Yoga Types: Integral Yoga

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

21 Nov 2009 10:27 PM

Integral yoga began in the early 1900s by Sri Aurobindo. In his book, The Synthesis of Yoga, Sri Aurobindo describes the goal of integral yoga to be uniting all aspects of the individual with the divine.

Integral yoga is not one specific form of yoga. It is a fusion of many styles and philosophies. This form of yoga is not strictly for exercise, as a power yoga or weight loss yoga class. It is concerned with not just the body, but harmony in all areas, including the physical, emotional and spiritual practices.

Basically, integral yoga's philosophy can be deduced by its name. This type of yoga is a system that integrates several branches of yoga. When you look at the separate components together, you can see that it addresses many areas for enlightenment.

There are three major areas of integral yoga. The physical aspect relates to the practice of the asana, as well as changing physical habits to increase consciousness. The life force or emotional area involves moving away from self centered actions, emotions and desires. The mental aspect relates to the mind and issues such as wisdom, understanding, intention and attitude.

Integral yoga also integrates physical and spiritual yoga practices. For example, there are components of hatha yoga for the physical practice and relaxation exercises. There are also practices designed for meditation and focus, such as Jnana and Japa yoga.

If you want a yoga type that incorporates the many aspects of yoga, including physical, intellectual and spiritual, an integrated yoga class may be right for you. Although there is a form of yoga that has been patented with the name Integral Yoga, there is no definitive method set by Sri Aurobindo.

The practice of integral yoga is not exactly like a typical weekly yoga class. Because there are so many emotional, spiritual and meditative practices involved with this form of yoga, it is a practice that is likely to develop over many years.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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