Definition of yoga

Yoga is a generic word (such as health, fitness) and means union (from the root Sanskrit verb: Yug ~ to join). It is often interpreted as the union of mind, body and soul, and can provide perfect harmony and balance.

Forms of Yoga

There are four main forms or pathways of yoga: Karma Yoga ~ Selfless service, i.e. working for others, e.g. Mother Theresa Bhakti Yoga ~ Yoga through devotion; e.g. Gandhi, Mother Theresa Jnana Yoga ~ Knowledge or wisdom, e.g. some scientists could be termed 'Jnana yogi's'. Raja Yoga ~ Royal path (Hatha is a form of Raja Yoga) Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga is generally interpreted as the yoga of (physical) action and is practised in most Western Yoga classes.The British Wheel of Yoga is partly responsible for bringing Hatha Yoga to the UK along with yoga teachers such as B.K.S. Iyengar.

Hatha Yoga is a form of Raja Yoga and usually 'Hatha' Yoga classes consist of the following elements:

· Relaxation
· Limbering postures
· Asanas
· Some pranayama/breath awareness
· Some meditation
· Some theory and philosophy

Hatha also means balance - Ha means the sun and Tha means the moon and can represent male and female energies. Much Hatha work is on the physical body as a preparation for the deeper practices like meditation which are more often experienced as part of the Raja Yoga pathway. Hatha Yoga styles most commonly seen in the UK There are many yoga teachers who have trained in the UK and come from different yoga traditions.

Text compliments of British Wheel of Yoga