...There are a variety of reasons people begin practicing yoga. Many wonder what all the fuss is about, some have heard that it can help with flexibility and strength, and others wonder about the stress relief benefits. More than fifteen million Americans have stepped on the mat and have explored how yoga can enrich their lives, but many only see the physical benefits. Despite the growing popularity of yoga, many instructors are left wondering if many people are really missing the true purpose of the practice.

What are yoga students missing when they are only taking class to lose weight, become fit, or relieve stress? They are missing the heart of the practice and the chance to make significant positive changes in their lives. When going to a yoga class becomes something greater than just something you do for yourself every now and again, you begin to realize that it is not just about you anymore. Dedicating the practice to something greater than yourself is what draws the distinction between just doing exercise and practicing yoga.

These days, it seems that the mention of dedication, or devotion, can be a tricky subject in yoga class. People tend to be unresponsive when the idea of the divine is mentioned. It is important for yoga practitioners to know that the philosophy of yoga is inextricably linked with divinity, no matter what name is given to it or how it is incorporated. yoga was built on the idea that there is a force greater than ourselves, and yet we are still connected to it. This is the idea of Oneness, and the idea is more than fairly comforting. Others who are religious fear a conflicting of faiths by believing in the spirituality of yoga; however, Swami Satchidananda said, The Truth is one, the paths are many. Therefore, people of any faith or belief can practice yoga. E...more

Hatha yoga - Get Physical!

...a is the ability to get relief from many different aches and pains that may be afflicting your body, particularly in the head and neck area. After developing your skills further, you will learn how best to relax your body as you will have a greater understanding about how your body works. By releasing energy that has been suppressed for a long period of time, you will become happier and enjoy a range of health benefits. Also, your inner self will not be neglected either and you will have a far greater facility for getting in touch with your feelings. This combination of physical AND mental benefits makes Hatha yoga extremely popular to most sections of the population.

Breathing is a major part of Hatha yoga and allows you t...more

7 Important Tips for Yoga Success

... private lessons and learned the basics.

6. Find a yoga buddy. Its nice to practice with someone and it will help reduce injuries. Its also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest.

7. Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but dont let yourself get too hungry to think. You won't be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.

Now it's time to grab your mat and a towel and get the most out of your yoga exercises.

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YogaSutra - First Text On Yoga

... Senses under control): If a person fails to control is senses then he will face great difficulties in his life. This part of yoga teaches a person to bring his senses under control by controlling his desires for external objects.

6) Dharana (Concentration): When the human body has been toned by yoga postures, Mind and senses have been controlled by pranayama and pratyahara techniques. Then his mind has to be trained to concentrate on a single point to achieve the state of complete absorption. This technique projects a man to that stage.

7) Dhyana (Meditation): As any liquid when it is poured into a container it takes the shape of the container. Like that when the mind is trained to contemplate the supreme entity in all likeliness becomes closer to the Supreme Being. A person can reach that stage by practicing meditation. The proven example is Lord Buddha, who by practicing uninterrupted meditation attained nirvana.

8) Samadhi: This stage of yoga is the last step; a person at the peak of meditation enters this state. Where even if his body and mind are at rest his senses are awake.<...more

In Malaysia Teacher Training Yoga