Yoga is an activity in which the body, mind, and spirit work together to achieve unity. Yoga may be referred to as a workout, practice, science, discipline, or system, complete with its own rules. Certain types focus on ways of achieving a union between an individual soul and a universal soul, or on mastering the nature of the mind, or simply on a feeling of well-being. Yoga can be beneficial for people of all ages and fitness levels, and can be anything from gentle exercise to a rigorous workout.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is the most popular type of yoga, and is known for its physical aspect. Hatha focuses on mastery of the body through training that uses breathing, meditation, and poses, or asanas; it benefits the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. "Hatha" refers to the coming-together of opposite pairs, which is achieved by balancing stability and mobility, strength and flexibility, and both sides of the brain.
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga is known as the yoga of devotion, selfless love and serving others. It is practiced through prayer, chanting, singing, or dancing, and represents compassion for and acceptance of others.
Raja Yoga
Raja yoga — the "royal" path or road — focuses on personal enlightenment through meditation, incorporating exercise and breathing practices to reach the goal of creating a well-rounded individual. Raja devotees strive to enhance consciousness, and to unite the mind and soul.
Jnana Yoga
Jnana yoga is devoted to the exercise of wisdom and true knowledge, which is considered the most difficult path. Those who practice jnana study the scriptures and texts of traditional yoga in aiming for a state of enlightenment. They also seek to master mind control, the better to stay single-minded and attain self-control.
Karma Yoga
Devotees of karma yoga choose a path of service to the less fortunate through selfless actions, and expect nothing in return. Karma yoga is based on honesty and integrity; the discipline evolved from the theory of action and reaction, cause and effect.
Mantra Yoga
Mantra yoga uses mantras, or sounds, to increase concentration and attain peace of mind. The mantras are chanted to help protect the mind, and this type of yoga relieves stress, anxiety and tension.
Tantra Yoga
Tantra yoga aims to make the path of knowledge accessible to all men and women. Those who practice tantra live with unconditional love, acceptance, and joy, while renouncing material possessions.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga uses meditation to awaken the body's chakras, or energy centers. In particular, the goal is to tap the energy coiled at the base of the spine.
References
- "Yoga"; Noa Belling; 2003
- "Yoga For the Joy of It"; Minda Goodman Kraines & Barbara Rose Sherman; 2010
- "Primary Yoga: Official Certification Manual"; Fitness Instructor Training; 2003
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