
Resources for yoga teachers