3. Introduction to Yoga
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”
meaning to bind, join, attach, to direct and concentrate
one’s attention on, to use and apply. It also means union.
It teaches the means by which the Jeevanatma can be
united to or to be in union with the Paramatma & secure
liberation(Moksha).
Yoga in the western world often denotes a modern form
of Hatha Yoga and a posture based physical fitness, stress
relief and relaxation technique.
4. Classification of Yoga
Yoga is classified into 4 periods of innovation, practice
and development:
• Pre classical period
• Classical period
• Post classical period
• Modern period
5. 1. Pre- Classical period:
I. The beginning of yoga were developed by the Indus-Sarasvati
civilization in northern India.
II. Word yoga was mentioned initially in the old sacred texts “The Rig
Veda”
III. The Vedas were a collection of writings containing songs,
mantras, and rituals to be utilized by Brahmans, the Vedic priests
IV. Yoga was gradually refined and enhanced by Brahmans and
Rishis who achieved their practices and convictions in
Upanishad, an immense work containing more than 200 sacred
scripture.
6. 2. Classical period:
I. In this era, Yoga has a combination of various ideas, belief
and techniques that contradicted and conflict with each
other.
II. The classical period of yoga is defined by Patanjali’s yoga
sutras.
7. 3. Post Classical period:
I. A few centuries after, Patanjali yoga masters created a
system of practices designed to restore the body and prolong
life.
II. They created Tantra Yoga, with radical method to purify the
body and mind to break the knots that binds us to our physical
existence.
8. 4. Modern period:
I. This began at the 1893 Parliament of religions in Chicago,
when Swami Vivekananda impressed the attendees with his
lectures on yoga and the university of the world’s religion.
II. In 1920s and 30s Hatha Yoga was strongly promoted in India
with the work of T.Krishnamacharya, Swami Sivananda and
other Yogi practicing Hatha Yoga.
9. Types of Yoga:
According to classical and modern period, yoga are divided into 12
types:-
Anusara
Yoga
Yin Yoga
Sivananda
Yoga
Vini Yoga
Power Yoga
Ashtanga
Yoga
Iyengar Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Kundalini
Yoga
Jivamukti
Yoga
Bikram Yoga
10. 1. Hatha Yoga
This is one of the oldest form of yoga which
includes the practice of asanas (posture) and
pranayama.It brings peace to mind and body.
2. Vinyasa Yoga
It means movement synchronized with breath
& is a vigorous style. It is based on the rapid
flow through sun salutation.
11. 3. Ashtanga Yoga
It includes six series & each series is a set
sequences of asana.
4. Power Yoga
This yoga has spread across the globe you may
consult with instructor before performingit.
12. 5. Bikram Yoga
It includes 26 postures & 2 breathing
techniques. It helps flush toxins manage
weight.
6. Iyengar Yoga
To precise musculoskeletalalignment within
each asanas.
13. 7. Sivananda Yoga
12 yogas designed to increase strength &
flexibility of spine, chanting & meditation.
It included Savasana,Kapalbhati & Anuloma
viloma.
8. Vini Yoga
This style of yoga helps in self discipline and
personaltransformation.
14. 9. Jivamukti Yoga
Chanting, meditation,readings and assurance
are done in this style of yoga.
10. Anusara Yoga
It categorized into 3 parts known as three A’s
and they include Attitude, Alignment, Action.
15. 11. Kundalini Yoga
It includes 7 chakras:
1. Crown-Spiritual 2. Third eye- Awareness
3. Throat- Communication
4. Heart- love 5. Solar Plexus- Power
6. Sacral- Sexuality 7. Root- Basic Trust
12. Yin Yoga
The purpose of this yoga is to apply moderate
stress to the connective tissue,the tendons
and the ligaments.
16. Stages of Yoga
1) YAMA- Restraints, Moral
Disciplines or Moral Vows
2)NIYAMA- positive duties or
observances
3)ASANA- Posture
4)PARANAYAMA- Breathing
techniques
5)PRATYAHARA- Sense withdrawal
6)DHARANA- Focused concentration
7)DHYANA- Meditative Absorption
8)SAMADHI- Bliss or Enlightenment
17. Main philosophy of yoga is simple: mind, body and spirit are all one and cannot be
clearly separated.
Yoga philosophy is similar to Buddhism, believe that spiritual ignorance creates
suffering and binds us to wheel of samsara.
The central philosophical teaching of yoga resolve around the practice of mental
discernment, detachment, spiritual knowledge and self awareness.
The law of karma is central to philosophy of yoga. Karma is the glue that attach us
to wheel of samsara, which extension our suffering and delusion of Maya.
Yoga philosophy also incorporates the concept of the subtle body and spiritual
energies of prana and kundalini moving through the Nandis and Chakras.
Philosophy of Yoga
