Yoga for Beginners

Mind is All

Long ago in India, Hinduism and Buddhism had a physical practice of well-being and spiritual commitment called yoga.  Today, two types of this traditional practice exist that have been tailored to fit the modern world.

Ashtanga and Anusara are modern yoga.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga yoga was brought to the western world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915 – 2009). It is a practice of yoga that focuses on creating internal heat and pure, detoxifying sweat.

 This is accomplished through a series of yoga poses paired with breathing exercises to promote a strong body and calm mind.

The meaning of Ashtanga is “eight-limbed yoga”.

These “limbs” are principles set forth in the Yoga Sutras. The eight limbs are: moral-codes, self-purification and study, posture, breath control, sense control, concentration, meditation, and absorption into the universe.

The purpose of Ashtanga is to become proficient in all of these goals.

Anusara

Anusara is a new form of yoga – it began in 1997 by a man named John Friend.

Friend's goal was to “align with the Divine,” according to the official Anusara website.

This is what many people think of when they think of yoga; Anusara is where the “Om” comes from.

A meditative state enhanced by synchronized breathing and poses assists one in aligning with the Divine. 

Making your choice

When you are making your decision between these two practices, it is best to weigh all of their similarities and differences in relation to your personality.

If you are a more structured person who enjoys athletics, then Ashtanga is for you.

It promotes goodness in all aspects of your life, and an intense workout when practicing your poses.

Anusara focuses more on doing your best rather than achieving perfection.

The workout is comparable to Ashtanga, but the goal is different. Anusara wants people to feel good about themselves and the world around them.

Alignment with the Divine comes through this goodwill.

Regardless of which practice you choose, a Yoga Mat is vital!