Yoga is
basically divided into eight types. In every type different styles of and paths
of yoga are explained. The prominent yoga types are: Hatha yoga, Bhakti yoga,
Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, Kundalini yoga, Raja yoga, Purna yoga and Mantra yoga.
It is important to note that every type of yoga has its own unique qualities.
Some yoga styles play an important role in improving physical health while some
are useful in increasing mental ability.
Types of yoga and its importance:-
1. Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti Yoga is a system of Yoga in which love and devotion are given emphasis. Some of the Bhakti Yoga traditions lay emphasis on love of God, love of God in man and surrender to God's will. Some people are naturally inclined by temperament to be devotional and to love God and God-as-the-world. In the Bhakti Yoga fold, maintenance of balance is recommended. Perhaps we all practice Bhakti Yoga in our day today life. Bhakti Yoga is reflected most in our prayer to the God.
2. Hatha Yoga: Hatha Yoga is said to be the basis of all Yoga systems. Hatha yoga is the physical part of Yoga practice. Hatha yoga lays emphasis on asanas, pranayama and dhyana (meditation). Another important facet of Yoga is that it aims at balancing different energy flows within the human body. Hatha Yoga exercises are intended to ease tense muscles, to tone up the internal organs, and to improve the body flexibility. When practiced in combination with breathing techniques, Hatha yoga postures
stimulate circulation, digestion, nervous and endocrine systems of the body.
3. Jnana Yoga: Another popular Yoga type is the Jnana Yoga. Jnana Yoga emphasizes the use of the mind to surpass the mind i.e. to discern the mind. The aim of Jnana Yoga is to endeavor ceaselessly to explore knowledge and to know and understand. Jnana Yoga is eight-limbed, and its other seven limbs are detachment, self-discipline, longing for freedom, hearing the truth, reflection upon that truth, and meditation. Jnana Yoga aims at attaining liberation through knowledge and not by rituals and ceremonies.
4. Karma Yoga: Karma Yoga lays emphasis on selfless action and service. The underlying message of Karma Yoga is very clear- humans must always work in harmony with the great power that controls and runs the universe. With the eradication of compulsive or possessive desire, we are able to live in the present and at the same time can plan for the future.
5. Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini yoga is a physical and meditative discipline, comprising a set of techniques that use the mind, senses and body to create a communication between "mind" and "body". Kundalini yoga focuses on psycho-spiritual growth and the body's potential for maturation, giving special consideration to the role of the spine and the endocrine system in the understanding of yogic awakening.
6. Mantra Yoga: Mantras are words, phrases, or syllables which are chanted attentively and thoughtfully to attain certain goals. In the Mantra Yoga meditation one has to chant a word or a phrase until he/she transcends mind and emotions. In the process the super conscious is discovered and achieved. The rhythm and the meaning of mantras combine to conduct the mind safely back to the point of meditation- the higher consciousness or the specific spiritual focus. Different syllables, phrases and words posses their unique healing potential. Hence they are chanted at a specific time.
7. Purna Yoga: Purna yoga is also known as Integral yoga. The philosophy of Purna yoga is based on the recognition of importance of perfect integration of the human being with the divine consciousness at all levels of existence. This is a very difficult pathway of yoga and requires complete dedication and support of a guru. It is yoga of complete integration of the self through action, wisdom, peace and love. Integral yoga suggests that action alone is not possible to purify the soul that could lead the Sadhak on the path to salvation. Action, wisdom, love and knowledge have to be used as a means of self-purification of the soul.
8. Raja Yoga: An important branch of Yoga, Raja Yoga is a one stop solution for complete and holistic healing. Raja Yoga possesses the positive power of influencing the life of human beings. Raja Yoga synchronizes the physiological system as a whole as well as transforms all spheres (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual) of human existence. Raja Yoga therapy is truly a holistic treatment as it heals the principal mechanisms and the control of the whole person. Raja Yoga helps an individual to mitigate emotional and mental conflicts. Raja Yoga also brings lasting peace and satisfaction in one's life. All these virtues make Raja Yoga a way of living.
Summary:
Yoga is one of the most popular and commonly participated in exercises out there, but not many people are actually aware of just how many different types of yoga there are to choose from. Each has its own features, qualities and advantages, and so in order to be able to determine which is going to work best for you.
Types of yoga and its importance:-
1. Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti Yoga is a system of Yoga in which love and devotion are given emphasis. Some of the Bhakti Yoga traditions lay emphasis on love of God, love of God in man and surrender to God's will. Some people are naturally inclined by temperament to be devotional and to love God and God-as-the-world. In the Bhakti Yoga fold, maintenance of balance is recommended. Perhaps we all practice Bhakti Yoga in our day today life. Bhakti Yoga is reflected most in our prayer to the God.
2. Hatha Yoga: Hatha Yoga is said to be the basis of all Yoga systems. Hatha yoga is the physical part of Yoga practice. Hatha yoga lays emphasis on asanas, pranayama and dhyana (meditation). Another important facet of Yoga is that it aims at balancing different energy flows within the human body. Hatha Yoga exercises are intended to ease tense muscles, to tone up the internal organs, and to improve the body flexibility. When practiced in combination with breathing techniques, Hatha yoga postures
stimulate circulation, digestion, nervous and endocrine systems of the body.
3. Jnana Yoga: Another popular Yoga type is the Jnana Yoga. Jnana Yoga emphasizes the use of the mind to surpass the mind i.e. to discern the mind. The aim of Jnana Yoga is to endeavor ceaselessly to explore knowledge and to know and understand. Jnana Yoga is eight-limbed, and its other seven limbs are detachment, self-discipline, longing for freedom, hearing the truth, reflection upon that truth, and meditation. Jnana Yoga aims at attaining liberation through knowledge and not by rituals and ceremonies.
4. Karma Yoga: Karma Yoga lays emphasis on selfless action and service. The underlying message of Karma Yoga is very clear- humans must always work in harmony with the great power that controls and runs the universe. With the eradication of compulsive or possessive desire, we are able to live in the present and at the same time can plan for the future.
5. Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini yoga is a physical and meditative discipline, comprising a set of techniques that use the mind, senses and body to create a communication between "mind" and "body". Kundalini yoga focuses on psycho-spiritual growth and the body's potential for maturation, giving special consideration to the role of the spine and the endocrine system in the understanding of yogic awakening.
6. Mantra Yoga: Mantras are words, phrases, or syllables which are chanted attentively and thoughtfully to attain certain goals. In the Mantra Yoga meditation one has to chant a word or a phrase until he/she transcends mind and emotions. In the process the super conscious is discovered and achieved. The rhythm and the meaning of mantras combine to conduct the mind safely back to the point of meditation- the higher consciousness or the specific spiritual focus. Different syllables, phrases and words posses their unique healing potential. Hence they are chanted at a specific time.
7. Purna Yoga: Purna yoga is also known as Integral yoga. The philosophy of Purna yoga is based on the recognition of importance of perfect integration of the human being with the divine consciousness at all levels of existence. This is a very difficult pathway of yoga and requires complete dedication and support of a guru. It is yoga of complete integration of the self through action, wisdom, peace and love. Integral yoga suggests that action alone is not possible to purify the soul that could lead the Sadhak on the path to salvation. Action, wisdom, love and knowledge have to be used as a means of self-purification of the soul.
8. Raja Yoga: An important branch of Yoga, Raja Yoga is a one stop solution for complete and holistic healing. Raja Yoga possesses the positive power of influencing the life of human beings. Raja Yoga synchronizes the physiological system as a whole as well as transforms all spheres (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual) of human existence. Raja Yoga therapy is truly a holistic treatment as it heals the principal mechanisms and the control of the whole person. Raja Yoga helps an individual to mitigate emotional and mental conflicts. Raja Yoga also brings lasting peace and satisfaction in one's life. All these virtues make Raja Yoga a way of living.
Summary:
Yoga is one of the most popular and commonly participated in exercises out there, but not many people are actually aware of just how many different types of yoga there are to choose from. Each has its own features, qualities and advantages, and so in order to be able to determine which is going to work best for you.
