Nine types of Yoga
August 15th, 2008
There are several classifications of Yoga. Many forms of Yoga have similarities with each other. It is common for persons to have a routine in which they do a series of Yogas in a particular order. In this article I will introduce 9 main Indian Yogas : Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Tantric Yoga ,Mantra Yoga, Laya and Kundalini Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, , Hatha Yoga and Yantra Yoga , Raja Yoga.1. Jnana Yoga
This form of Yoga consists of a focus on the intellect and knowledge. This involves meditation in an effort to overcome the empirical ego and to expose a person’s true self to themselves.
2. Bhakti Yoga
While considered the most popular form of Yoga practiced in India, most westerners are apprehensive about partaking in the seemingly religious routines. Bhakti Yoga involves a heavy focus on worship, devotion and love. The use of signing songs of praise defines the devotional nature of Bhakti Yoga.
3. Karma Yoga
This form of Yoga embraces the ideal of selfless giving. It focuses on the concept of doing good things without any focus on any benefits derived from doing so.
4. Mantra Yoga
Mantra Yoga involves the repetition of particular syllables words or phrases. Vibrations of the voice play an important role in Manta Yoga. These specific syllables, words and phrases are referred to as mantras. Transcendental Meditation is a westernized form of Mantra Yoga. The use of what is considered the inner ear is vital to a Mantra Yoga exercise.
5.Yantra Yoga
This form of Yoga involves the use of visuals to stimulate consciousness, much like sound to Mantra Yoga. Yantra yoga uses the inner eye. The focus of Yantra Yoga, a Yantra can be a actual image, such as a beautiful landscape or the design of a temple, as well as a inner visual.
6. Laya and Kundalini Yoga.
This involves a significant level of meditative concentration and the us of many of the practices of Hatha Yoga. This is in a effort to access the psychic nerve-force that is to be found in the body. It involves moving what is considered a serpent power, kundalini from the bottom of the spine, up to the chakra which is considered the crown of the body. This process of movement involves stages of enlightenment, the ultimate of which being the Samadhi at the crown.
7. Tantric Yoga
One of the more controversial forms of Yoga, focuses on the sexual nature of men and women. It concentrates on the union of male and female through ritualistic practices. The teachings of Tantric Yoga are often protected, an so there is dispute as to its validity.
8. Hatha Yoga
The most common form of yoga practiced in the west is Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga consists of the popular breath controls and postures; this is often done in preparation for Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga) a more meditation heavy practice. Yoga purists look on Hatha Yoga (Breathing Yoga) as merely a purification process before more mental Yoga. The practice of Hatha is well regarded for its health benefits on the vital organs , glands and the nervous system. Hatha Yoga in some cases is considered a form of Hygiene.
9. Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is also known as the Royal Yoga because those who partake have mastered the mind. It is the is mastering of the mind that is at the core of Raja Yoga. Hatha Yoga prepares to body to focus on energy on the mind. There are several approaches to the relationship between an the use of Hatha an Raja Yoga. Some people approach is the Hatha an Raja compliment each other, while others believe that either one is adequate and will positively affect the other aspects of the body.
Please note that these are only some of the forms of Yoga. Yoga is now practiced world-wide and has taken on new forms, and continues to grow. It is also important to understand that several of the practices found in each form of Yoga may not be unique to that form.
Tags: Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Laya and Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Raja Yoga, Tantric Yoga, Yantra Yoga, Yoga
Posted in Yoga | Comments (2)
August 17th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I read similar article also named pes of Yoga, and it was completely different. Personally, I agree with you more, because this article makes a little bit more sense for me
August 19th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
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