Yoga Practise and Intentions

Over the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples of subdivisions and synthesis. It is common to speak of each form of yoga as a "path" to enlightenment. Thus, yoga may include components of love and devotion (as in Bhakti Yoga), selfless work (as in Karma Yoga), knowledge and discernment (as in Jnana Yoga), or an eight-limbed system of disciplines emphasizing meditation (as in Raja Yoga). They need not be mutually exclusive. (A person who follows the path of selfless work might also cultivate some knowledge and devotion.)

Some people (particularly in Western cultures) pursue Hatha yoga as exercise divorced from spiritual practice. Other types of yoga include Mantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Integral Yoga, Nitya Yoga, Maha Yoga, Purna Yoga, Natya Yoga, Anahata Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Tibetan Yoga, Sahaja Yoga etc. It is often helpful to check the teacher and lineage to be sure how these terms are being used.

Common to most forms of yoga is the practice of concentration and meditation. Concentration, according to Patanjali's definition, is the "binding of consciousness to a single point." The awareness is concentrated on a fine point of sensation (such as that of the breath entering and leaving the nostrils). Sustained single-pointed concentration gradually leads to meditation, in which the inner faculties are able to expand and merge with something vast. Meditators sometimes report feelings of peace, joy, and oneness.

The focus of meditation may differ from school to school, e.g. meditation on one of the chakras, such as the heart center or the 'third eye' or meditation on a particular deity, such as Krishna; or on a quality like peace. The yoga tradition is one of practical experience, but also incorporates texts which explain the techniques and philosophy of yoga. Many gurus write on the subject, either providing modern translations and elucidations of classical texts, or explaining how their particular teachings should be followed. A guru may also found an ashram or order of monks; these comprise the institutions of yoga.

The yoga tradition has also been a fertile source of inspiration for poetry, music, dance, and art. Over the last century the term yoga has come to be especially associated with the postures (Sanskrit asanas) of hatha yoga ("Forced Yoga"). Hatha yoga has gained wide popularity outside of India and traditional yoga-practicing religions, and the postures are sometimes presented as entirely secular or non-spiritual in nature.

Yoga not only shapes your body but also heals your mind. Yoga is an art of connecting your body with your mind. To our greater benefit Yoga teaches various methods of weight loss through easy to do exercises and postures. Yoga exercises have a therapuetic effect on our body.

This section is full of information on Exercising Tips, Physical Exercises you can do at home, Yoga Exercises, Benefits of Yoga, Healthy Body Benefits and lots of other do's and dont's you should follow while exercising.