Classic Yoga Styles

When we speak of classical yoga, we are talking about yoga that remains closer to the original. Therefore, it is more accurate to refer to a number of schools rather than classical yoga styles. This is one that integrates the four paths of traditional yoga i.e. raja yoga (hatha yoga from which follows), karma yoga, jnana yoga and bhakti yoga. Conceived physical practice as a way to nourish, strengthen, heal and honor the body, but also through it, to calm the mind and make contact with the spirit. It is a yoga with spiritual essence, because the original yoga is a science of life and a system of human development and a philosophy. So it is a very profound, conscious and beneficial practice.

In fact, all forms of physical yoga come from hatha yoga, but this has been developed in countless versions with different names. Well, forms of yoga we call ‘classic’ are those which remain faithful to the tradition of hatha yoga, rooted in raja yoga and other branches of the original yoga. The classic physical yoga tries to find a balance in our material and metaphysical body, and cleanse body and mind to attain higher levels of consciousness. It includes pranayama and sometimes meditation, chanting or other practices.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is the physical discipline of traditional yoga and is a part of raja yoga. What is generally known as ‘yoga’ actually refers only to hatha yoga, working the physical body to facilitate meditation and involving the awakening of vital energy in the body. It incorporates traditional hatha postures to increase flexibility and strength, breathing exercises, cleaning, energy locks, and hand positions to direct the prana.

Iyengar

It was created by the guru BKS Iyengar. His system is based on the classic Hatha yoga and comprehensive teacher of the discipline, Patanjali, so it is rooted in the ancient yogic tradition and includes both a system that includes other practices, as a spiritual goal. It consists of a focused body alignment in each posture practice. It uses about 200 traditional asanas and 14 pranayama exercises grouped into certain categories, depending on the level of each student. It delves into each posture, holding for a period of time. It is a method aimed at all individuals, regardless of their physical condition, flexibility, age or weight.

Integral Yoga

It was introduced in the West by Swami Sahidananda based on the most spiritual teachings of the yogic tradition. It is a system that synthesizes some of the practical and philosophical principles of discipline in all aspects of the individual. Its practices emphasize Hatha yoga, Raja yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and Jnana yoga, the path of intellect to become aware of integration with all and Japa yoga. It is a gentle classic hatha practice with songs, pranayama and meditation.

Sivananda

It was founded by Swami Vishnudevananda and takes the teachings of Swami Sivananda. It is based on the study of Vedanta and other classic texts. Sivananda is a school that is based on scientific, philosophical and spiritual tradition of yoga. It includes yoga as a holistic lifestyle for health, inner balance and spiritual awakening. It retakes the traditional ways and is medicinal and mystical. Asana practices are soft, meditative and very beautiful which include pranayama and mantras.