Classical Yoga

What is Classical Yoga?

Here in the west, it seems that every day we are exposed to Yoga in one way or another. Even if you have never stepped foot inside a yoga studio or gym, you have likely seen Yoga images that promote a feeling of calm and peace on television, in newspapers and magazines, and on billboards. It seems that Yoga helps to sell everything from Yogurt to Athletic Wear, Dream Vacations, and peace of mind Financial Solutions. Indeed, Yoga Sells.

As a Yoga Teacher, I do not feel that this commercialization of Yoga is entirely a "bad" thing. Although I am sometimes concerned with promises implied by some of these advertisments, I feel that the use of Yogic images in marketing may help to bring otherwise uninclined people to explore this ancient science of man.

So where did it all begin? How did we arrive at a place in time where a graceful silouette of Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance), on a beach at sunrise, instantly induces a sense of peace and tranquility?