...p>Therefore, most forms of Hatha yoga are not simply exercise classes. A complete health maintenance system, such as Hatha yoga, took thousands of years to develop and evolve. The Pilates method is close to a century old, but it has already started to evolve in its own different directions.

So, which is better yoga or Pilates? Neither - The truth is, the student makes an individual choice, based upon his or her specific needs. Many yoga students enjoy the holistic approach, which yoga takes toward health, but for some students, japa (repetition of mantras), or meditation, may feel very uncomfortable.

Lets look at this situation closely. Some people feel uncomfortable because japa is commonly practiced in Sanskrit, and they do not comprehend the words.

Swami Sivananda said, Repetition of any Mantra or Name of the Lord is known as Japa. Japa is an important Anga of yoga. It is a spir...more

yoga for Health and Fitness - The Seven Major Energy Centers (Chakras)

...yoga is one of the most famous and globally widespread of India's traditions. It has existed as a system of exercise, breathing, and meditation for over 5,000 years. The word "yoga" means "to join or yoke together" - bringing the body and mind together into a harmonious experience. The exercises are designed to apply gentle pressure to the glandular system thereby toning the glands and improving total health. The breathing techniques are based on the principle that the "breath" is the source of life in the body. Meditation calms the mind and body and prepares one to handle stress.

The Upanishads (ancient Hindu texts) define yoga as a state of gokumu jisho "extreme nothing self nature." Essentially, one's consciousness becomes himself. According to Tsuruji Sahota: "When the five senses stop their function and the judging mind stops its function as well, people call it the ultimate state. To control the organs of the body is regarded as yoga." The organs are controlled and toned by drawing energy up through the seven major energy centers, or chakras. The ultimate goal is to reach the topmost chakra and achieve self-illumination. When certain postures and disciplines are followed, energies that have accumulated and stagnated are moved through the chakras. The practicing of yoga releases these...more

Christian Yoga?

...tice a little more mindfulness, and loving kindness, before we decide to criticize things we dont understand.

yoga is out of the bag. It is no longer practiced by a particular group. Therefore, yoga is a public treasure, and not a genie that we will confine to a bottle. No matter how many people try to patent, or copyright, yoga, it will be practiced within every corner of the earth.

So, please read the article in Time magazine and enjoy it, but take the time to remain objective. Recognize motives and words for their hidden agenda. Most of all, remain in good relations with your fellow man.more

Important Information About Sahaja Yoga

...abits in life such as smoking, drinking, drugs and overeating are a major part of the practice of sahaja yoga which ends up leaving an individual incredibly healthy, normal, balance and moral.

Providing people with a true and authentic means of personal and spiritual growth is the basic aim of the sahaja yoga practice and it tries to help each individual to become more peace loving and it is considered to be a type of yoga that will benefit society and the world as a whole.

This form of yoga has no negative aspects or expectations and the only premise is t...more

Lark Liz Teacher Yoga