I've practised asthanga vinyasa for a while, and are now playing with the
thought of doing a yoga teaching education in India. I know very little
about yoga theory and the different types of yoga, and in my serarch of
finding the right place for me to do that education I would very much like
to get a overview of the different types of yoga. How many types of yoga
is there? What is the main difference between them? What is the diffenence
between hata yoga and asthanga yoga? I would appreciate if someone would
give me a short theoretical introduction and an overwiew of the different
kinds of yoga. I also appreciate any advice for relevant litterature.

My best
Caïla (Norway)

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On 2005-06-05 23:56:12 -0700, "caiila" <caiila@yahoo.no> said:

> I've practised asthanga vinyasa for a while, and are now playing with the
> thought of doing a yoga teaching education in India. I know very little
> about yoga theory and the different types of yoga, and in my serarch of
> finding the right place for me to do that education I would very much like
> to get a overview of the different types of yoga.

Have you looked in the yoga section of you local book store or library?
I suggest reading "Autobiography of a Yogi", Anything by Feurstein -
"Living Yoga" is good.  And as a follower of ashtanga yoga you may want
to read "Health Healing and Beyond" the biography of Krishnamacharya
who was a very famous yoga teacher who influenced many of the great
teachers around today.  It was written by his son.

>  How many types of yoga
> is there?

How many people are practicing yoga?  One path for each.  There are
numerous sites on the internet that will give you an overview.
http://www.yogajournal.com/

>  What is the main difference between them?

The spectrum goes from the student who takes yoga classes at the gym
occasionally to monks devoting their lives to the Yogic path in caves
deep in the mountains.  What is the similarity between them?  Are they
seeking the same thing?  Are they looking to improve their selves?


>  What is the diffenence
> between hata yoga and asthanga yoga?

Ashtanga Yoga is the name of a form of Hatha Yoga.  It was developed by
BKS Iyengar and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Pune in the 40's to train
wrestlers.  Since then BKS Iyengar has altered his approach somewhat.
Jois still teaches it.  Both teachers are getting old.  Both learned
their practice Krishnamacharya.

Hatha Yoga includes, asanas, pranayama, and meditation.

Ashtanga yoga is the name given by a teacher to his particular school.
The Ashtanga refers to 8 limbs of yoga.  A google search will explain
the 8 limbs.

>  I would appreciate if someone would
> give me a short theoretical introduction and an overwiew of the different
> kinds of yoga. I also appreciate any advice for relevant litterature.

The most relevant piece of literature on yoga is the Yoga Sutra's by
Patanjali.  It was written sometime around 300 BC (but no one is sure).
It gives the reason to come to yoga as a way to reduce the
fluctuations of the mind.  Patanjali has a pretty good handle on what
yoga is.

>
> My best
> Caïla (Norway)

Try to go to different studios/schools and learn the differences first
hand.  Do you have a Vedanta center near you? The Vedanta is part of
the Hindu religion.  Yoga is based on ancient texts called the vedas.
There are still groups who practice this.  Often they will teach
meditation for free.  Check that out as well.
Have fun.  Go get them!
--
~Stu

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Thanks for literature recomandations, and the introduction to yoga history
and the different types of yoga. I'm not sure if we have a Vedanta center,
but I'll check it out.

My best
Caïla

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