...Yoga has been shrouded in mysticism for thousands of years. This is not a bad thing, as the goals of Yoga are far beyond the pictures you see on the covers of Yoga magazines today. So, what are the real goals of Yoga?

Should you go into a long speech about Atman (the soul or true self), and the divine cosmic being (Brahman) becoming one? To be honest, I did once see a Yoga teacher go into an "elevator speech" about the union of self and the "Absolute," but he successfully scared his prospective students away, before their first lesson.

In a nut shell, there are many goals of Yoga, but make it simple for people who walk in the door. Just say: "Tranquility" and they will understand. Tranquility is just one word, which thoroughly explains what a student should be able to expect from his or her first Yoga class, and the following classes...more

Universal Principles of Yoga, Part 2

... common facets found in almost all forms of Yoga.

Bhakti Yoga: Is unity through devotion, love for God, or loving service. This is the most widely practiced form of Yoga within India. However, Yoga practiced for devotion to God is practiced by many religions. These Yoga classes are most often sectarian in nature and include members with one religious belief.

Bhakti can also be misplaced when a person gives too much devotion to material gain and temporary worldly pleasures. The Bhakti Yoga practitioner knows that the true path, toward a connection with God, is through loving service and devotion to God. The holy man who preaches hate, is not a Bhakti Yoga practitioner.

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The Purpose of Yoga- Enhanced Intelligence

...ayama, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Kapalabhati Pranayama, and Breath of Fire, in a different way. Maybe the ancients were on to something with 5,000 years of Yoga and Pranayama research.

Sorry to say this, but only an uneducated person would refuse to breathe correctly for a better quality life and a marginal increase in brain power. If you have decided to breathe deeper, from this point on, you have already enhanced your intelligence.

meditation is taught in all forms of Yoga. meditation increases concentration and allows the mind to relax. The first requirement of meditation is to keep the spine straight. After that, a mindful meditation session, focusing on breath awar...more

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Private Lessons

... with local Yoga teachers, and personal trainers; many of them will be happy to help you.

If personal trainers, with similar experience, are charging more than you, your rates are usually too low. Why? Some personal trainers might graduate from a 200 to 500 hour certification course; but many do not, unless they have a bachelors degree in physical education, which is more experience than most Yoga teachers.

Most Yoga instructors graduate from a 200 to 500 hour Yoga instructor training program. The hours of study involved to become a Yoga teacher deserves a similar private session rate, if the working experience is similar to a personal trainer.

How do you avoid Yoga students, who make appointments and do not show up for scheduled private Yoga session? You should have a firm 24 hour cancellation policy in place. Yoga stude...more

International Yoga College