The IG Yoga

There is nothing wrong with the Instagram Yoga; and by IG Yoga I mean all yoga sites on social media. Yoga here is displayed from a marketing perspective; hence the images of difficult postures, fit bodies, fancy outfits and sometimes music. This is understood and widely accepted because jobs have turned into the online world mainly.

However, the IG Yoga is, in its majority, a continuation of the western perception of yoga, which is different from the eastern one.

So what is the “western yoga”?

Simply put, yoga in the West is seen solely as Hatha Yoga, a workout with many physical and mental benefits. This is the reason why it is taught in gyms for example as part of group classes. The aim is the posture or asanas as a path to the mental benefits.

In India, yoga is taught is ashrams or in specialized institutes. There, it is not about types of yoga but schools of yoga. Yoga, which means union, is the path of enlightenment and connection with all types of life. Hatha Yoga is one branch out of six which are the following:

Raja: with meditation as the main focus

Karma: path of service, of self-transcending action

Bhakti: devotion

Jnana; development of the intellect through the study of the texts.

Tantra: the most esoteric of all branches and widely misunderstood, it is about consecrated sexuality. Tantra is not porn.

Apart from some hints and tips about meditation, where are the rest of the branches on social media?