The Sanskrit word yoga means "union". Generally, the term Yoga refers to the tools and techniques we can use to reconnect to this state of union, or oneness, and authentic sense of self, which exists at the core of each of us. Yoga is beneficial to the body on a physical level, while at the same time helping to deeply enrich our emotional and mental well-being through an accessible practice grounded in breath and physical experience.

ISHTA has a two-fold meaning: In Sanskrit, the word Ishta means "personalized", or "individualized". Recognizing the uniqueness of the individual, ISHTA yoga helps you to find your own unique practice that will best fit your individual needs and development.

ISHTA is also an acronym for the Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda. Hatha is the physical practice of asana, or yoga postures, Tantra is the yogic philosophy acknowledging our inherent perfection, while Ayurveda stands for the Indian science of healing.

Hatha: The physical practice in ISHTA yoga (the Hatha element) varies depending on the individual's needs. Asanas can be practiced more slowly with longer holds and special attention to form and detail to build focus and discipline, while a vigorous practice would be used to build heat and burn out toxins. In a group class this approach means that the specifics of the class change according to the composition of the class. Modifications are given to meet the needs of the individual student and allow for adaptations according to his flexibility, strength, history of injuries etc. At all times, attention to proper alignment is emphasized as key to keep the body safe and functioning efficiently. Focus on complete and steady breath encourage the energy to move freely.

Tantra: Tantra is a system that posits we can transform our lives through the body-centered practices of Hatha Yoga. In the ISHTA practice we primarily draw from this tradition by using the tools of meditation and pranayama (breath work). Through tantric philosophy, recognizing that our essential nature is divine, perfect "as it is", the ISHTA approach helps us to realize that asanas (postures), pranayama, and meditation are not practiced to be perfected in order to match idealized pictures. Instead we experience that the right approach to yoga brings us back to the joy that exists at the core of our being. Once we can experience that feeling of bliss on our yoga mat, we can take it into our lives to permeate every moment of our living.

Ayurveda: The application of Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing developed in India, in the ISHTA practice encourages truthful self-exploration. We learn to become aware of how our current circumstances impact our physical, emotional and energetic state, and how to find adjust our yoga practice accordingly.

Read about History / Lineage of ISHTA Yoga

We are usually interested in yoga for one reason more than another. For example, you might simply be interested in yoga's physical benefits and do not care much about its spiritual aspects. This is fine. As Alan Finger says: "Though your focus may be on the physical, you cannot help to reap the mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits as well. You may not be seeking them out, but they will appear, so consider them as a bonus and enjoy them."

Hari Om, Om Tat Sat.
May unconditional love and supreme consciousness saturate every moment of your living.