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Yoga, as it is taught in
the U.S., is Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga
focuses on the physical limbs (paths) of traditional Yoga. Hatha Yoga
classes focus on breath regulation and breathing techniques (Pranayama),
Yoga postures or poses (Asana), learning
concentration (Dharana) and relaxation or meditation (Dhyana).
In Hatha Yoga class you
use Pranayama and Asana to begin to connect (yuj - join, yoke) your body,
mind and breath. As you focus on Pranayama (the movement of your breath) and
asana (the movement of your body) you begin to learn to concentrate
(Dharana) and to quiet your mind. Relaxation (Dhyana) is usually
incorporated at the end of each session.
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Yoga is one of the six
orthodox systems of Indian Philosophy and began on the Indian subcontinent
about 5000 years ago. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj which means to
yoke or join, thus in Hatha Yoga we begin learn to join our body, mind and
breath. In Traditional yoga there are eights limbs or paths of yoga – Yama,
Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. The
eight limbs of traditional Yoga address an entire life style. Hatha Yoga
teaches four of the eight limbs of traditional Yoga – Pranayama, Asana,
Dharana and Dhyana.
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