...s is not the focus. The eight principles or stages are:

* Ethical standards or yama

* Self-discipline or niyama

* Posture or asana

* Breath control or pranayama

* Sensory withdrawal or pratyahara

* Concentration or dharana

* Meditation or dhyana

* Liberation or samadhi

Karma Yoga

The focus of karma yoga is on service and treatment of others. The basic idea is that our experiences today are a direct result of our past actions. Therefore, everything that those who practice karma yoga do today is in an effort to create a better future for themselves and those around them. They do this by eliminating the motivations of pessimism and egot...more

Bhakti Yoga, The Yoga of Love

...istic body or mind, when of far greater value is awareness of the Cosmic Mind? By overcoming the pull of the ego, of petty personal concerns, the devotee is able to become enthralled in the feeling of being united with God Consciousness.

The doctrine that "God is Love and Love is God" is the base of Bhakti Yoga. It is the bliss of love that will enable the devotee to transcend petty concerns, because the bliss of love will make them seem as unimportant as they really are. What drives the devotee is the feeling that his Self is separated from the divine and the consequent desperation of his wish to achieve union, or, better put, the consciousness of union (for union is always there - it is just that the devotee has forgotten that, that he no lo...more

Teaching Hatha Yoga: private lessons

...rk with local Yoga teachers, and personal trainers; many of them will be happy to help you.

If personal trainers, with similar experience, are charging more than you, your rates are usually too low. Why? Some personal trainers might graduate from a 200 to 500 hour certification course; but many do not, unless they have a bachelors degree in physical education, which is more experience than most Yoga teachers.

Most Yoga instructors graduate from a 200 to 500 hour Yoga instructor training program. The hours of study involved to become a Yoga teacher deserves a similar private session rate, if the working experience is similar to a personal trainer.

How do you avoid Yoga students, who make appointments and do not show up for scheduled private Yoga session? You should have a firm 24 hour cancellation policy in place. Yoga stude...more

Yoga in Practice: A Peaceful planet

...losophy. Much like the ego, within us, fundamentalism spends most of its time protecting itself from perceived threats. It does not matter whether the threat is real or pure fantasy.

As a Yoga practitioner, you are an ambassador of Yoga to any non-practitioner. Therefore, try not to judge, look at issues from at least two sides, and listen. Listening with empathy is the beginning of truly understanding your neighbors.

Recognize the right of another to defend himself or herself. Do not back someone into a corner with your philosophy, morality, or religion. Be tolerant and seek diplomatic solutions to problems bef...more

Yoga Exercise Mats