...nd body; and to increase strength and flexibility. Asanas, or physical postures, are emphasized when the body is out of shape, in need of healing, or not flexible enough. The different styles of yoga, however, approach the practice of asanas in individual ways.

Two of the most popular styles of yoga used today are hatha Yoga, and vinyasa Yoga. Although vinyasa yoga is derived from hatha yoga, classes are very different. One of the features that make it unique is the pace. Another is the way postures are linked together in a series of movements. This produces effects in the body, especially in the cardiovascular system, that hatha yoga does not.

Hatha Yoga is a gentle and slower paced form of yoga, although it can be quite challenging physically when you move deeper into the practice of it. The word Hatha, when split in to 'ha' and 'tha', means 'sun' and 'moon'. This style is ideal for those that are new to yoga, and haven't yet built up experience or confidence. Due to its' slower pace, it is easi...more

Yoga Insights: Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations), Part 2

... coordination are also benefits that Yoga students can expect to see and feel. During my experience while teaching Yoga classes, I have noticed that students, at any age, noticeably improved in strength, muscle tone, and overall coordination, when they regularly practice Sun Salutations.

Some of them even loss weight, but diet is also a large factor in this. Yet, some that did not lose weight did lower body fat. We know this because privately- trained Yoga students do have their body fat checked when they start. This is not a requirement, but it is an option. Some Yoga students must see and feel the physical benefits first, in order to stick with the program.

Mental healt...more

Dangers of Kundalini Yoga

...any real spiritual progress in seeking after occult powers.

To practice kundalini yoga we need to have purity in our mind and vital. If we still cherish worldly thoughts and try to open up our energy centers it will cause tremendous confusion and our efforts will be wasted, as our energy will be directed downwards rather than upwards. If we really want to practice Kundalini yoga the best approach is to meditate and concentrate on the heart. It is in the heart where we will feel purity in abundant measure. sri Chinmoy suggests:

If you wish to follow the path of kundalini, my humble advice to you is to first try to awaken the heart center. The heart center is considerably pure. The vital or disturbing emotions will be purified by the opening of this center.

We should also follow the path of Kundalini yoga under the guidance of a qualified spiritual teacher. When studying Kundalini yoga we should maintain an attitude of genuine sincerity and reverence.more

Astral Projection in Yoga Practices - How to Become One With Everything

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There should be no great surprise that astral projection in yoga practices are a reasonably common phenomenon. In the truest sense of the word, Yoga means "yolk" or union. Many astral projectors speak of the feeling on unity or "oneness" while out of the body. A major theme in most meditative traditions is the idea of "non-dual" realization, or for simplicities sake, there being no separation between ANYTHING in the manifest world. The water and the waves for examp...more

Houston Yoga Lex