Namaste Yoga- A kind Gesture Of Spirituality

Yoga is a wonderful exercise, and Namaste yoga is just one of the many different types of yoga that you can choose to participate in. Just remember that regardless of which actual type of yoga you end up choosing, you are still going to be reaping at least some form of benefits.

Namaste yoga comes from the Indian greeting. The word means "I bow to you" and is often used when either greeting someone or when departing. 

The Gesture 

The Namaste gesture is designed to signify the belief that we all have a divine spark in the heart chakra. The gesture acknowledges the soul in one by the soul in another. In yoga, the Namaste gesture is performed at both the beginning and the end of the class. The teacher uses the gesture as an expression of gratitude for his/her students.
The Namaste gesture is called the Anjali mudra in eastern religions. This common symbolic hand position uses one hand to signify the worldly self and the other to represent the spiritual nature of the world. The purpose of the Anjali mudra is to show that you are making the effort to rise above potential differences with others. The Anjali mudra, a sign of love and respect, helps you to connect to the person to whom you are bowing.

To perform the Namaste gesture, bring both hands together with your palms touching. Your hands should be at the chest, below the chin, or above your head. Close your eyes and bow your head.

When it comes to Namaste yoga, there are many different things that are important for you to understand. For one, in order to perform Namaste yoga, you place the hands together at the heart chakra, close to the eyes, and then bow the head.
It can also be done however by placing the hands together in front of the third eye, and then bringing bowing the head and bringing the hands down to the heart. This is considered as being an especially deep form of respect, and Namaste yoga overall is considered as being one of the most respectful types of yoga.

In a yoga practice, the Namaste gesture is often done in conjunction with the pronunciation of the phrase. In India however, the meaning behind the gesture is so clear that no verbal explanation is needed.

Although Namaste is most associated with South Asian cultures, the gesture is used in other parts of the world as well. In Japan, the Anjali mudra is known as gassho. In Thailand, it is called wai.

Benefits of Namaste Yoga

Namaste yoga is beneficial as is any other kind of yoga. It is based on that Hatha Vinyasa style of yoga, and with this type of yoga, the breath is the guide and the body then follows in time. Yoga is a wonderful exercise, and this kind of yoga is just one of the many different types of yoga that you can choose to participate in. History would relay that this system of healing dated back about three thousand years ago, Namaste yoga is a kind of Thai massage with roots that can be traced back in India.

Ideally, this type of yoga should be done both at the beginning and the end of the class, and usually, it is done at the end of the class because the mind is less active and as well the energy in the room is more peaceful.

You can combine really any other type of yoga with this, however in order to determine the best type of yoga that you should do so with, you really are going to want to speak to a professional yoga instructor. This is because you will be able to get the most informed and knowledgeable opinion this way, and so thus this is definitely a route that you are going to want to take.

Just remember that regardless of what type of yoga you do or what type of concepts you include within the yoga, you are doing something fantastic and wonderful for your mind, body and soul by participating in yoga, and so you should always keep this positive thought in the back of your mind.

Summary:

Namaste is a Hindi word that is used in India as a salutation, much in the same way "hello" or "goodbye" is used in America. It is used by people of all ages, races, and genders to communicate with friends, family, and strangers. "Nam-a-stay" is the correct pronunciation.

In yoga, Namaste is often used as an expression of respect and goodwill. In Namaste Yoga we bring the hands together at the heart chakra to increase the flow of Divine love. Bowing the head and closing the eyes helps the mind surrender to the Divine in the heart. One can do Namaste to oneself as a meditation technique to go deeper inside the heart chakra; when done with someone else, it is also a beautiful, albeit quick, meditation.

Power Yoga- Yoga for New Generation

A new form of yoga that focuses on a more fitness-based approached has been developed. It is called Power Yoga, a method closely modelled after the Ashtanga style of practice. The term Power Yoga became widely used in the mid-'90s when many yoga teachers tried new ways to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to the western audience. Both Power and Ashtanga Yoga focuses on strength and flexibility. The only difference between the traditional method and Power Yoga is that the latter does not require the performance of a series of poses. It took the basics of yoga and gave it a dose of aerobics to tone the muscles, sharpen focus, and strengthen the heart.

Power Yoga is a very accessible exercise. To practice this new yoga method, all that is needed is a flat floor surface, a mat or towel, and enough overhead space to extend the arms. It can be performed by individuals of different ages and level of physical condition. However, not all poses should be attempted by everyone. Proper posture and alignment should always be maintained during stretch or posture to avoid injuries. These activities should be stopped when there is fatigue, pain, or dizziness. In addition, the mental component of yoga is as important as its physical activities. Concentration and meditation should not be taken for granted. Yoga should be done with an open and gentle mind when one performs yoga positions and posture. Impatience, self-criticism, and comparing oneself with others may hamper the improvement of one's physical and mental health.

Who Invented Power Yoga?

Two American yoga teachers are most often credited with the near simultaneous invention of power yoga: Beryl Bender Birch, based in New York, and Bryan Kest, based in Los Angeles.

Not coincidentally, both these teachers had studied with Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Using the term power yoga differentiated the intense, flowing style of yoga they were teaching from the gentle stretching and meditation that many Americans associated with yoga. Another name often associated with power yoga is Baron Baptiste. Baptiste has his own method, which is only taught by teachers he certifies.

Power yoga involves bit of Surya Namaskar

Basically, power yoga involves the moves of the traditional yogic Surya Namaskar (or Sun salutation) mixed with flexibility training and strength training. The Surya Namaskar consists of 12 exercises with specific breathing patterns done in a continuous graceful sequence.

They counteract the effects of the previous exercise. They also expand and contract the muscles of the ribcage and waist. Practising the Surya Namaskar daily will make the spine flexible and trim inches off the waist.

The advantages of power yoga

1. It increases lean muscle tissue, which means improved calorie burning, reduction in your body's fat percentage and increased BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate).
2. This makes for a stronger you, leaving you with strength for your everyday life.
3. It works your stomach and back muscles constantly, increasing your core strength.
4. This increases the heartbeat harmoniously.
5. Power yoga, like the traditional yoga, helps reduce stress and relax your body.
6. It also helps improve concentration, which is particularly good for students.

Summary:

Traditional Yoga combines meditation and deep-breathing along with stationary poses, but Power Yoga is being promoted as aerobics with meditation – the new way to burn up calories, mold your butt, sweat away the tires around your waist, and attain spiritual enlightenment all at the same time! Power Yoga is a continuous series of vigorous non-stop exercises, accompanied by deep-breathing. Most Power Yoga’s are closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice but unlike Ashtanga, Power Yoga does not follow a set series of poses. So Power Yoga routines can vary from guru to guru. But they all emphasize strength and flexibility.

Power Yoga- Yoga for New Generation

A new form of yoga that focuses on a more fitness-based approached has been developed. It is called Power Yoga, a method closely modelled after the Ashtanga style of practice. The term Power Yoga became widely used in the mid-'90s when many yoga teachers tried new ways to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to the western audience. Both Power and Ashtanga Yoga focuses on strength and flexibility. The only difference between the traditional method and Power Yoga is that the latter does not require the performance of a series of poses. It took the basics of yoga and gave it a dose of aerobics to tone the muscles, sharpen focus, and strengthen the heart.

Power Yoga is a very accessible exercise. To practice this new yoga method, all that is needed is a flat floor surface, a mat or towel, and enough overhead space to extend the arms. It can be performed by individuals of different ages and level of physical condition. However, not all poses should be attempted by everyone. Proper posture and alignment should always be maintained during stretch or posture to avoid injuries. These activities should be stopped when there is fatigue, pain, or dizziness. In addition, the mental component of yoga is as important as its physical activities. Concentration and meditation should not be taken for granted. Yoga should be done with an open and gentle mind when one performs yoga positions and posture. Impatience, self-criticism, and comparing oneself with others may hamper the improvement of one's physical and mental health.

Who Invented Power Yoga?

Two American yoga teachers are most often credited with the near simultaneous invention of power yoga: Beryl Bender Birch, based in New York, and Bryan Kest, based in Los Angeles.

Not coincidentally, both these teachers had studied with Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Using the term power yoga differentiated the intense, flowing style of yoga they were teaching from the gentle stretching and meditation that many Americans associated with yoga. Another name often associated with power yoga is Baron Baptiste. Baptiste has his own method, which is only taught by teachers he certifies.

Power yoga involves bit of Surya Namaskar

Basically, power yoga involves the moves of the traditional yogic Surya Namaskar (or Sun salutation) mixed with flexibility training and strength training. The Surya Namaskar consists of 12 exercises with specific breathing patterns done in a continuous graceful sequence.

They counteract the effects of the previous exercise. They also expand and contract the muscles of the ribcage and waist. Practising the Surya Namaskar daily will make the spine flexible and trim inches off the waist.

The advantages of power yoga

1. It increases lean muscle tissue, which means improved calorie burning, reduction in your body's fat percentage and increased BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate).
2. This makes for a stronger you, leaving you with strength for your everyday life.
3. It works your stomach and back muscles constantly, increasing your core strength.
4. This increases the heartbeat harmoniously.
5. Power yoga, like the traditional yoga, helps reduce stress and relax your body.
6. It also helps improve concentration, which is particularly good for students.

Summary:

Traditional Yoga combines meditation and deep-breathing along with stationary poses, but Power Yoga is being promoted as aerobics with meditation – the new way to burn up calories, mold your butt, sweat away the tires around your waist, and attain spiritual enlightenment all at the same time! Power Yoga is a continuous series of vigorous non-stop exercises, accompanied by deep-breathing. Most Power Yoga’s are closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice but unlike Ashtanga, Power Yoga does not follow a set series of poses. So Power Yoga routines can vary from guru to guru. But they all emphasize strength and flexibility.

Tantra Yoga- Another way of Reaching Spirituality!!!

Tantra yoga is a holistic approach to the study of the universe from the point of view of the individual and it is one of several different types of yoga. It is designed to promote rapid growth towards enlightenment as a living system.

Tantra literally means expansion and it is a form of yoga that concentrates on expanding an individual’s level of consciousness in order to unveil and realize the full supreme reality of their being. Tantra yoga is often considered a true pathway in life and is not overly concerned with sexuality, but instead the creative force and the transmuting of energy into higher channels Yoga for Beginners.

Tantra Yoga includes many sciences including astronomy, astrology, numerology, physiognomy, physics, chemistry, alchemy, Ayurveda, psychology, mathematics, geometry and more. Providing for a more practical means of realizing the highest ideals of philosophy in your daily life is the primary purpose of Tantra yoga.

Characteristics of Tantra Yoga

1. Tantra Yoga offers an alternative and practical individual road to salvation, called a SADHANA, (Spiritual discipline and practice). It is important to remark here that the true Tantric SADHANA is accessible to people of any caste, social status, age, women as well as men, householders as well as ascetics.

2. The TANTRA-s are presented as the most fit form of teaching for the men of KALI YUGA, that is for the people of the "dark age", in which we live today. Therefore, nowadays, when the spirituality is declining while man is desperately trying to reintegrate himself in a spiritual reality, it is stated that Tantra is the last and best way of salvation.

3. Tantra Yoga has a rigorous metaphysical basis, of a very non-dualist nature. However, according to its opinion an intellectual knowledge is not enough, but there is need of direct, personal experience, which becomes possible only through the agency of SHAKTI, the power, the intense energy. The concept of SHAKTI, the feminine energy is the specific color of the entire Tantric system.

4. Tantra Yoga aim is to transform the adept in a kind of super-man, who not only has liberated himself of the Universe, reaching Enlightment, but also - alike the Supreme Lord Himself - is able to rule over it, and control its secret forces. This involves that Tantric methods are applicable for various sorts of practical accomplishments, including astrology, medicine, parapsychology, alchemy, and magic.

5. Tantra teaches the practice of a special variety of YOGA, destined to transform the animal instincts and functions, by creating an upward movement in the body, along the energy- channels, NADI-s, and through the centre-s of force, CHAKRA-s. The process is most commonly expressed as "raising the KUNDALINI".

Tantra Yoga Goals

The main aim of Tantra yoga in general is to expand awareness in all states of consciousness, whether it is waking, dreaming or sleeping. In order to accomplish this, yogis are instructed in methods of reprogramming their minds to a manner of life that is viewed as healthier. Tantra yoga teaches us to identify factors that influence the way we think and feel so that we may change them as necessary to transcend these obstacles that hinder us. By altering our habits and thought processes we can then learn to foster feelings of peace, contentment and order within ourselves instead of clinging to self-destructive thoughts based on ignorance, intolerance and selfishness.
Tantra yoga offers comprehensive tools to aide you in redirecting your thoughts towards healthier processes by guiding one towards breathing exercises, physical and spiritual cleansing of the self, visualization, and mantra repetitions (or chanting). These practices and more can help unfold our divine nature, as taught by gurus of this branch of yoga.

Summary:

You sit calmly and purify your mind and heart of any wayward thoughts and feelings as the basics of Tantra yoga and then slowly being to sense the life force that is within your being. It is then that you should direct this love and all the devotion you can towards your dynamic body of light which represents your soul. You should feel an amazing renewal and acceleration of spiritual awakening through the practice of this form of yoga.