Yoga Systems: Basic Types of yoga

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Yoga Systems: Basic Types of yoga

"Bodily existence is ephemeral. All accumulated things are ultimately perishable. Therefore, be established in the Self and do not dispute."

All techniques that bring about union of the soul and Spirit can be called Yoga.

There are various indirect and direct methods of directing and controlling the mind to attain the union of spirit with spirit.

Some of these are chanting, prayers, silence, emotional singing, intellectual meditation, social and religious work. However the five widely practised types are:

-       Bhakti Yoga

-       Gyaana Yoga

-       Karma Yoga

-       Hatha Yoga

-       Tantric or Kundalini Yoga

Each of these may have a number of subsystems and associated with their own philosophies. The choice for you among all these depends in part on your own environmental upbringing, in addition to your core interests and 'inner urges' welling up in your heart.

It is wise to remember that any or a judicious mixture of these may be useful in the long run to attain a state of Self Realisation, but you need to choose carefully in the initial stages itself and embark on the path chosen with determined resolution and conviction to attain the goal!

Among all the above listed yoga systems, Bhakti Yoga and Tantric Yoga is the widely practiced system in India and many Eastern nations while Hatha yoga (physical yoga) is the most widely practiced branch of yoga in the West. Tantric yoga is widely practised in Tibet.

You will find that the more you learn about the different yogic traditions, the deeper your experience will become. You are welcome to explore these branches of yoga and choose a practice that suits you best.

Raja yoga develops a balance between love and knowledge; bhakti yoga develops love towards the Divine; and Gyana yoga develops the strength of personality!

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See also: Yoga Systems, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)