CLASSES

WHAT IS YOGA?

A holistic and therapeutic discipline, the word Yoga is Sanskrit. Basically it means 'union' of the mind-body-spirit.

Centuries old, the tradition of Yoga has remained intact and is as relevant and applicable today as it was eons ago. No wander then that celebrities all over the world have become Yoga fans including Madonna.

The earliest evidence of Yoga's existence can be traced back at least 6,000 BC (predating many of the Indian religions). Excavation work in the Indus Valley unearthed seals that depicted ancient deities and individuals in what clearly appears to be Yoga postures.

Interest in Yoga is growing most dramatically in the West and it is flourishing both in Europe and the USA. Thousands of individuals are incorporating Yoga into their lifestyles and deriving real benefits. It is a subject that has been effectively taught by practitioners throughout the world with increasing success.

There are different styles of Yoga. Classical types include Kundalini, Hatha, Jnana and Bhakthi Yoga, there are others. Varying global cross cultural changes have resulted in a number of newer styles.

The great sage an pundit, Patanjali, credited with the title 'father of Yoga' is thought to be the first person who textually codified the subject of Yoga - he did not conceive Yoga but collected together principles and collated them into what is known as the 'Yoga Sutras'.

Patanjali tells us that there are eight limbs of Yoga. These form the core and structure of the practice of Yoga.

These are:

1. Yamas (abstinences) 2. Niyamas (observances) 3. Asanas (body postures) 4. Breathing (pranyama) 5. Pratara (withdrawal of senses) 6. Dharana (concentration) 7. Dhyana (meditation) 8. samadhi (self realization)

Each of the limbs (sutras) as described by Patanjali should be incorporated into your Yoga sessions.

At Yoga Vogue everyone is encouraged to integrate as many of the limbs as possible and all styles of Yoga provide grounding in some aspects of these limbs.

Yoga is for everyone and taught at all levels. Practitioners and students are known to derive great joy, fulfilment and benefit from practice of this discipline.