Introduction to Classical Yoga

The Sanskrit word "jnana" means "knowledge". The Yoga of Wisdom is generally considered to be the most difficult path of all yoga types. Karma Yoga is the yoga of action and work. It seeks to achieve unity and harmony through action. The motto of Karma Yoga is: Give, give, give. In the Bhagavad Gita, Karma Yoga is defined as "the effectiveness of action". The term "hatha" in Hatha Yoga means the union of two poles. tha symbolizes energy, the ultimate power; ha symbolizes thought and willpower. Thus Hatha Yoga means "unity of energy and willpower". Wang Yoga is often referred to as Ashtanga Yoga (not Ashtanga Yoga as developed in the West). It is for the realization of cleansing of the body, mind and soul, while achieving unity with the highest realms of life. It consists of eight parts including self-discipline, inner vision, and asanas. Kundalini Yoga is also known as Sakti Yoga. Sakti is worshipped as the Supreme Goddess. Kundalini energy is symbolized as the Divine Mother, which is the Mother of Nature. She constantly shifts her position through the action of chakra after chakra, guiding the soul of the individual seeker to ascend to Sahasrara and unite with the quest for the deity Shiva.