...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

Frequently Asked Yoga Questions

...s old and originated in India. If it has endured this many years here must be something to it.

Will yoga help me lose weight? Yes yoga can help you lose weight. It will give you the discipline to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eliminate temptations to eat junk food and will help ease stress. Stress causes you to gain weight and reducing it might help you reduce your weight.

How often should I do yoga? A...more

Yoga and Pregnancy - Why Do Yoga At This Time?

...Yoga is for everyone, any age, men, women and children but is especially helpful at times of change in our lives. Pregnancy is a time when extra care should be taken not only in exercise classes but in all activities and living. Yoga will help maintain a healthy and strong body during all stages of pregnancy and help women to deliver their babies in a confident way.

Pregnancy is a natural time for taking care of yourself. For a first time mother a yoga class will offer a chance to be comfortable in the changes taking place both physically...more

The heart of a Yoga Practice: Dedicating Your Efforts

...e you a sense of renewed dignity and worth. Because you know that youre not just performing the motions for your own benefit, the sense of satisfaction from your practice can grow beyond the mat. For example, have you ever had the opportunity to offer selfless service to another? Maybe youve adopted a pet and taken on the full responsibility of loving and caring for it, and, in exchange, all you have received is unconditional love from them for giving happiness and freedom. This is what the act of devotion is all aboutrealizing that its not all about the wishes and wants you only think you need.

When you start letting go of the selfish motives for practice and try to connect with something greater, you inspire your own ability to love. This is the nature of the spirit, and connecting with that is the ultimate goal of yoga practice. Samadhi is union with the divine, a connection with the source, which is true love. Everything else is negligible. As my teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life, would say, The sheer desire for Oneness is the way to it.

Realizing that all the beings in this world are connected in this way is a remarkable step for the yogi. Once the lines between you and them begin to fade, you realize how important it is to share love and a sense of gratitude with everyone around you.

Copyright 2006 Alanna Kaivalyamore

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