Branches of Yoga

Traditionally, there are several paths of yoga. However, most of these paths are only slight variations of some of the basic practices. All paths lead to the same source. Just as several rivers lose their individuality when they flow into the sea, all yogic paths lead to the same aim: physical health, mental peace and higher awareness. Broadly, there are five basic groups:

Hatha Yoga – the path of balancing the mental, physical and subtle forces of the body. Hatha yoga precedes other forms of yoga because it deals with physical, psychic and mental health. By balancing the mental and physical aspects of our being, perfect health can be achieved. The basic practises of hatha yoga include shatkarmas or cleansing practises, asanas, pranayamas, mudras and bandhas. Most aspirants to yoga start with hatha yoga because it is easy to see improvement in physical health and emotional and mental calm in a short span of time. However, the aim of hatha yoga is beyond perfect health. It is to transcend the body in mental and spiritual pursuits. Some see hatha yoga as a preparation for Raja Yoga.

Karma Yoga – the path of activity – the essence of karma yoga is the performance of any work with constant awareness and without any expectation of a reward. By being in the present, it is possible to be more effective and efficient. By being completely absorbed in the work at hand, it is possible to reduce the ego. Suited to people of action, karma yoga itself can lead to meditation.

Bhakti Yoga – the path of devotion – the channelling of emotions into devotion directed at a guru or deity. By allowing an outlet for the emotions, they are released instead of being suppressed or dissipated. By immersing himself completely in the object of his devotion, the devotee loses his individuality or ego. Suited to those who are highly emotional or true devotees, bhakti yoga solves emotional and mental problems, increases concentration and leads to the path of higher awareness.

Gyana Yoga – the path of enquiry – transcends the limitations of the intellect or logical faculties, because higher awareness can never arise out of logical thinking. This path requires effort and concentration. Without these attributes, there will be no illumination, or intuitive answers. Most people are not ready for this path because their mental energies are dissipated in a number of different directions. Alternate forms of yoga are recommended to develop the power of concentration before following this path.

Raja Yoga – the path of introspection – in which the different realms of the mind are explored – the conscious, the sub conscious, the super conscious and beyond. It transcends the outer environment of the physical body and moves towards the inner environment. When this happens, we begin to explore our inner existence and see deeper aspects of the mind, which are normally hidden from us. This path is suited to those who are quieter and more introspective, who watch their mental reaction to life situations. Patanjali Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Dhyana Yoga and Kriya Yoga would also fall under the broad category of Raja Yoga.

The yoga that one practises will depend on the personality type. If a person is emotional or devotional, bhakti yoga would be the right path; those who are constantly active and express themselves in the outside world would be inclined towards karma yoga, those who are introspective would do better with raja yoga and so on. The ideal would be to practise all five major streams to a certain extent, with an emphasis on the stream that best corresponds to your personality.