Yoga Styles


Yoga is an ancient science and practice, which originated in India over 5000 years ago to address physical, mental and spiritual development.

1. Yama
The yamas are the means to regain balance in life. They are ethical attitudes which help the student with his/her relationship to the external world. They help in redirecting energies that have been disturbed by attachment and include the practice of non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation and non-possessiveness.


2. Niyama
The nyamas are practices that lead to wisdom and knowledge of the Self. They are observances that channel energy inwards towards self-realization. They include the practice of purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and self-surrender.

Both yama and niyama are the fundamental attitudes necessary to balance inner and outer life. Through a consistent and regular Yoga practice, an understanding of each will be cultivated and will be adopted as part of the natural growth and transformation that comes with the practice.

3. Asana
The asanas are the most familiar aspects of Yoga in the West today and refer to the postures practiced to build health and self-awareness, and to prepare oneself for meditation.

4. Pranayama
Pranayama is breath awareness, control and mastery. The breath is used to relax and steady nerves, improve concentration and expand energy. This happens both during an asana practice and with more specific breathing techniques and exercises.

5. Pratyahara
Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses or attachment to objects and external focuses. Through the practice of the preceding limbs of Yoga the senses are naturally calmed and the mind is lead inward.

6. Dharana
Dharana is concentration. When the mind rests on its inner object (ie. The breath, the body, a mantra etc.) it becomes stable.

7. Dhyana
Dhyana is meditation. When the effort to concentrate can be relaxed and held steady, the flow of concentration is called meditation.

8. Samadhi
Samadhi is self-realization. At this point the Eternal Self alone shines in the mind.