There are eight main branches of Yoga. The most widely known is Hatha Yoga, which is the Yoga of physical discipline, and focuses on the poses (known as Asanas). All of the different physical styles of Yoga that are found in modern Yoga studios are variations of Hatha Yoga. Astanga, Vinyasa, and Kripalu are all well known styles of Hatha Yoga. However, Yoga is far more than poses. Yoga is a rich and complex series of philosophies and practices that can help enrich the path of the seeker of any faith or tradition. Unity can be found in other ways than the physical practice of Asanas.
There are many different approaches to Yoga, or Spiritual Union. Bhakti Yoga is known as the Yoga of Devotion (to a Deity); Guru Yoga is the Yoga of devotion to an enlightened Master; Jnana Yoga is the Yoga of Wisdom; Karma Yoga seeks unity through the balancing of personal Karma; Mantra Yoga seeks unity via sound; Tantra, or Kundalini Yoga, seeks to unlock the spiritual energy held within the body; and finally Raja Yoga, also known as Royal or Classical Yoga, seeks enlightenment by following a well-defined series of practices.(1)
The second step is called Niyama, and deals with self-discipline and establishing a habit of spiritual practices. Patanjali realized that it wasn’t enough to be pure of heart, you also had to express that virtue through regular practice. The five practices mentioned are cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study, and devotion to the Sacred.
The third arm of the eightfold path is Asana, or the practice of physical poses. This prepares the body to be a worthy vessel of Spiritual truth. Note that the practice of Asana is only one step among eight. Patanjali felt that the purpose of Asana was to prepare the body to comfortably perform extended periods of meditation. The goal of Asana is to prepare the body for meditation and enlightenment, not to twist the body into a pretzel.
The fourth step of Raja Yoga is known as Pranayama, which translates literally as “life force extension”. It is more commonly known as “breath control”. Many people are familiar with a variety of breathing techniques collectively known as “Yogic Breathing”. Gaining mastery of the breath, and the movement of energy that is created by this control, has long been a magical contribution of Yoga.
These first four steps in the path of Raja Yoga are designed to prepare the practitioner for the next four steps, which lead ultimately to Samadhi, or enlightenment. The fifth step is known as Pratyahara, which roughly translates to sensory withdrawal. It is the practice of withdrawing the attention from the senses, in order to learn to focus on the inner path. This leads to the sixth limb, Dharana, which is concentration. This step teaches us how to lessen the distractions within the mind. Once external and internal distractions are eliminated, then comes the seventh step, Dhyana, or meditation. The practice of meditation, or the uninterrupted flow of contemplation, is what leads directly to the final stage of Samadhi. Patanjali describes this final state as one of ecstasy. The practitioner learns to transcend the self, and merge with the Divine.(2)
However, not all who establish a spiritual practice seek union with Divine and enlightenment as their ultimate goal. Some find that to be too lofty and intimidating. Yet they still strive for a sense of inner harmony with the world around them, contentment, and purpose. The practices of Asana (physical poses) Pranayama (breath control), and Dhyana (meditation) will all result in a greater sense of self-mastery and peace.
Finding a Yoga master to study with and learn from is still not easy in the western world. The current trend in Yoga is on the more narrowly focused forms of Hatha Yoga. However, if you are interested in learning how to integrate Yogic practices into Pagan spirituality, Hatha Yoga is an excellent place to start. Any certified or accredited Yoga teacher will be practicing with these spiritual ideals as a philosophical basis for their practice. Attending a Hatha Yoga class can be an excellent way to safely introduce yourself to the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of Yoga. Although many people attend their first Yoga class for the health benefits, they then commit to it as a lifelong practice because of the spiritual benefits to be found.
Yoga is an ancient practice that has been in use for literally thousands of years. It has guided the spiritual practices of millions of people from diverse traditions all over the world. From the fundamental value placed on personal integrity, to the self-discipline that uplifts the spirit, to the inner connection with Divine that is found through meditation, the practices of Yoga are in complete accord with modern Pagan thought.
~Flame RavenHawk
January 20, 2003