Sage Patanjali is said to be the father of yoga as he is credited as the one who transcribed what was previously only an oral tradition.
Patanjali's 'Yoga Sutras' is the definitive text of yoga; yet it is not easily understood by someone who is new to yoga as its 'sutras' are 'threads' of condensed information and the original language is Sanskrit - a language that attempts to convey wholeness through its vibration.
The 'Yoga Sutras' does not provide any detailed descriptions of poses; yet it does include a description of Astanga Yoga (the 8 limbs of Yoga) and 'Asana' or physical postures is the third limb of the 8 limbs.
So Astanga Yoga in its original context comes from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali; Astanga Yoga has been marketed as 'Power Yoga' , 'Hot Yoga' , 'Bikram Yoga' and a couple of other names by folks who have focused on some of the health benefits available through the practice; the poses they include/exclude (and other aspects of the practice) are determined by sales and marketing.
Hatha Yoga is the union of solar and lunar (male-female) energies that uses poses as its foundatin and like 'Astanga' it has been presented and marketed under a variety of other names (folks like B K S Iyengar, Kripalvananda, Vishnudevananda/Shivananda and others have particular approaches of Hatha Yoga that are named for them).
In general yoga has two approaches that have been practiced for thousands of years; the one that is more dominant in the North and East of India is more centered on the energy body and is more esoteric in its approach; the other approach is more physical; it is dominant in the South and West of India and it is the approach that has influenced most folks outside of India.
Since Patanjali there have been many great yogis and about 100 years ago T K V Krishnamacharya was considered to be 'the' yogi of South India. Krishnamacharya had a number of excellent students like Indra Devi, B K S Iyengar, Patthabi Jois, and his son Desichar... each of these now have yoga forms that are named for them in some way or another.
B K S Iyengar's book 'Light on Yoga' is one of the best reference books on yoga; it was written circa 1960 - B K S Iyengar is still living and he has written a number of other yoga books since 'Light on Yoga' was published.
So 'Light on Yoga ' is a comprehensive work (it includes some 600 photos of yoga poses, their descriptions, and how the poses/practices are grouped) yet newer books by B K S Iyengar and his students make the material more accessible.
Patthabi Jois' approach to yoga is what others have marketed as 'Astanga Yoga/Power Yoga' - there are a number of books by his students that describe the different series of poses that he promotes.
Namaste'
James
Yoga Anatomy
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See inside every yoga pose! With clear, expert instruction and full-color, detailed anatomical drawings, Yoga Anatomy depicts the most common asanas to provide a deeper understanding of the structures and principles underlying each movement and of yoga itself.
From breathing to standing poses, see how each muscle is used, how slight alterations of a pose can enhance or reduce effectiveness, and how the spine, breathing, and body position are all fundamentally linked.
Whet
Yoga Anatomy
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Spirit Voyage Provides In-depth Instruction and Information about Yoga with General Yoga Books
Article by Karan Khalsa
'Y' stands for Yoga, a Sanskrit word which means an ancient philosophy of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. 'O' reminds of 'Om', the most sacred Sanskrit word considered as the spoken quintessence of the universe. 'G' depicts the word Guru, the teacher who teaches and guides someone in the path of life by enlightening human soul with valuable knowledge. 'A' is the reminiscent of the word 'asanas', the physical poses and postures which help an individual to keep a balanced mind, body and soul. Yoga, the 5000 years old Indian practice, is acquiring increasing level of popularity worldwide for its scientific base and methodology. An impressive number of yoga books are written on every form of yoga like Ashtanga Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Sivananda Yoga etc. to help the practitioners in attaining the goal more easily and effortlessly.
The Spirit Voyage yoga books are meant for those who want to include yoga in their daily lifestyle to experience lifelong happiness and health. Ashtanga yoga for beginners, Gong yoga, Kripalu yoga, Jivamukti yoga and Kundalini yoga are some of the topics on which these books primarily give emphasize on. Books are men's best friend. Nothing can be best than a book which acts as a friend, philosopher and guide in any field. Books illuminate the soul with sound knowledge. And when it is Yoga, books are possibly the best source of knowledge. For the beginners, it would be too hard to learn or practice yoga all by himself without taking guidance from a proper instructor or yoga teacher. In that case, yoga books are of great help. Myriad of yoga DVDs are also available with audio and video instruction on how to practice yoga or the different yoga poses known as 'asanas'.
Yoga is an art and philosophy of ancient India. Like other arts, vast knowledge and study is required before implementing it in the practical life. If not vast knowledge, then atleast basic knowledge should be known by the practitioner. He should be aware of some general facts and figure of yoga like what is the best timing to do yoga, how to prepare oneself before starting yoga practice, what to do and what not to do, what kind of yoga music can be played, what is the proper eating habits or diet and etc. These all necessary informations on yoga as well as on meditation are given in those books. Meditation is an integral part of yoga practicing. Meditation completes the whole process. It ensures best result while done with soothing and relaxing meditation music. By putting some soulful music into yoga practicing, one can easily achieve the highest potential and ultimate freedom from this material world.
Yoga books offered by Spirit Voyage, the online music company, contain in-depth instruction, information and images required in yoga practicing. Yoga, practiced with calm and serene yoga music, evokes and awakens the spiritual sense within which helps one to uncouple himself from this world and sets the voyage for the ethereal world of divine purity and infinity.
Start the journey to that world where only the Supreme power reigns with the help of yoga books, Yoga DVDs and CDs offered by Spirit Voyage. The pure spiritual tunes of meditation music transform the atmosphere and touches the right chord. Voices of the world renowned mystic singers like Deva Premal, Wah!, Snatam Kaur, Donna De Lory and Gurmukh enrich this collection and make it highly demanded all over the world.
Orignal From: Why do some yoga books have a whole bunch of poses and sequences, while others have only a handful?
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