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Yoga FAQs (cont.)

What is yoga?
How is yoga different from meditation?
Do I have to practice all of the principles of yoga to benefit from it?
I have never tried yoga before but want to do it now. Where should I start?
How often and for how long should I do the asanas?
Can I do the asanas by myself with the help of a yoga book?
Are yoga classes safe?
Do I need special equipment for yoga practice?
Are there any other helpful guidelines for yoga practice?
Do I need to be on a vegetarian diet to benefit from yoga?
How is meditation practiced?
What is pranayama?
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I have never tried yoga before but want to do it now. Where should I start?

You can start yoga with any of the 8 principles. Whatever suits your temperament and whatever instructor you have, begin from that aspect. Most popular forms of yoga start with low physical impact postures (asanas). If the asanas are practiced regularly, the body and the mind will become flexible. With patience and discipline, one will find new energy flowing through the body’s systems. Some systems of yoga such as Kundalini yoga start with meditation while others such as Kriya yoga start with breathing techniques.