Definition of Yoga
Yoga is usually defined as 'union'. Union between the limited soul (jiva) and the cosmic soul (atman) there are many other definitions, which apply to all the levels of existence and awareness. For example, at the physical level most people have a body that is continuously in state of disruption. The function of the different organs, muscles and nerves no longer harmonize and assist each other. Instead, they often hamper and act in opposition. For instance, the endocrine system becomes irregular; the efficiency of the nervous system decreases with the result that disease manifest in one form or another. Yoga aims at bringing all these different functions into perfect coordination, so that they work for the overall good of the body. So we can say another definition of yoga is physical harmony and health.
In ancient times yoga was often referred to as a tree, a living entity with roots, a trunk, branches, blossoms, and fruit. Hatha yoga is one of fifth branches; the others include Raja, Karma, Bhakti and Jnana yoga. Each branch with its unique characteristics and function represents a particular approach to life. Some people may find one particular branch more inviting than another. However, it is important to note that involvement in one of these paths does not preclude activity in any of the others, and in fact you'll find many paths naturally overlapping.
Raja Yoga
Raja means "royal," and meditation is the focal point of this branch of yoga. This approach involves strict adherence to the eight "limbs" of yoga as outlined by Patanajli in the Yoga Sutras. Also found in many other branches of yoga, these limbs, or stages, follow this order: ethical standards, yama; self-discipline, niyama; posture, asana; breath extension or control, pranayama; sensory withdrawal, pratyahara; concentration, dharana; meditation, dhyana; and ecstasy or final liberation, samadhi. Raja yoga attracts individuals who are introspective and drawn to meditation. Members of religious orders and spiritual communities devote themselves to this branch of yoga. However, even though this path suggests a monastic or contemplative lifestyle, entering an ashram or monastery is not a prerequisite to practicing raja yoga.
Karma Yoga
The next branch is that of karma yoga or the path of service, and none of us can escape this pathway. The principle of karma yoga is that what we experience today is created by our actions in the past. Being aware of this, all of our present efforts become a way to consciously create a future that frees us from being bound by negativity and selfishness. Karma is the path of self-transcending action. We practice karma yoga whenever we perform our work and live our lives in a selfless fashion and as a way to serve others. Volunteering to serve meals in a soup kitchen or signing up for a stint with the Peace Corps or Habitat for Humanity are prime examples of selfless service associated with the karma yoga path.
Bakthi Yoga
Bhakthi yoga describes the path of devotion. Seeing the divine in all of creation, bhakti yoga is a positive way to channel the emotions. The path of Bhakthi provides us with an opportunity to cultivate acceptance and tolerance for everyone we come into contact with.
Bhakthi yogis express the devotional nature of their path in their every thought, word, and deed-whether they are taking out the trash or calming the anger of a loved one. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., are prime examples of Bhakthi yogis. The life and work of Mother Teresa epitomize the combination of the karma and Bhakthi yoga paths with devotional aspects of Bhakthi and the selfless service of karma yoga.
Jnana Yoga
If we consider Bhakthi to be the yoga of the heart, then Jnana yoga is the yoga of the mind, of wisdom, the path of the sage or scholar. This path requires development of the intellect through the study of the scriptures and texts of the yogic tradition. The Jnana yoga approach is considered the most difficult and at the same time the most direct. It involves serious study and will appeal to those who are more intellectually inclined. Within the context of our Western religious traditions, Kabalistic scholars, Jesuit priests, and Benedictine monks epitomize Jnana yogis.
Hatha Yoga
The type of yoga that many today are familiar with - the physical aspect of yoga - is called Hatha yoga (ha meaning 'sun' and tha meaning 'moon,' thus translating as 'the union of opposites'). Thus Hatha yoga means the harmony between the sun and moon aspects of our being. The balance of these two is essential and is the basic aim of hatha yoga. Not only this, but balance leads to perfect physical and mental health. This form of yoga was originally developed to ease meditation.
Yoga and Health
The health benefits of the Yoga have been divided into 3 categories. The Physical Health Benefits of Yoga, Emotional Health Benefits of Yoga and the Mental Health Benefits of Yoga. A short explanation is given along with each benefit to help you understand better the mechanisms that Yoga employs to bestow it.
Physical Health Benefits of Yoga
Energy
Yoga exercises, breath control training (pranayama) and use of yoga body locks (Bandhas) all work to activate and balance your energy pathways, giving you the vitality and power you need to maximize your potential.
Strength
By strength here we don't just mean physical muscular strength, although that will benefit greatly as well due to the steady holding of yoga poses and the exercises that yoga incorporates, but also the strength of your internal physiological systems.
Healing
The power of Yoga to heal ailments and cure diseases is becoming more and more an integral part of mainstream medical practice and treatment methods. This ability of Yoga to heal also promotes longevity.
Flexibility
Yoga postures (asanas) are perhaps the best type of exercises you can do to improve flexibility. Flexibility is essential for avoiding injuries as well as for the health of the joints, tendons and muscles.
Emotional Health Benefits of Yoga
Peace
Yoga meditations and practice methodology promotes a greater awareness and appreciation of the present moment, which calms the mind and allows the peace deep within to surface.
Joy
With the maturing of a Yoga practice, the beauty and depth of life become more apparent and the spontaneous joy of existence emerges.
Compassion
Yoga values and philosophy, along with the practice of yoga meditations, dissolves one's egocentric reality, thus developing other mindedness, thoughtfulness, generosity and compassion.
Mental Health Benefits of Yoga
Brain Development
Yoga breathing exercises and yoga meditations develop parts of the brain that are normally dormant. Once these parts are activated the power of intuition, as well as other latent powers are unleashed. In addition as the brain develops so does your intelligence and clarity of thoughts.
Concentration
The requirement of many Yoga meditations to keep the mind focused on a single object or mantra (sound vibrations) helps to dramatically increase your power of concentration and focused attention.
Awareness
Yoga can simply be called the Science of Awareness. This is its primary purpose. To refine and increase awareness so that you can penetrate the veil of the ordinary dualistic mind and encounter your Divine Nature within.
