Modern people of the Western mindset, under the term yoga, usually used to understand something like exercise, fitness, aerobics – that is, mainly the physical side of this practice is taken into account – physical exercises for the body. The term yoga is multifaceted – it can be both exercise and sports, and often something deeper in meaning. The widespread interest in this eastern discipline has led to the development of a wide variety of yoga practices, which are only increasing in number with each passing day.
Although there are not wide classical varieties of yoga – these are Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, Raja, and Hatha. These classical types were at the origins of the development of Indian practice and, over time, have undergone significant improvements and modifications. To better understand each classic view, you can briefly study them.
Bhakti yoga is selfless service to God, love for him, and personal relationships with God develop. Perhaps this is the simplest type of classical yoga for a Westerner since it does not require unique physical movements. In addition time, one must constantly work on their morals. This type can be called the most spiritual; in its importance. It surpasses other types of yoga.
Karma yoga originates from the scriptures of the Bhagavad-Gita. The central meaning of this type of yoga is the liberation of love – moksha, through selfless service for the benefit of faith.
Jnana yoga is “self-awareness,” after which there is an awareness of the illusory nature of the existing world, and comes awareness and connection with the absolute. This path leads to knowledge.
Raja yoga is also called royal or ashtanga yoga. The purpose of this type is to control the mind and thoughts, which is achieved mainly through meditation. The reason is considered the king in the body and is the determining factor in life. You must first put the body under control to effectively control the mind by asanas. Through meditation and pranayama, a person learns to control the mind.
Subsequently, one should refrain from creating objects that do not exist in mind, that is, to be in the present moment. In practice, a person learns to distinguish the natural world from the imaginary one and can achieve liberation. This type of yoga consists of eight levels. The first five preparatory ones are Hatha yoga. They prepare a person’s body and mind for raja yoga through the practice of meditation, breathing exercises, and physical asanas. Also, the first five steps help to educate and consolidate moral principles.
- Pit education of self-control, self-control, relationships with people;
- Niyama’s discipline, hygiene, and culture;
- Asana special poses;
- Pranayama breathing exercises;
- Pratyahara withdrawal from sensory perception;
- Dharana is learning to concentrate on thoughts;
- Dhyana teaches meditation and comprehension of the essence of the subject of concentration;
- Samadhi’s full self-realization and a state of penetration into the nature of the issue of attention.
Hatha yoga is a physical exercise asana. The goal is to put the physical body in order so that it will be possible to influence the mind and the psyche in the future. In hatha yoga, eighty-four asanas, twenty-four mudras, and three maha mudras are traditionally used (all exercises with breath control).
Other varieties of yoga are more modern and adapted for a Western person.
Kundalini yoga is needed to activate the energy of Kundalini, which is at the base of the spine. For this purpose, meditations, asanas, breathing exercises, and mantras. As a result of the lessons, Kundalini gradually rises from the first chakra to the upper seventh. When practicing this activity, you should pay special attention to energy control. Kundalini energy is the leading energy that stood at the beginning of the world’s creation, the cosmos. Every yogi should activate this energy to merge with the divine principle.
An ordinary person doesn’t need to merge, but by practicing Kundalini yoga, you can feel more balanced, energetic, and calm. It is essential to know that by practicing Kundalini yoga, a person, as a rule, develops superpowers, energy begins to flow more evenly, and the overall power increases. At the same time, the impact on yourself, others, and the world around you grow, so first, it is important to go through the five steps of Hatha yoga to learn how to control the mind.
Kriya yoga talks about how to work with the chakras and how to breathe. First, there are cleansing exercises, then in-depth study, and then reverence of the source, the creator.
Sahaja yoga is a modern form based on ancient practices. Sahaja yoga also sets the task of raising Kundalini, but a little for other purposes – self–realization as a person and personality.
Yoga-Angara is a subspecies of Hatha yoga. The goal is to develop a robust and hardy body. In this variety, mainly static asanas, and for a long time, the emphasis is on the literacy of performance. Additional items can – be chairs and belt blocks. There is a gradual development of poses – from simple to complex.
Thanks to static poses and auxiliary elements, the load is distributed evenly. The symmetry of the body and energy channels are balanced. This type is suitable for almost every person, as individual characteristics into account.
Bikram yoga is also called hot yoga. Postures from Hatha yoga as a basis; 26 poses and two breathing exercises. Classes in a hot and humid room. As a result of regular courses, you can lose weight reasonably and, put your body in order, strengthen the immune system.
Integral yoga and adapted to the modern man. The term “integral” means complete and comprehensive. It that it is not enough to achieve trance and enlightenment. A person must be able to contain the Divine spirit, knowledge, and power. The transformation of ordinary human consciousness into the divine occurs during the classes through complex exercises to improve the body and soul—a complex of asanas, pranayamas, and relaxation exercises. Integral yoga also has many elements from Bhakti yoga and Karma Yoga.
Ashtanga yoga uses classical yoga poses at a fast pace, combined with proper breathing and locks. Asanas into continuous movements called pieces of vinyl, which while breathing correctly. Physical indicators develop when practicing this sport: strength, endurance, flexibility, and concentration. There are six stages of Ashtanga yoga.
Power yoga is associated with heavy physical exertion for people in good physical shape. Power yoga on Ashtanga yoga is different because asanas can be performed in any sequence. This yoga develops a robust and hardy body by performing classical poses with more intensity and a dance rhythm. It is suitable for those who do not want to waste time on meditation but to develop the physical body and concentration of movements.
Sivananda yoga on Hatha yoga’s asanas, but it pays extra attention to relaxing before doing the asanas. The better a person relaxes before performing poses, the more benefits he will receive. This yoga is also known as synthesis yoga. The practice statically.
Vinnie yoga is a reasonably popular kind of yoga. It is a therapeutic practice. The main difference from the classical types is in an individual approach. Asanas take into account the characteristics of a person in any sequence. It is important not to perform asanas correctly but the sensations a person experiences. It is suitable for people with various chronic diseases who want to speed up recovery after injuries, strengthen the immune system, and recharge their energy.
Tantra yoga is a complex of poses, breathing exercises, meditations, and sexual techniques practiced with a partner. One helps the other to perform movements. The main goal of tantra yoga is the development of mindfulness. As a result, the perception of the surrounding world becomes more acute. It improves, the work of all organs and systems improves, the work of the senses and the work of the brain, which better perceives and processes the information received.
We have reviewed the main types of classical and modern yoga. You can choose one sort or another based on what you need. Selecting a dynamic look emphasizing poses will strengthen the body, immunity, endurance, concentration, and reaction. Those who prefer passive yoga – breathing exercises and meditation- will be more conscious, strengthen the immune system, be energized, and think better.