Yoga has been practiced from the ancient times and consequently different styles have emerged all with their own ideology, history and mode of mind body and spirit union. With so many modalities, participants and up and coming teachers often are caught up and confused on how to start and what way to take in this world of yoga where one can always get lost in the styles.
In this article, we will study the phenomena of popular yoga styles, the emergence of all these styles and their historical development, how one can integrate these styles of yoga responsibly as a student in training and specialize as a yoga teacher and to add missing pieces of this puzzle as well. We shall also present reasons why possibilty of completing
300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Goa, India, should provide one of its advantages and immerse learners into the warm embrace of traditional yoga and help structure their teaching direction.
Why Do Different Types of Yoga Exist?
The growth of yoga practices has led to many variations of yoga styles over time. The history of yoga is ancient, more than five thousand years. As the practice gradually moved from India first to the West, then other parts of the world, different aspects took prominence relative to different cultures, lifestyles and even geometrical opportunities available. This resulted in a number of styles being born, each aiming at different aspects or effects of yoga – be it physical power, flexibility, awakening, concentration etc.
Given the current International Yoga Federation (IYF) stats, there are over 300 million yogis spread across the globe, each coming with a different style to satisfy these persons. Be it a physically demanding turning up, a gradual meditative emphasis or a relevance of a metaphysical order, there is a form of yoga that is suitable for you.
The History, Origin And Philosophy Behind Major Styles Of Yoga
1. Hatha Yoga: The Mother of All Modern Yoga
Origin and History: The Fundamental and one of the ancient best styles is Hatha Yoga also popularly called the Yoga of Force is more demanding than most of the styles. Hatha is one of the branches of modern yoga and evolved in India around the 11th century, through the works like Swatmarama’s Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Hatha is base for most contemporary yoga practices.
– Philosophy: Hatha is derived from the Sanskrit words which mean sun (Ha) and moon (Tha) which refers to balance of polar energies within the body. The goal of Hatha Yoga is to integrate these two aspects – male-female, active-passive – through the execution of asanas, breath with pranyama and the mental focus of meditation. The final goal is to find the right state of the body and the mind in order to perform higher meditative exercises.
– Why It Exists: The purpose of Hatha yoga also developed to establish balance and perfection within the physical, mental and spiritual bodies advancing deeper practices of meditative techniques.
– Teaching Style: Hatha toppings are centered around the basic traditional postures and include breath retentions at a measured pace thus serving its best in beginners. Stiffer structures are used to maintain each pose in order for practitioners to improve on their strength, flexibility and also focus.
2. Vinyasa Yoga: Movement with Breath
– Origin and History: Vinyasa flow yoga was introduced in the 20th century by Krishnamacharya from his students P Jois, I.Yengar. Vinyasa is a descendant of the Ashtanga format, and blends the two activities of breathing and moving in order to achieve a flowing and vigorous practice.
Philosophy: Vinyasa yoga philosophy teaches it that there is always change and link between lives. Each pose may transform into the other so the practitioners are expected to ‘drop in’ to the juxtaposition of the life events while still keeping the focus to the moment.
Why It Exists: Vinyasa Yoga came to the existence because of the necessity to have a more practical form of Yoga that did not limit itself to the rules but rather focused on these themes which can accommodate more energy. The very dynamic aspect is what students who want the more physical attention without the riot.
Teaching Style: The main aim of a Vinyasa class is to construct ‘vinyasa’ or ‘moving’ sequences of asanas that will change from one to the other with every inhalation and exhalation. This changes the monotony as no class is exactly like the other and they may be fast or slow.
3. Ashtanga Yoga: The Path of Discipline
Origin and History: The Ashtanga Yoga form was founded by Pattabhi Jois in the 20th Century in the form of a Yoga Korunta text. It is yet another demanding style in which set of asanas are performed in a predetermined sequence.
Philosophy: Ashtanga Yoga stems from the eight-fold path or ashta-angha as stated by Patanjali in his book Yoga Sutras. The followers of Ashtanga Yoga have the ethical codes, the incorporation of posture within physical practices, control of breath, awareness and other means of meditation in others which combine together to prepare one for advanced yogic practice, notably enlightenment.
Why It Exists: The Ashtanga Yoga method was particularly made for those who look for discipline, strength, and commitment to the practice. This is why it is structured and mats the clients looking for something which includes challenge and some element of regularity.
Teaching Style: It is customary for Ashtanga to be performed in a ‘Mysore style’ whereby structures are lived out away and in parameters set by the teacher. This is an active practice that develops strength, flexibility, and concentration.
4. Iyengar Yoga: Precision and Alignment
Origin and History: Iyengar Yoga is a form of yoga that was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar during the mid 20th century. He was a disciple of T. Krishnamacharya and specialized in yoga but rather on the use of simple principles of geometry to achieve poses with optimal health and therapeutic effects.
Philosophy – Iyengar Yoga puts into focus body awareness and adjusting the body for the union of body and mind. In this, as the physical poses are advocated for correct positioning of the body, students are believed to develop awareness deep within, beyond the mat. It is a given in the thinker’s theory that the mind, body and soul are well balanced once the body assumes correct positions.
Why It Exists – Iyengar Yoga is designed for everyone interested in practicing it no matter their physical condition. In this case, blocks, straps, and bolsters among other props are used to help students achieve the correct body position thereby, it suits patients and also those disabled.
Teaching Style – Iyengar Yoga requires the use of sustained tension in the given postures and precise movement of coordinated parts while in such postures. Props are especially employed to assist students in achieving the Given which makes it possible for all levels.
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Kundalini Yoga: Awakening Inner Energy
Origin and History – This is yoga that has a lot of roots in the Tantric systems of ancient India. It was Yogi Bhajan who Westernized the Ancient Tantra of Kundalini Yoga in the late 20th century. The main aim of Kundalini Yoga is to stir the Kundalini energy that most consider to be sleeping and compare its position to a snake that is wrapped at the very beginning of the spine.
Human nature: Kundalini yoga teaches practitioners to harness and raise this energy, leading to one’s ascendance through the chakras towards spiritual enlightenment. It connects breathing, movement, sounds and meditation to help one raise his or her consciousness and develop inner awareness.
Purpose: Originally, Kundalini yoga was created as a form of practice with the intention of inner change and self-realization. It is a well-rounded practice that comprises physical, mental and spiritual aspects which is useful for those who would want to expand their horizon of spirituality.
Approach to Teaching: In Kundalini classes, asanas, breath, sound and stillness meditative work are blended appropriately to awaken the Kundalini energy and direct it up the chakras. It is a very important and highly energetic practice that aims at inner awakening.
Walkthrough the steps of beginning a yoga practice and moving from one style to another
To embark on your yoga journey, dares to diversify and appreciate the variety of practices in the search of the most suitable one to his or her objectives, body and mind. Here’s a linear way of doing it:
Hatha yoga or Iyengar as a stepping stone: Since these are relatively slow styles that focus on the effect of body alignment, they are the best place for a hatha beginner. Hatha will equip you with the postures and the ability to control your breath while Iyengar will take you through the significance of the alignment and form.
Check out new styles: Once the basic aspects have been mastered, it is possible to learn something which is more dynamic like Vinyasa or Ashtanga. These are physically as well as mentally challenging thus making one stronger and more enduring.
Seek spiritual depth: Those who have more true leanings towards the spirituality aspect of yoga can look towards Kundalini Yoga as it entails a very deep and rich experience of energy, consciousness, and meditation.
How to Specialize as a Yoga Instructor
In the course of your practice and experience, you may be keen on practicing the art of teaching yoga to other people. Such practice, on the other hand, permits to deepen the market’s needs and offer the students something new and different. Mrs. Lysova shares valuable tips on how to find your own area in this competitive marketplace:
Find Your Interest: Think about which styles connect to you more. Are you interested in the physical side of Ashtanga, or Iyengar’s accuracy , or the consciousness of Kundalini? Knowing what stirs your heart may help you in deciding what to specialize in.
Pursue Advanced Training: It would be a good idea to complete a 300 hour or 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training* which is in line with the mat style you wish to pursue. This helps you in comprehending more of the philosophy, anatomy, and teaching practices related to that style.
Teach Regularly: Its time that you consider the area that you wish to specialize in and begin including it in your teaching. Whether it is classes on alignment, flow, or the meditative aspect, it is easy to settle into the rhythm of teaching and end up honing the craft and finding your space.
Create Unique Offerings: Come up with different programs like workshops, retreats, or even special classes that incorporate your specialization. It may be something like if you are trained in Prenatal Yoga, Design classes for pregnant women.
What are the Benefits Of A 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Fundamental Course in Goa?
Goa has become one of the most sought after countries for doing yoga teachers training for a reason. Here’s why you should take a “
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Goa” as the first step of your journey:
Authenticity: In Goa, you have the opportunity to learn about the yoga culture in the country where yoga was born – India. You will get the chance to experience true yogic education as the teachers are very authentic.
Peaceful Setting: Since a part of yoga dwell in the mind, Goa’s beautiful beaches and cool lifestyle provides the perfect setting for a yoga mental process.
Different Forms: Affiliated schools and P.G.Diploma courses of Goa have numerous varieties of yoga styles and you would be able to practice and choose the best one for you.
World Class Students and Teachers: Yoga students and teachers from all over the globe visit Goa making it interesting and packed with practitioners of all levels.
Concluding Note
There is a plethora of yoga styles each infused with its own style, culture and perspective on how to change any individual. Once you appreciate this difference, you will be able to choose a style that best aligns with your personal aspirations, abilities and interests. Whether you are impressed with the precision of Iyengar, the intensity of Vinyasa or the spirituality of Kundalini, all you have to do is to embark on a journey of self-exploration and commitment in order to identify your place.Engaging in this
Best Yoga Teacher Training in Goa will ensure your creativity unfolds within the traditional aspects of yoga education acquiring competencies needed to practice the style relevant to you as your teaching paradigm.
