Anusara Yoga
The term Yoga (Sanskrit yuga,"yoke") means "union", an experience of oneness or union with your inner being or self. Developed in India over 5000 years ago, Yoga is one of the six classic systems of Hindu philosophy and is the oldest system of personal development encompassing the body, mind, and spirit.
There are four paths of Yoga: 1) Jnana, the path of knowledge or wisdom; 2) Bhakti, the path of devotion; 3) Karma, the path of action; and 4) Raja, the path of self control. Hatha Yoga, which includes postures and breathing, and is the form most popular in the West, is actually part of Raja Yoga, the path of self control. Within Hatha Yoga there are many styles, such as Iyengar, Astanga, Integral, Kripalu and Jiva Mukti, to name a few. These Yogas all share a common lineage back to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a text outlining the basic philosophy and practices of Classical Yoga. It was written sometime between the second century B.C. and the first century A.D.
Anusara yoga is a unique approach to Hatha Yoga that blends the science of biomechanics with the joyful and creative expression of the heart. The word "anusara" (a-nu-sar-a) means flowing with Grace, being in the flow, or following your heart. Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara yoga integrates the celebration of the heart, Universal Principles of Alignment, and balanced energetic action in the performance of asana (yoga postures).
To learn more about Anusara yoga and its founder John Friend, visit anusara.com.