According to University of Maryland Medical Center, yoga is "a philosophy that connects the body, breath, and mind to energize and balance the whole person." Yoga can help you achieve improved stamina, strength, stability, flexibility and posture. There are several types, or branches, of yoga you can choose from including Bhakti and Jnana. You do not have to limit yourself to one yoga path. You can benefit from practicing several styles.
About Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga focuses on love and closeness to God. If you choose this yoga path you are choosing the path of spirituality and devotion. When you are a Bhakti yogi or yogini you will strive to express love and devotion in every action and thought in life. You will always channel positive emotions and energy while expressing tolerance, generosity and patience with all people. As a truly enlightened Bhakti yoga follower you will see God's light in all life.
Practicing Bhakti Yoga
There are nine traditional practices that you may use to become a Bhakti. A guru or spiritual teacher can help you on your path. The basic methods involved with Bhakti start with Shravana, which is hearing stories about God's greatness and Kirtana, a form of chanting. You will also need to learn to practice Smarana, a constant remembrance of divinity in any form by praying and preaching and Padasevana, the service of yourself in the name of God. Archana is learned, which means to worship through mental imagery as well as Bandhana, to mentally worship every being in the name of God. You will practice Dashya, worshiping God through serving every being, Sakhya, meaning to form a loving friendship with God and Atma Nivedana, a total surrender of self.
About Jnana Yoga
As Bhakti yoga is the yoga of love, Jnana yoga is the yoga of intellect. When you are an advanced Jnana yogi or yogini you will posses clarity of the mind and wisdom. You will have ultimate knowledge of yourself. Jnana yoga is similar to Bhakti yoga in the ultimate goal of being not only close to but one with God. Jnana yoga, however, is considered to be more of a scholarly and strict practice. As a Jnana follower you will need to read and study often and be very disciplined.
Practicing Jnana Yoga
Following the Jnana yoga path will require you to develop your intellect by studying the scriptures and texts of the yogic tradition -- you will need to be intellectually inclined. You will also need to apply self-discipline and restraint from some unnecessary pleasures, like overeating or sleeping too much, and a mental detachment from worldly objects to reach a desired level of higher consciousness. You will follow the "four means of salvation" which are defined as discrimination, dispassion, the sixfold qualities of perfection, and intense longing for liberation. A guru can help you study and perfect Jnana yoga.
Yoga Poses
Each type of yoga practice will include yoga poses, also called asanas, and many of the same poses are carried on through different practices. The main difference between yoga styles like Bhakti and Jnana are the way that the poses are incorporated into your mental and spiritual yoga practice.
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