WHAT IS YOGA

"Atha Yoganushasanam"

Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Sutra I:1​

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This Sutra or verse means: And now... YOGA​

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Often Yoga is understood as the union between body and mind, when in fact, it is about the union between the self and the Universe. Is realising through experience that consciousness is all there is. Who you are can only be experienced and this is known as liberation, Moksha, also known as Self-Realisation. Most of us may not get there in this life, but we can get to experience glimpses of our true nature, which brings immense peace and tranquillity to our lives. Instead of being slaves to our mind we become free living life without the drama, but from a place of love.

 

Another verse from the "Yoga Sutras" of Patanjali, the great sage, is "Yoga citta vittris nirodaha". Meaning that when the fluctuations (vittris - thoughts) of the mind (citta) cease to exist (nirodaha), one rests in its true nature, the state of yoga. Mind refers to the conscious, unconscious, and subconscious mind. Our mind is a tool and detachment from out thoughts enables us to develop a more sustainable state of peace from suffering and our thoughts.  

 

There are many traditions of yoga, many paths, all with the same aim. Some paths rely more on the body and some more on the mind.

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There is Hatha Yoga (uses the body), Kriya Yoga (uses the energy), Bakti Yoga (uses devotion), Karma Yoga (uses action), Jnana Yoga (uses knowledge), Nada Yoga (uses sound), Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga - follows the Ashtanga or 8 limb path), Japa Yoga (uses prayer), Kundalini Yoga (awakening of dormant Shakti energy), Tantra Yoga (uses the mind) and Atma-Vichara (Self-inquiry). All these are grouped into 4 main "margas": Self-Inquiry, Karma, Jnana and Yoga. Most commonly know yoga falls within the Yoga Marga.

 

The physical aspect of yoga-asanas or postures are part of a preparatory process directed to attain a state which is what we refer to as Yoga.​ Yoga-asanas prepare and fine-tuned your body.

 

Hatha Yoga encompasses all the Western yoga forms you may heard of such as  Yin Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Vinyasa, Hatha Flow and Hot Yoga. Whilst many modern forms have a strong physical (asana) component they frequently miss the depth of genuine Hatha practice. In Yoga Sutra we try to offer a complete practice which respects and honours the traditional or classical Hatha Yoga and remains pure.

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Here you'll learn Hatha Yoga in the traditional way, in addition to other techniques that can help you find peace and your own path. Go to the ABOUT page to get a general understanding of our teaching style, or to OUR CLASSES page to read about the services we provide.

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The best way to learn and our main focus is one-on-one, as here we tailor your practice to your body and mind. 

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Much metta (loving-kindness) in your journey! May I be honored and able to lead you in the best of my ability and in the way that works best for you.

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With love,

Catalina