Yoga is one of India’s six main philosophical systems.  In actual fact, Yoga means “yoke” ,which is a wooden beam normally tied to a pair animals enabling them to pull a plow or chariot together. Metaphorically it symbolizes the alliance, connection or unification, of the individual ego with the Supreme, Absolute or Spiritual Authority or God, as each of us understands the primordial cause..

Yoga is not a religion or a resignation from life’s responsibilities. It is a system of techniques or a way of life which is brought about from a state of internal harmony and the ability to live in harmony with our surroundings and environment. It is a study of human development which uses techniques that involve control of the body, the mind and the senses through bioenergy. It is a method for overcoming human pain regardless of its source leading to freedom from illness and despair. It is the path to self-knowledge beyond the actual or practical existence or our body and our personality which are both in constant change.

Yoga has 4 basic paths all of which have the same goal. Each individual is free to choose the path that best suits them according to their needs and personalities. Many may also find that a combination of paths is a better alternative for them.

ΚΑRΜΑ YOGA: The path towards selfless service without requiring reciprocity.

BHAKTI YOGA: The path of devotion to and worship of God.

JNANA YOGA: The path towards mental and philosophical development.

RAJA YOGA: The path of developing control through discipline and asceticism. This control is gained step by step, starting from the most material aspect of our existence, the body and gradually moving towards the most subtle, which is that of the mind.

The 8 fundamentals of Raja Yoga are the following: 

  • behavior control – abstinence from injury or non-violence, truthfulness, continence, abstinence from theft or earning through illegal methods and abstinence from greed.
  • discipline development – discipline, internal and external cleanliness, contentment, austerity or mortification), Svadhyaya (study of scriptures, worship of God or self-surrender).
  • control of the body – asanas.
  • control of bioenergy  – through breath (pranayama).
  • withdrawal or control of the senses.
  • Concentration; fixing the mind on something, internal or external.
  • meditation.
  • unhampered flow of one thought of God or the Self.

HATHA YOGA is the Yoga of the body’s physical energy. 

It functions as a complement to Rāja YOGA and has incorporated elements from the mystical TANTRA movement. It literally means the connection of lunar with solar energy. The body positions or poses (asanas), deep relaxation, breath control (pranayama), cleansing techniques (karya), locks (band), bioenergetic hand positions (mudra) and concentration of the mind all play a part in building a flexible and agile body which in turn increase vitality levels and ensure good health even helping to overcome illness and disease.  By following the right diet, the material body is cleansed from toxins and harmful substances. In addition, vitamins and minerals that the body needs are fully absorbed. Physical and mental purification together with mind control, allow those practicing to ultimately achieve the highest goal of yoga which is self-awareness.

HATHA YOGA REFINES AND PREPARES THE BODY, ESPECIALLY THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, TO ACCEPT THE PRACTICES AND RESULTS OF RAJA YOGA.