Exploring the Different types of Yoga

Yoga is generally understood as a process of unification. This unification is complex. In one dimension, it is a unification of the various systems which exist within the individual including the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual systems. In total there are considered five different systems within human life. These are typically referred to as the koshas which are the physical, energetic, mental, subtle, and paradise sheaths. In our current understanding of yoga, we are accommodating unify these five bodies or layers of the individual. Another process of unification occurs between of the individual consciousness and the general consciousness.

This unification is often referred to as Samadhi and is one of the primary changes that occur within the practice of yoga. Noticing this from a different angle, Samadhi is a transformation of perception in which disillusionments about the world are reformed so your truth behind reality can be seen in its most natural of form. Yoga, as a system, has changed into various twigs where people pursue the development and unification of the elements in their being. Each side retains its unique set of ideas and philosophies which defined the process and eventual obtainment of complete unification.

There is no right or wrong system of yoga as the each possesses their own distinct characteristics that accommodate the wants of various characteristics and individuality which exist among human beings. Each system is designed to accommodate a different personality type, and yoga has changed into a broad reaching system that can be practiced by nearly anyone who is interested in pursuing a spiritual life. A practice like Jnana yoga is great for someone who is philosophically minded whereas the practice of bhakti yoga is good for someone who is emotionally perceptive and inclined towards an awareness of devotion. In this article i will be reviewing the more mainstream practices of yoga which are derived from the tradition of yogic spirituality. These traditions of yoga are as young as 500 years and as old as several thousand. While there are many modern practices of yoga which have been defined by various teachers, the systems i will be discussing are traditional systems which have been in existence throughout many generations.

Bhakti Yoga The first system we will discuss it is Bhakti yoga. Bhakti yoga is a practice in which the spiritual practitioner focuses on developing a state of devotion within the mind and the heart. In bhakti yoga a strong sense of faith is needed as you is expected to submit themselves to God via a process of self surrendering. The practices and techniques of bhakti yoga are therefore designed to help surrendered the ego and embrace with love thinking about the creator. The more common practices of bhakti yoga are kirtan (chanting/song), japa (mantra repetition), and deep breathing on the divine.

Usually the practice of bhakti yoga is advised to be practiced by those who are well linked to their emotions and also receptive of more subtle feelings within themselves yet others. Emphatic love becomes the practice of bhakti yoga as the practitioner devotes their whole being towards the spiritual divine. מורת יוגה A belief in God or a higher being is critical to the practice, and without it, it is in close proximity to impossible to practice bhakti yoga. The devotion that is practiced by the bhakti Yogi is not one of slavery towards the divine. Rather, it is a relationship that is filled with love, friendship, and companionship. In bhakti yoga people view God as a friend, a lover, a father, or mother. It is through this relationship that bhakti yoga is practiced. There are many facets of devotion for the bhakti yogi; there are many forms of God that are worshiped in yoga including Shiva, Vishnu, Brahman, Parvatti, etc. Apart from the metaphysical forms of God, a master or teacher can also be worshiped within the practice. The primary function of this practice is to assist in relinquishing the ego and unifying the individual being with the general.

Karma Yoga Karma is an area of human life that accounts for our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is believed in yoga that Karma keeps the cycle of rebirth in motion as past actions and events force us to take another life in the world to stabilize the inequalities that we have charged within our spirit and the universe. Once accumulated Karmic merit is balanced or destroyed then cycle of birth and death is stopped and the spirit is come back to its beginning within the general divine. The practice of Karma yoga directly addresses this primary area of life, works to abolish the effects of Karma with self-displined action that formulates a splitting up between the individual and the effects of Karma. This splitting up occurs via a process of disassociation in which the individual stands between themselves from the benefits or losses from their actions within the world.

The practice of Karma yoga is typically based around one’s Dharma or duties within the world. Dharma relies on those things of the individual in the past, including the past of the current life as well as the past of previous lives. In some aspects, Dharma is the best way for an individual to use their time on earth for spiritual progress as it is situated upon the realistic capacities and potential of the individual. Several components of Dharma is acting in the world without thought of the benefits or losses of one’s actions. The practitioner lives and acts within the world without any expectations or charged thoughts of how the future should happen. The mind is focused on selfless service and earning a living for the benefit of the greater good as opposed to the independent needs of the individual. In Karma yoga the practice is gradual as the individual slowly relinquishes the bonds of karma and liberates the spirit from the bounds of egocentric thought processes.

Although a Karma yogi may practice techniques such as the asanas, breathing practices, and meditations, the primary focus of their spiritual practice is service and actions with the focus of selflessness and humbleness. The first mention of Karma yoga is within the Bhagavad-Gita in a debate between Arjuna and Krishna. In this debate, Krishna informs Arjuna that she can blend his consciousness with Krishna’s when he surrenders his actions to the divine (which in this case is Krishna). Krishna encourages Arjuna to do something and follow out his duty without worry or consideration of the benefits or losses of his actions. He informs Arjuna that acting in the name of Krishna (or divine) will provide him with the liberation that she has set forth to achieve.