HATHA YOGA
From Suddha Anand Yoghshala' s manual, hatha yoga means sun (ha) & moon (tha), and symbolizes life force or consciousness.
Hatha Yoga:
Hatha Yoga:
- focuses on meditation towards being in the now , and grounded
- incorporates pranayama and mantra
- starts usually with classical surya namaskar
- holds fewer postures of minimum 1-3 minutes
- has no sequencing style
- Jyana Yoga (self analysis)
- Raja Yoga (self control)
- Bhakti Yoga (self surrender)
- Karma Yoga (Self sacrifice)
- total purification of the body
- complete balance of physical, energetic, and mental fields
- awakening of purer consciousness
- holds postures for longer durations
- fewer postures
- may or may not include specifici pranayama and incorporation of bandha's
- creative in nature.
VINYASA YOGA
Vinyasa is a style of yoga characterized by stringing postures together so that students move seamlessly from one another. Commonly referred to as “flow” yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga
The Sanskrit word Vinyasa comes from a prefix vi ( variation), and a suffix, nyasa, (within prescribed parameters). The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali's specific parameters are:
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga
- helps to develop a more balanced body
- recognizes the temporary nature of things. We enter into a posture, are there for a while and then leave.
- refers to a series, or sequence of steps, to make something sacred.
The Sanskrit word Vinyasa comes from a prefix vi ( variation), and a suffix, nyasa, (within prescribed parameters). The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali's specific parameters are:
- Sthira (steadiness)
- Sukha (comfort)
- Prayatna Sithila (smooth & long breath)
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
- connects one posture to the next using the breath. This can be thought of as linking or flowing into postures which is sometimes why it’s called “Flow Yoga”
- “Transitions” are what connect one posture to another in Vinyasa. They are the in-between part. What is not always appreciated is that transitions are considered postures themselves. To move in a more graceful, connected way, allot just as much time developing skill in the transitions as you do in the asana
- is synonymous with movement. Moving in and out of postures is the obvious movement but even in stillness Vinyasa is represented by the beat of your heart and inhale/exhale of your breath
- moves with breath. Breath initiates the movement of Vinyasa which is why you’ll hear it referred to as a “breath-synchronized” practice
- Ujjayi Breath is the breathing technique used. It is done by inhaling and exhaling in a rhythmic manner through the nose. The overall sensation is one of relaxation
- generates heat and can add a cardiovascular component not always present in other forms of postural practice
- equates with high-energy, there are many ways to approach Vinyasa from rapid to slow
- Builds strength, coupled with flexibility, by emphasizing and exploring slower options.