regarding differences in yoga styles

[Guest guest]

I know this list is to discuss ashtanga yoga (or mysore, as

reference to it's origination area) as taught by the wonderful light

onto this earth Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who learned from T.

Krishnamacharya.

 

My post is in reference to a topic which seems to come up often

which is that of comparing different styles of yoga, most recently

power yoga, and in the past several others.

 

Some tend to disregard that which is not "pure" ashtanga. Almost

every single time a comparison is put on this list someone rushes to

discredit or diminish the other form of yoga that is mentioned.

Often times comments become very negative.

 

The way I see it, the practice of yoga can be physical, mental,

spiritual in any combination of the three for a certain individual.

Some may come to yoga to relieve mental stress, some may want to

improve thier physical body, some may feel the path of yoga is the

best way to develop thier spirituality. Everyone benefits from yoga

differently. Styles other than ashtanga may be best for some

people. Different styles of yoga are like different languages, or

different cultures or even different religions. It is all a matter

of finding what best suits your understanding.

 

The phrase "paths are many, truth is one" comes to mind. We all

get to our own personal reality and understanding of truth in a

different way. No need to criticize the path someone else is taking

when comparing it to our own. Listening to each other and learning

from each other we can complement our journeys rather than discredit

them.

 

Honoring the light within all of us,

 

Carol