Yoga is a philosophy of life and a process of transformation. It is both theory and practice. There are many types of yoga. The main ones are: Jnana Yoga (knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Karma Yoga (action), Raja Yoga (meditation), and Hatha Yoga (forceful). Each path has its own disciplines.
Most of the yoga practiced in the West is Hatha Yoga. Historically, there had been a lot of disregard for the body, and attention to transcending the body. Tantra changed that, acknowledging the importance of the body in spiritual growth. The aim: to have a healthy body of light, able to hold the powerful energy of the “serpent power”.
The traditional path of Hatha Yoga developed out of the Tantric concerns for a healthy body. Disciplines include moral disciplines, diet, rituals, purification techniques, postures, breath and prana control, seals, locks, meditation/ visualization and ecstasy. The names associated with Hatha Yoga are Goraksha Natha (1150 AD) and Matsyendra Natha (1000 AD).
T. Krishnamacharya (1888-1989) was the guru (and father) of T.V. Desikachar and the guru (and brother-in-law) of B.K.S. Iyengar, and also the guru of K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009) and Indra Devi (1899-2002). These individuals are responsible for Hatha Yoga in the West.
The esoteric explanation (not literal meaning) of Hatha is ha the sun, and tha the moon. Yoga is the union of these two forces within, with the result of bliss.
Teacher trainings in Hatha yoga cover a wide variety of styles from the gentle Kripalu, through to the precision of Iyengar, to the dynamic Ashtanga. The student of yoga will likely choose to teach the type of yoga he/she practices.
To find a Yoga teacher training that suits your needs, begin by visiting the official website of the style you are interested in.
Here are a few:
