Yoga FAQ

What does ‘Hatha’ mean? What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha is an umbrella term for all styles of yoga that emphasise the body. For this reason hatha is sometimes translated as ‘forceful’ or ‘skilful’ yoga. A more accurate translation comes when we split hatha into its composites: Ha and Tha. Sun and moon; left and right, hatha is a balancing process. There are many branches (or lineages) of hatha yoga some pure and some are hybrids and amalgamations of forms. Sivananda, Satyananda, Iyengar, Power Yoga, Bikram, Scaravelli; these are all styles of hatha yoga.

That sounds confusing, what are the differences in the styles of Hatha Yoga?

"…it is not useful to think of different styles of yoga; this is simply yoga, which comes from a vast and ancient source. The only authentic yoga is the one that works for each person according to circumstances and needs, and there are many possibilities." (Desikachar)

The postures may be similar in different styles, what differentiates these styles is the way they are sequenced (the vinyasa, or flow) and how the breath is used within the practice.

So what style of hatha yoga do you teach? What’s your background?

My principle current teacher is from the Mahasiddha Yoga School in Oxford, with whom I undertook my British Wheel of Yoga Diploma. Most of the practical, ethical and philosophical study was held at the Samye Ling Buddhist Centre in London, while also attending regular classes in the Kashmir Style of Yoga, in Tai Chi and in Kum Nye (Tibetan Healing Practices). My own daily yoga practice has evolved over the years into a subtle, meditative approach to asana (yoga posture) with a large emphasis on pranayama (breath control) as a lead into seated meditation.

Studying in mindfulness, and both Shamatha and Vipassana meditation at SRSG in Northern India means I am fortunate to have contact with my teacher there, as well as studying with teachers from the Himalayan Institute in America. I also undertook the BWY Meditation Modules with BWY Diploma Course Tutor Maarten Vermasse.

Having trained in many styles and forms of yoga over more than 10 years, my own teaching approach is flexible and adaptable to the needs of a particular group (or individual). The emphasis of my teaching vocabulary stresses breath release, so awareness is directed to the ‘sensation’ of the posture, rather than on a body aesthetic or idealised end result.

Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?

No, you start from where you are. Flexibility may be a side effect of practice, but it isn’t essential.

What should I wear? What should I bring?

Wear warm, loose comfortable clothes. Layers might be a good idea. Practice is done bare foot so you can feel the floor. Bring a mat - there’s always a chance you can borrow one if you haven’t got one (though most people prefer their own for hygiene reasons!). You may wish to bring a yoga block, or small cushion. If you let me know, I can purchase mats or blocks for you. It’s not a good idea to eat a large meal for several hours before practising.

I’m confused about meditation. What is meditation? How do I meditate?

Many students are simply unaware that there are a huge number of different approaches to meditation, along with many religious and/or philosophical traditions behind these approaches. Confusion arises where many of these traditions tell students their way is either the best or only authentic way of practicing. Some traditions emphasise mantras, others emphasise sensation of breathing or of internal energy. Some use a physical object as a point of focus, a candle or a picture perhaps. Just like asana practice, it’s worth finding the method (or a teacher) that best suits you.

What is meditation? "Knowing how to maintain our mind in its own nature, as it is, without being distracted by either outer phenomena or inner thoughts, is precisely what we mean by meditation." (Bokar Rimpoche).

As for how to do it, it’s probably best, at least at first, to attend a class and receive instruction. And then practice, practice, practice…

Any good yoga class will eventually lead to, and allow time for, meditation.

Can you recommend any yoga books?

Yes, many – though I wouldn’t recommend practicing with the book propped open!

Hatha Yoga:

The Complete Idiots Guide to Yoga, Alpha Books, Budilovsky/Adamson

The Heart of Yoga, ITI Books, Desikachar

Yoga: Mastering the Basics, Himalayan Institute Press, Sovik/Anderson

Meditation:

Meditation Advice to Beginners, Clear Point Press, Bokar Rinpoche

Moving Inward, Himalayan Institute Press, Sovik

Philosophy:

Any edition of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (although Heart of Yoga – above - contains a reasonable translation)

Any edition of The Dhammapada

You may also want to have a look at The Bhagavad Gita, the translation I use most is by Stephen Mitchell/Random House

DVDs and Cds

I don’t particularly recommend practicing from a DVD, it’s difficult to internalise, although they can be useful for reference.

Cds can be more immediately useful – try some of the Satyananda Meditation ones, or the Himalayan Institute produce a reasonable Relaxation CD.

Regular & committed students of ’Yoga: A Mindful Practice’ classes can request the course CD, although this is not for general sale.

Kum Nye Books

Kum Nye - Tibetan Yoga, Dharma Publishing, Tarthang Tulku

Joy of Being, Dharma Publishing, Tarthang Tulku

Finally, why call this site ‘bodhi yoga’?

Aside from vanity, and the fact I was brought the domain name as a present by students who had long asked for a web-site, the term bodhi yoga is appropriate for a couple of reasons. It was under a bodhi tree that Siddhartha Gautama sat to attain enlightenment, and became Buddha. That enlightenment involved embracing the ‘Middle Way’, achieved through avoiding both indulgence and mortification. He then described four ennobling truths: those of suffering, its origins, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation. Only through knowing these truths, knowing how to act upon them, and knowing that he has acted on them could the Buddha claim to have found ‘authentic awakening’.

In a sense the Buddha awoke from a sleep of existential confusion. The above truths provided for him not just an ennobled feeling, or a more enlightened viewpoint, but it also granted a natural integrity, dignity and authority to his life. Regardless of our individual background and beliefs, that genuine self-integrity is surely something to aspire to. We can begin that by recognising and challenging our habitual impulses, by cultivating mindfulness in daily life. To undertake yoga practice is to metaphorically sit under that bodhi tree and work hard to know, diagnose and heal. Bodhi Yoga. Yoga: A Mindful Practice.

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