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Heart Yoga

Heart Yoga, which is formally called Yoga of the Heart, works the mind, heart, and emotions, corollary stimulating the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. This results to a strong body, sound mind, and a healthy heart. Aside from these benefits, Heart Yoga also builds up relationships, keeps connections, nurtures mindfulness, and fulfills emotional needs. One of the gentlest Styles of Yoga, Heart Yoga is comprised basically of active Meditation, Yoga Postures, and breathing practices. Heart Yoga focuses on the inner workings of the body, particularly the heart, and the application of essential Buddhism principles. Heart Yoga is based on Tibetan Buddhist texts written thousands of years ago by yogis to serve as a guide for a progressive practice.

 
Heart Yoga started when yogis in India used Hatha Yoga to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Eventually, the yogis shifted to gentler Yoga practices. Yamas and Niyamas became the rules of conduct. Later on, Yoga practices were kept, but many of these geared towards Meditation. Yoga branched into two approaches led by Tibetan Buddhists and yogis, but both still followed Patanjali’s 8 limbs. Heart Yoga brings back the two approaches together among modern-day Yoga practitioners. Regardless of age, physical condition, or ability level, anyone can do Heart Yoga.

 
Heart Yoga puts emphasis on energy forces called vayus or inner winds, which fashion the thoughts of a person, and are affected by the breath. The inner winds flow all throughout the body, especially through the two channels called ida and pangala, which represent the female and male side, respectively.  Aside from the inner winds, ethics are also given prime emphasis by Heart yogis. Six times a day, many Heart yogis pause to reflect. They check whether they follow the ten vows that are comparable to the yamas and nayamas. In this sense, Heart yogis look over their sense of morality. Heart Yoga also upholds the practice of giving. The elements of karma and emptiness are employed in this Yoga practice. Among Heart Yogis, their Yoga practice is offered to others rather than to themselves. So when Heart Yogis are looking for love or compassion, they have to direct it first to someone else.

 

References and more information:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/info/heart-yoga.asp