Paths of Yoga

There are some different paths of yoga. I will explain some of the main forms here.

Jnana yoga

Jnana means knowledge and the main concept of Jnana yoga is that the knowledge lies within us. Through practicing yoga we understand ourselves better, can tune into our mind and bodies and have better knowledge of what is right for us and how we should live our lives.

Bhakti yoga

Bhakti yoga is a devotional practice to serve a higher power. We dedicate our practice.

Mantra yoga

Either a single syllable, word, a few words or a verse. Through we repeating the mantra we gain knowledge or perform a devotional practice. Similar to the concepts in Jnana or Bhakti yoga.

Raja yoga

Raja means king in sanskirt. It is a practice of yoga that aims to achieve spiritual enlightenment and self-realisation.

Karma yoga

The principal around karma yoga is that we can act but we cannot have expectations. We do not know what the results will be of our actions and we should not be affected by them.

Kriya yoga

Components of kriya yoga include the following:

• Tapas – asana and pranayama help remove blockages in the mind and physical body.

• Svadhaya – we search within ourselves and improve self awareness.

• Isvarapranidhana – action not motivated by the outcome.

Kundalini yoga

This is a form of yoga that involves chanting, singing, breathing exercises, and repetition. Its purpose is to activate your Kundalini energy, or shakti. This is a spiritual energy that’s said to be located at the base of your spine. As Kundalini yoga awakens this energy, it enhances your awareness and helps find clarity, peace and strength of mind.

Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga is a physical practice to channel energy. The sanskrit word haṭha means "force", alluding to a system of physical techniques.

Tantra yoga

This combines mantra, bandha, and other yogic techniques with a focus on chakras, or energy centres in the body, to encourage change. These techniques are used to build clarity, strength and bring bliss, into your life.