What You May Not Know About Yoga

Last year we considered writing a book called, Can Yoga Save The World? But when we discussed it with other people many were quite puzzled and asked: how can physical postures save the world? Which made us realize that modern-day yoga has, to a large extent, lost touch with the magnificence and breadth of its fundamental teachings. As blogger Waylon Lewis commented on our blog last week, "Unfortunately in the West it does seem yoga is forgetting its roots and is becoming just another cool new exercise."

Isaac, the manager at our local 24 Hour Fitness told us that people think yoga is just sitting in a room and humming, and, more importantly, that men won't go to a class as they think it is a woman's thing. This reminded Deb of when we were teaching in India and the participants were all men. They were very surprised to find a woman teaching yoga, as in India it is mostly men who do it. All this inspired us to talk more about what Yoga really means.

Ed trained at the Bihar School Of Yoga in India in 1969 and became a Swami (Yoga Master). He was taught how Yoga is an art, a science, and a way of life; that it teaches everything from the way we walk and talk to Self Realization. In other words it is not just learning how to stand on our head, but is, as Swami Satchidananda taught, actually learning how to stand on our feet.

There are various forms of yoga, just as there are different aspects to our nature, with a wealth of teachings for each form. Here we mention the five main branches of yoga, as well as Tantra Yoga, which little is known about and is the most misunderstood. The purpose of all forms of yoga is to enable the practitioner to develop a healthy body and mind, deep inner peace and, ultimately, to realize their true nature. For instance, through Bhakti yoga we awaken universal love and compassion; Karma yoga is the path of selfless action, where we surrender our own needs to the joy of service; and Jnana yoga is the path of philosophy and reflection, where we use the intellect to transcend the intellect.

Raja yoga, also known as the King of Yoga, is the most comprehensive and experiential path, and the one that can be most proven scientifically. Founded by the legendary Indian master Patanjali, he outlined eight steps. In the first two steps he gives clear instructions on how to live an ethical and caring life through practicing harmlessness (ahimsa), being truthful, not being greedy, or indulging in addictions. It outlines the importance of having a healthy lifestyle, and the need for self-reflection so that we become more aware of our own habits and mental tendencies.

The third step is the practice of physical postures or asanas, which literally means seat. The idea is to practice different postures so that our body is able to sit comfortably and without tension in meditation. The fourth step is pranayama or breath control, with a variety of different breathing techniques that calm the mind and body while increasing the inner energy. The fifth step is the withdrawal of the mind from the senses, as practiced in deep inner conscious relaxation (see Ed's CD, Yoga Nidra). Here we turn the mind within and do not identify with the objects of the world, with our desires or senses, but develop inner clarity.

Having gained some control over the body, released tensions and developed an inner calmness, the sixth step teaches concentration, bringing our attention to the fluctuating mind with its constant chatter, dramas and daydreams. By focusing on just one thing, such as a candle flame or the rhythm of the breath, the mind is able to rest and become one-pointed. Next we can enter meditation, where the mind is stable with no fluctuation, all sense of a separate self dissolves, and the mind becomes quiet and still. As the attachment to the ego lessons, so our understanding of truth deepens.

Samadhi, or the highest happiness beyond conditional happiness, is the final step of Raja yoga. This is a state of consciousness where there is no separation between self and other than self, there is simply union. The ultimate purpose of yoga is in order for us to awaken to this state. Samadhi is the unconditional, omnipresent, omnipotent reality. It is our true, authentic nature.

In ancient times Hatha was a separate science, with strenuous and challenging asanas, postures, and austere purification of the body through cleansing techniques or hatha kriyas, and the purification of the mind. Within the last 30 years many different types of Hatha have appeared that mostly focus on asanas, with pranayama and relaxation, which are steps three, four and five of Raja yoga.

Tantra yoga is a systematic method of how to make every aspect of our life sacred, yet it is mistakenly thought of as being primarily about sex and relationships. Sexuality is only a small part of tantric teachings, as tantra also deals with very powerful and often negative emotions, such as fear and anger, that are used to awaken the practitioner's dormant potential. What is being taught nowadays is not traditional tantra. The main purpose, as with other forms of yoga, is to transcend the individual ego to attain Self Realization. Also, the tantric master chooses the student, to ensure that the student has a foundation in other yogas and is mentally prepared, whereas in the other paths of yoga the student chooses the teacher.

From this brief outline, we hope you can see the wealth and vastness of this ancient teaching. Asanas are certainly a fundamental part of yoga, but so also is meditation, philosophical teachings, and guidelines for living, for both men and women! May you enjoy this most wonderful gift of Yoga handed down to us from the Yogi's and Yogini's of ancient times!

So do make a comment and let us know what Yoga means to you.

*** Ed and Deb Shapiro are authors of over 15 books and 3 meditation CDs, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. Deb is the author of the award-winning book Your Body Speaks Your Mind. They are corporate coaches and consultants, and they are the creators of Chillout daily inspirational text messages on Sprint cell phones. See their website: www.EdandDebShapiro.com.

Follow Ed and Deb Shapiro on Twitter: www.twitter.com/edanddebshapiro

Comments

[lindseywolf]

My worry with yoga being considered simply exercise is also that it becomes just another competition. I'll be honest, I've glanced over at the mat next to me before and seen someone doing some incredible asana and instead of feeling inspired, I feel down on my own body's still limited abilities. But that's not what it's about! At the very least, I can watch those thoughts and have access to articles such as this one to remind me really what it really is all about. Also to me yoga is kirtan! I was introduced to kirtan by Kamaniya of Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY. She blissfully appeared in my dream the other night and sang to me. Really!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

It is normal to be in a class and see others who can do amazing yoga postures and stand on their head. But can they stand on their feet? It is important that students do not develop Yoga arrogance. The proper attitude in yoga is to respect each persons journey even if it is not theirs.The belief that, "my yoga is better than your yoga or my guru is better than your guru." is 'ego yoga.' Let the 'E-GO.'

Kirtan is an aspect of bhakti yoga. It is one of the best ways of liberating the mind from constant chatter. It is also devotional an opens the heart. One of the most powerful and direct ways to let go and just be.

Yours In Yoga, Ed

[soundheals]

With regard to yoga, you are as usual "telling it like it is!" It gets frustrating with regard to the term "yoga" since here in the West, yoga is now almost synonymous with Hatha yoga. Tthere are so many other different approaches to yoga as "union with the divine" and it would be wonderful if more and more people became aware of them. Thank you again for your continued illumination. For myself, what I resonate with the Yoga of Sound, which incorporates numerous methods from the repeition of mantras to the deep inner listening of Shabda Yoga. That is the wonderful thing about yoga--with so many different avenues to pursue, there will be at least one approach to yoga that fits the needs of the individual.

[SaskiaShakin]

When I first started doing Hatha Yoga in the late 60's, I was unaware of the spiritual side of the
asanas. But Spirit found me anyway. As my body unwound, my mind and heart also unwound.
I became clearer in my choices; I became calmer in my reactions to stress; I was less bothered
by annoying people. I grew centered and grounded without even knowing why. My work with
clients was touched by my newfound inner reserves. In coaching clients for public speaking events,
I listened differently. I heard what they were wanting to say as well as what they were offering.

Many years later, and after studying many branches of Yoga beyond the asanas, I have written a
book detailing how Yoga has affected my work, my life, and the lives of my clients. In More Than
Words Can Say: The Making of Inspired Speakers, I tell the story of how Spirit will find you if you
are willing to just be still enough to be found. So it is not necessary at first to delve into the mysteries of the universe. The mysteries will reveal themselves in their own sweet time.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Your books 'Healing Sounds' and '7 Secrets of Sound Healing' are classics. Your sound healing work is spot. The Yoga of Sound Nada Yoga is wonderful and many people benefit.

Om in sound, Ed

[dianaspencer]

Dear soundheals,
I feel exactly as you do! Whenever people ask what I do and where I live, I explain that I do Yoga and live and serve in a Yoga community. Pretty much 100% of the time the response is either "I take Yoga classes" (meaning some sort of "hot" Yoga) or "I could never get into 'those positions'." Well, I think Hatha Yoga is great, yet it's probably the smallest part of the Yoga that I do. My path is Bhakti & Karma Yoga so I was thrilled that Ed & Deb wrote about it the various branches of Yoga!
Also, you may be interested to know that the winter issue of Integral Yoga Magazine (founded by one of Ed & Deb's teachers who they quote often, Swami Satchidananda) is dedicated to the them of the Yoga of Sound! Interviews with Russill Paul, Yogi Hari, Jonathan Goldman, Snatam Kaur and many more www.iymagazine.orgorg
OM Shanti

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

dianaspencer I love the Integral Yoga Magazine and recommend this mag because it is genuine.

Swami Satchidananda was one of the pioneers that brought Yoga to the US in the 60's. Once again I thank artist Peter Max for bringing him here and Premanjali for keeping Swami satchidananda's message alive. Premanjali is the Editor in Chief of Integral Yoga Magazine. Also blessings to all the ashramites in Yogaville for being great Yogi's and Yogini's.

Jai Love,

Mitra--Ed

[Waylon Lewis - Huffpost Blogger]

It's my opinion that yoga won't survive its success in the US—in a few generations we'll have so thoroughly pop culturized it that, as wonderful as it is now, it'll be little more than a great form of exercise that, while opening the body and mind, is no longer a spiritual path. How many yoga practitioners study the niyamas and yamas? How many know that Patanjali said the purpose of yoga 'is to still the waves of the mind'—which makes is sound more like Buddhism than something you'll find at the gym between aerobics and bball?

Last night I practiced with Seane Corn at Exhale...and this lazy yogi was reminded how powerful, and how simple the practice of hatha yoga can be. It's a treasure worth exploring and protecting from the vagaries of Capitalistic enthusiasm. Let's open 20 studios this year! Let's train 2000 students to become teachers! It's great yoga is succeeding—as long as it's upward growth doesn't separate it from its roots.

So thanks for the above simple yet comprehensive layout of the path.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Waylon your comment is valuable. Yes, Yoga has lost a sense of depth.
Nowadays,Yoga does appear limited. Actually that is ok. As long as people are doing yoga properly and have learned from a qualified teacher. Even though it is primarily asanas, or postures, there is still great benefit.

I believe many more people will take advantage of Yoga's true brilliance and inquire more deeply into the profound question, WHO AM I?

When the student is ready the teacher will appear. In the Light Of Yoga,
Ed

[NAPinMtPSC]

We are trying, we are trying. I run a yoga center in Mt Pleasant, SC. Yes, probably 95% of the people who come are only interested in asana, but we teach the Yogasutras and incorporate those values and themes in how we structure our classes and run the studio. Some people seem to get it.

I know there are more like us out there and in time I believe the true teachings will prevail. Sometimes when I worry about the future of yoga I remind myself that it is a little arrogant to think that this current trend is capable of destroying such an ancient and powerful practice. The teachings are timeless and those who are ready for them will find them. Those who aren't will at least have healthier bodies.

Thanks for your article - it is much appreciated

[sageworks]

Ed, this is great synopsis of the various yogas as traditionally practiced in India. It is clear to me that the current hatha yoga practices in the US don't seem to have the depth of impact as those that were taught by spiritual masters from the East back in the 1960's and 70's. Still, your discussion of "can yoga save the world" focuses on the benefits to the individual. Please illuminate how these practices which focus on self-illumination can benefit the planet as a whole.
Thanks,
Miriam Gopi Weinstein

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Great question Miriam Gopi Weinstein--we actually are writing the book but the title is now:

HOW MEDITATION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
with Voices Of Remarkable Spiritual Beings
we interviewed amazing people like The Karmapa, Ram Dass, Byron Katie, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Dr. Dean Ornish, Marianne Williamson, Ellen Burstyn, Roshi Joan Halifax, Silvia Boorstein, Jack Kornfield, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, Michael Beckwith, Krishna Das, Jane Fonda, Seane Corn,Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks, Richard Freeman and others. like John Milton, who talk about meditation in action and the earth. We discuss meditation and politics including Bonnie Reiss, senior democratic advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzeneger . It will be out October 2009.
In Yoga, Ed

[Janice Taylor - Huffpost Blogger]

In support of yoga ... from spiritual to preventative ...

Basketball is an endurance sport, and you have to learn to control your breath; that's the essence of yoga, too. So, I consciously began using yoga techniques in my practice and playing. I think yoga helped reduce the number and severity of injuries I suffered. As preventative medicine, it's unequaled. ~Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

[GivingIsGetting]

"Things are not as they appear.
Nor are they otherwise"

Reading your post reminded me that whenever any type of system created there quickly forms a full spectrum of interpretations and types of "believers" and "practitioners".

In the world's major religions there are Traditionalist, Conservatives, Reformists, Progressives, Fundamentalists, Mystics.... etc.

Who's right? None of them of course.

I do yoga cause I always feel better after class than I did before.

The gal next to me might be trying really sincerely to get enlightened while the gentlemen to my right is trying to limber up for a better sex life.

C'mon, if we are honest, in today's secular western consumer culture, a deep integration of the entire Yogic Path is highly unlikely and perhaps not even ideal for most folks.

And for me that's really the beauty of Yoga in the west, we all sweat and squirm in the same little room rolling around on our mats having our own personal experience of Yoga and if its of benefit we come back and if it ain't, well, we don't.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

spot on! I was introduced to Yoga in the '60's and it was a lifesaver as I was involved with the acid hippie flower child world. I needed to clean up my act and learn to stand on my 2 feet. The teachers were coming over from the east and I met many of the biggies.

GIG, I am not saying that everyone should follow my trip to India and train as I did. Many of the Yoga classes that are being taught are absolutely great and are super beneficial .But as we say in our blog, it is cool to be informed and if desired you can learn about the other forms of Yoga.

Shal-Om,

Ed

[tinrobot]

Yoga means a lot to me. I suffered from depression for many many years and tried psychotherapy, antidepressants, and all of the traditional western methods that focus primarily on the brain. I finally turned to Kundalini Yoga and meditation. The results were amazing, within a few weeks the depression was lifted, and within a few months it was completely gone. After a few years, I've never been happier and more centered. I think western medicine focuses a lot on healing the brain, but not enough on healing the being. Yoga and meditation heals the being.

Yoga might not save the world, but it would certainly make it a happier place.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

inrobot-thanks for sharing. I met Yogi Bhajan, a Kundalini master in 1969 when he came to the USA from India. He reached many people with his teaachings.

I too have been through my dark night of the soul and wouldn't know where I would have been without Yoga and Meditation. Glad to har you have come through. It can only make you a more compassionate person.

In Yoga,

Ed