What is Yoga all about?

Yoga is an ancient body of knowledge, which is used to systematically transform one?s being into realms of higher consciousness.

Wow. I thought it was just physical postures and relaxation.

Yoga has many techniques and processes one needs to go through to purify one?s current state in order to prepare oneself for higher functioning. Part of the techniques include physical postures known as Asanas. And also part of the techniques include letting go of tension and relaxation.

But Yoga also includes cleansing techniques (Shatkarmas), breathwork (Pranayama), social code, personal code (Yama and Niyama), Concentration (Dharana), Meditation (Dhyana), Superconsciousness (Samadhi). It also includes working with the Kundalini and the Chackras, Mantra and Kriyas.

So why do my friends who do yoga talk so much about doing postures and relaxation?

Although Yoga is a very broad body of knowledge, many yoga teachers purely concentrate on particular aspects of Yoga. There are many different schools of Yoga and many different approaches to how one should proceed on the yoga path.

One such path is known as Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga purely deals with the Physical postures (Asanas) and also the Cleansing practices (Shatkarmas). Many Yoga teachers in the Western world (and during the past 100 years in India also) practice and teach Hatha Yoga. And most of them leave out the cleansing practices and purely focus on the physical postures.

But if Hatha Yoga leaves out most of the other aspects of Yoga (such as meditation and pranayama) does this mean that the hatha yoga is flawed or incomplete?

The theory of hatha yoga is the first purify the physical body. After this takes place (which can take many years or even a lifetime) one gradually becomes drawn towards the inner life and one becomes purified and ready for the other more subtle areas of one?s work in transforming oneself.

Ok, so how do I learn Yoga?

The best way to learn is to either attend a weekly evening class or to attend a weekend workshop which is taught by a qualified instructor. You can also experience some of the benefits of some simpler physical postures by following the instructions given in a book.



Author: Dave Brocklebank who runs the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre in Kinvara, Co. Galway. 091-637680

Satyananda Yoga Tadhg Ferriter Dave Brocklebank

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