Dr Malini Yugendran
February 10, 2023
Yoga, the ancient practice originating from India, has become a global phenomenon. Senior Yoga Therapist Latha Kannan told Indian Newslink, “The United Nations is marking June 21st, the summer solstice, as the International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated globally, including even in Antarctica.”
In this article, we delve into this global phenomenon to provide insights into the practices.
The economic worth of Yoga
The global yoga industry is worth over US$80 billion and is projected to continue growing. The yoga market in the US alone is estimated to be worth US$20 billion and is contributing to the growth of the overall wellness and fitness industry.
A Brief History of Yoga in India
Yoga has a long history in Indian culture, dating back to the Vedic period. It is described in the Upanishads as a means to attain union with the divine and self-realization, and in the Bhagavad Gita as one of several paths to attain union with the divine, emphasizing the importance of “karma yoga.” Both texts emphasize the importance of mindfulness, concentration, and meditation in the practice of yoga as a means to quiet the mind and attain inner peace. These ancient texts form the basis of classical yoga.
Types of Yoga: Kriya, Gnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga
Kriya Yoga: Kriya Yoga combines physical postures, controlled breathing, meditation, and spiritual devotion to cultivating a state of inner serenity and calm that leads to greater self-awareness and spiritual freedom.
Gnana Yoga: This style of yoga emphasises the growth of wisdom. It entails understanding, reflecting on, and practising moral and ethical principles.
Karma Yoga: This form is based on the principle of selfless action and service to others.
Bhakti Yoga: It focuses on devotion to a personal deity or divine presence. It involves practices such as singing devotional songs, prayer, and meditation and is considered one of the quickest paths to self-realisation.
The Evolving Forms of Yoga
Over the centuries, various forms of yoga have evolved. Some of the most popular forms of yoga today include Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa yoga, and Kundalini yoga.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is one of the most widely practiced and is seen as the foundation for other styles. It combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to promote balance and harmony in the body and mind.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding form that emphasises a series of postures performed in a specific sequence. Referred to as ‘power yoga’, Ashtanga yoga is a more athletic form of yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga emphasises a continuous flow of movement, linking each posture to the next through the breath. Vinyasa can help to build strength, flexibility, and balance.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga focuses on awakening the energy stored at the base of the spine, known as the kundalini energy. Kundalini yoga is more spiritual and is suitable for those looking for a deeper connection to their inner self and to the divine.
Chronic migraine made her a Yoga teacher.
Ms Kannan said, “I initially took up yoga for my own health, as I suffered from chronic migraines. It worked immediately, which then got me hooked. Today I use yoga therapy to help individuals manage a variety of problems, from simple aches and pains to chronic headaches and knee pain, as well as anxiety and depression.”
Ms Kannan who has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years, said, “One of my most memorable experiences was when I was working with cancer patients. At the end of the class, they clapped and one of them said, ‘We don’t know if we’ll wake up tomorrow, so we want to live today to the fullest,’ Yoga brings a sense of contentment and happiness, no matter what the future holds.”
Yoga In Auckland
The Loft Yoga Lounge at 103 Beach Road offers free Yoga classes from 4 pm to 4.45 pm on Sundays. No booking is necessary. Visit eventfinda for more information.
The Auckland Art Gallery is conducting Hatha yoga classes from Feb 12th 2023 to Dec 10th 2023 in various spaces within the Gallery. Visit their website for more information.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
