Yoga

Hinduism and Buddhism gave birth to yoga long ago in India as a physical manifestation of well-being and spiritual commitment. 

Today, people around the world practice two main types of this ancient practice that's been modernized.

Ashtanga and Anusara are modern yoga.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga yoga was brought to the western world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915 – 2009).

The purpose of Ashtanga is to create sweat that purifies the body, which is provided by internal heat.

 This is accomplished through a series of yoga poses paired with breathing exercises to promote a strong body and calm mind.

The meaning of Ashtanga is “eight-limbed yoga”.

The Yoga Sutras reveal the limbs to be a set of eight principles.

Moral-codes, self-purification and study, posture, breath control, sense control, concentration, meditation, and absorption into the universe make up the limbs.

The point of Ashtanga is to accomplish all of these goals to the fullest of your ability. Anusara

Anusara is a new form of yoga – it began in 1997 by a man named John Friend. Friend's purpose was to “align with the Divine,” according to the official Anusara website.

When many people consider yoga, they thing of people chanting “Om”; this is Anusara.

A meditative state enhanced by synchronized breathing and poses assists one in aligning with the Divine. 

Making your choice

When you are making your decision between these two practices, it is best to weigh all of their similarities and differences in relation to your personality.

If you are a more structured person who enjoys athletics, then Ashtanga is for you.

It provides an intense workout and also gives a very straightforward way to be a good person.

If you are a little looser in your life philosophies, however, Anusara could be a better fit.

The purpose of Anusara is also different than Ashtanga, but the workout is comprable.

Self-fulfillment and recognizing goodness in the world is also an important part of Anusara.

Your Divine alignment will come from through this goodness.

Either way you decide to practice yoga, you'll need a Yoga Mat!