Introduction to Yoga Basics

Basic Questions on Yoga

What is Yoga?

• The word "Yoga" means "Union" in Sanskrit.
• Yoga is a practice that originated from ancient India.

Who are the Key Figures in Yoga?

• Patanjali is considered the father of Yoga.
• Swami Vivekananda, B.K.S. Iyengar, and T. Krishnamacharya are other notable figures in Yoga.

What are the Aspects of Yoga?

• Asana refers to physical postures in Yoga.
• Pranayama refers to breathing exercises in Yoga.
• Dhyana and Dharana refer to meditation and concentration in Yoga, respectively.

What is the Purpose of Yoga?

• The ultimate purpose of Yoga is to achieve a balanced mind, body, and spirit.
• Yoga can help to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and increase concentration.

Types of Yoga

• Hatha Yoga is a traditional and classical form of Yoga.
• Vinyasa Yoga, also known as flow Yoga, is a more dynamic form of Yoga.
• Ashtanga Yoga is a fast-paced and physically demanding form of Yoga.
• Yin Yoga is a slow-paced and meditative form of Yoga.
• Bikram Yoga is a form of Yoga that is practiced in a heated room.

Yoga Poses

• Tadasana is a foundational standing pose in Yoga.
• Savasana is a relaxing pose in Yoga, often referred to as "corpse pose".
• Vrksasana is a tree pose in Yoga.
• Sukhasana is an easy seated pose in Yoga.
• Virabhadrasana is a warrior pose in Yoga.

Other Yoga-Related Concepts

• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a foundational text of Yoga.
• Chanting "Om" is a common practice in Yoga.
• Namaste is a greeting in Yoga that means "the divine in me honors the divine in you".
• Prana refers to the life force or energy in the body.
• Chakras refer to energy centers in the body.