“What Kind of Yoga Do You Practice?”; Another Opportunity for Reflection

This past month I’ve received inquiries from people wondering how to answer this question; and while the best answer is subjective I think the genesis of potential responses is most appropriately placed in the genesis of Yoga. The exact history of Yoga is debatable, but many Vedic scholars will date Yoga to approximately 5,000 years ago; however, this ancient yoga was not the yoga we see in most Western studios.

Traditionally, there are thought to be four main branches of Yoga: Karma (Yoga of Action), Jnana (Yoga of Wisdom/Inquiry), Bhakti (Yoga of Love), and Raja (Kingly Yoga or Yoga of Control). Raja Yoga, which is usually attributed to Patanjali, posits the 8-limbs of Yoga, aka Ashtanga—the point of origin for many modern styles/brands of yoga. While elements of the first branches may be found within many styles of yoga, it is primarily within Raja that we find reference to the physical, asana practice. Often thought to be a part of Raja, and sometimes thought to be parallel to it, is Hatha Yoga wherein we discover the asanas. Raja and Hatha Yogas are not mutually exclusive; rather, as stated in Hatha Yoga Pradipika, “There can be no Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga and no Hatha Yoga without Raja Yoga. Hatha is the preparation for Raja and Raja is the [ultimate] goal of Hatha Yoga.” The word “Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to “yoke”, to bring together the body, mind, and spirit. The etymology of “Hatha” is “Ha” meaning sun and “tha” meaning moon; therefore, the Hatha yoga practice intends to help yoke/integrate two fundamental aspects of life and of our beings: the masculine and feminine and all that these aspects involve. This is a powerful thing to be aware of when preparing for and practicing the sun and moon salutations.

So, how we answer this deceptively simple question depends on our personal philosophy and spiritual belief. Some answer that they practice “Hatha Yoga” and others will respond with a specific style. A Yoga Generalist, so to speak, would perhaps see the varying styles of yoga as coming from the same source and make choices of what to practice based on personal proclivities for any given day—it could be Ashtanga, Kundalini, or Bikram. And perhaps this person would also believe that styles are secondary to the actual experience; taken further is the belief that various styles are yet another way to divide people and that the names and personality imprints on the different styles are irrelevant to the one true path. Others, though, remain steadfast in their dedication to a particular style. Personally, I find much wisdom in the idea (paraphrased from Enlighten Up!) that it doesn’t matter whether we travel by foot, car, or plane—as long as our body, mind and spirit grow and unite with each other—the destination will be, virtually, the same. In this philosophy, the dedicated Bhakti Yogi can discover the connection with this Supreme Being, Purusha, just as well as an Ashtanga Yogi.

At NAYC, we are fortunate to be able to experience different styles of classes and instructions. Through our varied experiences, we are in a prime position to reflect on our personal philosophy and spirituality regarding our practice. Maybe we are generalists who answer this question of what style yoga we practice broadly or maybe we’re faithful devotees who express our loyalty to one particular style. Regardless of how and what style(s) we practice, we can participate in the hopeful truth made by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: “Practice and all is coming.”

--Autumn