What is Yoga?

There are different kinds of yoga:

     Karma Yoga
     Jnana Yoga
     Bhati Yoga
     Raja Yoga

Here at Hollywood Yoga & Fitness, our classes are based on the Raja (Scientific Path Yoga). Our instructor, Helen Barnett, has taught the discipline for over 12 years as a Ceritified Yoga Instructor. You will learn how to manage life's stress in a healthful manner. You will learn ways to set-up your internal environment, identify your stressors, and much more.

Scientific Path – Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga prescribes a psychological approach, based on a practical system of concentration and control of the mind. Right conduct, a healthy body and steady posture, breath regulation, and withdrawal of the senses are recommended to achieve this. Hatha Yoga is a form of Raja Yoga that emphasizes asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control).

The Eight Steps of Raja Yoga
By observing their own thoughts, scientifically and objectively, the ancient Yogis studied the many obstacles to bringing the mind under conscious control. The sage Patanjali compiled their findings in the Raja Yoga Sutras, a text that describes the inner workings of the mind, and also provides an eight-step (ashtanga) blueprint for controlling the restless mind and enjoying lasting peace.

1. Yamas (abstentions) – truth, nonviolence, control of sexual energy, non stealing, non covetousness.
2. Niyamas (observances) – austerities, purity, contentment, study, surrender of the ego.
3. Asanas – steady poses.
4. Pranayam – control of vital energy.
5. Pratyahara – withdrawal of the senses.
6. Dharana – concentration of the mind
7. Dhyana – meditation
8. Samadhi – the super conscious state

Active Path – Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga is a selfless service, the path by which the mind is most quickly purified and its limits transcended.

Philosophical Path – Jnana Yoga
This Philosophical or intellectual approach to spiritual evolution describes the world as an illusion. Using the two powerful intellectual techniques of Viveka (discrimination) and Vairagya (dispassion), the veils of illusion, or Maya, are lifted. Jnana Yoga is usually regarded as the most difficult of the four paths of Yoga. This path demands a sharp mind and an unclouded intellect.

Devotional Path – Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga tends to appeal to people who are emotional by nature. Since the emotions cannot be endlessly repressed, Bhakti Yoga teaches techniques for their sublimation. Through various practices, such as chanting, prayer, and the repetition of mantra (sacred formulae), emotional energy is channeled into devotion, turning anger, hatred, and jealousy in a positive direction. Emotional love is changed into pure divine love. The Bhakta tries to see God in all.