5 Ways to Compare Integral Yoga to Other Yoga Formats

1. Integral Yoga Integrates

Integral yoga integrates not only the body, mind and spirit to the universe but also integrates several different types of yoga into one. The breathing techniques and poses come from Hatha yoga. Raja yoga gives meditation for a balanced and controlled mind. Karma yoga involves the selfless service and jnana yoga creates the intellectual approach for self-awareness and transcendence of the mind. Bhakti yoga philosophy donates the concept of constant love to a God or the divine. The mantras of Integral yoga come from Japa yoga.

2. Matter and Material are Important in Integral Yoga

Integral yoga differs from other yoga in its outlook on material possessions. The Prakriti has two natures: a higher nature and a lower nature. Ego is one element of the lower nature. Just like other yoga, Integral yoga attempts to release the spirit from the lower Prakriti. The difference ends there. The lower nature transmutes to the higher nature, and in integral yoga, the glory of the spirit comes to not only the mind and spirit; but also material aspects of life. Integral yoga is the only yoga to divinize matter. The spirit manifests a fuller existence for the world.

3. Asanas are Gentle

The body movements of Integral yoga differ from Hatha yoga. A student performs a pose when the body is ready for that pose. There is a gentler approach to the poses than there is in Hatha yoga. The amount of time spent on poses in Integral yoga is less than that of Hatha yoga.

4. Opposites Are Part of the Whole in Integral Yoga

The Sri Aurobindo's symbol of two triangles, one pointing up and the other down and overlaying the first, looks like the Star of David. This symbol represents the ascent and descent and symbolizes that all things are connected. When the body transforms in integral yoga it reaches the ultimate goal. Duality and all inclusiveness differs from most other forms of yoga.

5. Integral Yoga Intertwines the Self with Selfless Action, Love, Peace and Wisdom

The philosophy of Integral yoga and self-integration encompasses more than other forms of yoga. Other forms of yoga focus on selfless action, love, peace or wisdom but none except Integral yoga focus on all three. Integral yoga teaches that the present life is important and it has meaning when it intertwines with the principles of selfless action, love, peace or wisdom.