There are many forms of Yoga including Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga. Each one of these provides a way of connecting to our inner being and the realisation that we are much more than just a body.

Raja Yoga is an eight stepped process for controlling the restless mind and  enjoying inner peace.  When practising Yoga correctly we are able to unleash the vast mental and psychic resources that lie virtually untapped below the surface of the conscious mind.

The 8 steps of Raja Yoga are

• Yamas  – truth, non violence, control of sexual energy, non stealing, non- covetousness
• Niyamas – purity, contentment, study, surrender of the ego
• Asanas – steady poses
• Panayama – control of vital energy
• Pratyahara – withdrawal of the senses
• Dharana – concentration of the mind
• Dhyana – meditation
• Samadhi – the super conscious state

The yoga we are most aware of today is Hatha Yoga, a form of Raja Yoga that emphasizes exercise and breath work.

The poses provide a gentle stretching that acts to lubricate the joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and other parts of the body.  These exercises help to tone the nervous system, release tension, increase flexibility and improve circulation.  When performed in a slow and relaxed manner they are designed to develop more than just the physical body.  They enhance spiritual capabilities and broaden mental faculties.

Deep breathing helps to cleanse and nourish the physical body.  As you inhale fully you are supplying an abundance of oxygen, essential to every cell in the body and on exhalation waste products are expelled.

Other forms of Hatha Yoga available today are, Radiant Light Yoga, Bikram Yoga and Iyengar Yoga. Each one of these forms of yoga have slight variations in their methods including Bikram Yoga which is specifically practiced within a heated room.

Recommended reading on Yoga are:

• ‘Yoga – Mind and Body’ by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre