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1. What is yoga?
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is
often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. A male who practices
yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.The Indian sage Patanjali
is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an
estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that
serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced
today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas
(observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara
(withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and
samadhi (absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining
our behavior in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach
samadhi (liberation, enlightenment).Today most people practicing yoga are
engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a program of physical postures
designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina
required for long periods of meditation.

2. What does Hatha mean?
The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of
physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas,
designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also
designed to open the many channels of the body; especially the main channel,
the spine; so that energy can flow freely. Hatha is also translated as ha
meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon". This refers to the balance of
masculine aspects; active, hot, sun; and feminine aspects;receptive, cool,
moon;within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and
uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and
flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each
pose.Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring
our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind
and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.

3. What does Om mean?
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning
and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe. What does
that mean?Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling
us; that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything
that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis
acknowledged with the sound of Om. We may not always be aware of this
sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn
leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell.Chanting Om allows us
to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves;
the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of
our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement,
through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to
sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.

4. How many times per week should I practice?
Yoga is amazing; even if you only practice for one hour a week, you will
experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you will
certainly experience more benefits. I suggest starting with two or three times a
week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time. If you can only do 20
minutes per session, that's fine too. Don't let time constraints or unrealistic
goals be an obstacle; do what you can and don't worry about it. You will
likely find that after awhile your desire to practice expands naturally and you
will find yourself doing more and more.

5. How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures.
Patanjali's eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one
aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we
connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the
rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to
direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn
to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging
them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences
from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes
yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will
most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

6. Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated
5,000 years ago. The father of classical ashtanga yoga (the eight-limbed path,
not to be confused with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' Ashtanga yoga) is said to be
Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework
for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. Yoga
sometimes interweaves other philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddhism,
but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice or study yoga.It
is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.

7. I'm not flexible; can I do yoga?
Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need
to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to
be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you
will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.This newfound
agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced
cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall
well-being.

8. What do I need to begin?
All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a
bit of curiosity. But it is also helpful to have a pair of sweat pants, leggings, or
shorts, and a t-shirt that's not too baggy. No special footgear is required
because you will be barefoot. It's nice to bring a towel to class with you. As
your practice develops you might want to buy your own yoga mat, but most
studios will have mats and other props available for you.

9. Why are you supposed to refrain from eating two to three hours
before class?
In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend
forward and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will
make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a
person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get
hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack such as
yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.