In modern Yoga narrative Yoga is interpreted in many different ways, from a meditation practice to sports on one end and from being a healing modality to a spiritual path on the other. It can be hard to know which is which and which. Here is a short note on Ten Differences Between Modern Yoga and Traditional Yoga. Hope this note helps you to know the difference and choose what you feel you need in your life.

1. Modern Yoga looks at Yoga as a physical posture practice (asana) while Traditional Yoga looks at Yoga as a practice of spiritual self-realisation (moksha).
2. The practice of Modern Yoga begins with the body through the aspect of Asana. Traditional Yoga may not begin with the body and Asana.
3. Modern Yoga is categorized in ‘Yoga styles’ which are different ways of doing asana. Traditional Yoga is categorized in Yoga types which are different orientations towards reaching spiritual self-realization.
4. Modern Yoga mostly requires a Yoga studio or a Yoga centre for training and practice. Traditional Yoga may or may not require the essentiality of an ashram for training and/or practice.
5. Modern Yoga looks at Yoga as a practice that one does for an hour or so, few times a week, as an exercise or relaxation practice. Traditional Yoga is more of a lifestyle program with rituals and practices to be practised throughout the day to refine the mind and heart.
6. Traditional Yoga originates in the initiatory tradition of Guru-Disciple relationship backed by a continuing spiritual lineage. Modern Yoga does not base itself in such a structure.
7. Traditional Yoga practices essentially stem out of the geographical region of south-asia and India. Modern Yoga practices do not have a common geographical origin as such.
8. Traditional Yoga originates in spiritual philosophies of Vedas and Tantras. Modern Yoga inspires itself from philosophical systems from around the world.
9. Traditional Yoga works towards gradually moving away from external, sensory, transient world to focus the energy more on the internal, spiritual, permanent truth. Modern Yoga, by and large, does not emphasize on any such specific premise.
10. Traditional Yoga insists on cultivating ethical-moral purity, intense focus, deep faith and unfailing commitment for its practice. Modern Yoga does not insist on these attributes for its practice.