Paths of Yoga

Raja yoga - Raja means royal, and this refers to the the path outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras which contains eight limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi (see the section on the eight limbs of yoga).

Hatha yoga - Taken on its own, hatha yoga is the path to liberation through physical discipline and self-control. It consists of asanas, or physical postures, and is the most common starting point for a practictioner of yoga. With continued practice, hatha yoga brings health and peace to the body and mind, and can lead the way to the development and practice of the other forms of yoga.

Jnana yoga - This is the path of knowledge. A jnana yogi uses his powers of discrimination, reasoning, and wisdom to apprehend the truth behind existence. The jnana yogi seeks to find knowledge and eliminate ignorance by distinguishing between the real and unreal. Study of yogic texts and meditation are part of jnana yoga practice.

Bhakti yoga - This is the yoga of devotion or yoga of the heart. Many religions encourage this form of yoga through devotion to a deity, leader, or spiritual being. A Bhakti yogi practices unconditional love and compassion for all beings. Although dedication to lower gods or ideals can bring reward in the afterlife, according to the Bhagavad Gita, only devotion to the Supreme God (self, consciousness, etc) will bring lasting liberation.

Karma yoga - Karma yoga is the practice of serving selflessly. Karma yoga is practiced by those dedicated to helping others without expecting to receive anything in return. Karma yoga can be as simple as doing a favor to someone else, but the act must be selfless with no expectation of reward or even acknowledgement. Even small forms of karma yoga practiced continuously will lead to perfection because each selfless act shifts identification away from the ego and towards a higher, universal consciousness.

Japa yoga - In Japa yoga, a mantra or name of God is repeated to elevate the consciousness and bring liberation. The word “OM” is a common mantra used to connect to the universal self. Other mantras can be used and may be repeated aloud, chanted, or repeated in the mind. Beads are often used to count the repetitions, and practices using mala beads or even the Catholic rosary can be said to be forms of japa yoga.

Nada yoga - Nada yoga is achieved through union with sound. Sacred music, or music performed to uplift the soul and merge with the divine is nada yoga. Many religions use hymns or chants as a devotional tool. In India’s religious traditions, communal call-and-response chanting is called kirtan. Kirtan is also an expression of japa yoga, and many forms or names of God may be sung. Modern musical artists such as Bhagavan Das, Jai Uttal, and Krishna Das are popularizing chanting the names of God. The purpose of such music is not for enjoyment or pleasure, but to deeply connect and achieve union with the divine.