Yoga for Beginners
Hinduism and Buddhism gave birth to yoga long ago in India as a physical manifestation of well-being and spiritual commitment.
Today, two types of this traditional practice exist that have been tailored to fit the modern world.Ashtanga and Anusara are modern yoga.
AshtangaSri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915 – 2009) brought Ashtanga yoga to the western world.
He taught Ashtanga, which concentrates on an intense sweat that purifies the body created by internal heat.
This is accomplished through a series of yoga poses paired with breathing exercises to promote a strong body and calm mind.
Ashtanga translates to mean “eight-limbed yoga”.The eight limbs are a series of principles spoken about in the Yoga Sutras.
These limbs consist of moral-codes, self-purification and study, posture, breath control, sense control, concentration, meditation, and absorption into the universe.
Ashtanga’s goal is to accomplish all of these principles.
Anusara Anusara is a new form of yoga – it began in 1997 by a man named John Friend. Friend’s purpose was to “align with the Divine,” according to the official Anusara website.When many people consider yoga, they thing of people chanting “Om”; this is Anusara.
Aligning with the Divine occurs when people feel empowered and synchronize their breathing with poses to enhance a meditative state. 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 provides an intense workout and also gives a very straightforward way to be a good person.
If you are a little looser in your life philosophies, however, Anusara could be a better fit.
The purpose of Anusara is also different than Ashtanga, but the workout is comprable.
Anusara wants people to feel good about themselves and the world around them.Your Divine alignment will come from through this goodness.
Regardless of which practice you choose, a Yoga Mat is vital!


