ASHTANGA YOGA :
Patanjali defines Yoga in the Yoga Sutras And describes its parts (अष्टाङ्ग aṣṭ āṅga, “eight limbs”) as follows :
योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः ॥२॥
yogaś-citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ
— Yoga Sutras 1.2
Swami Vivekananda translates the sutra as “Yoga is restraining (nirodhah) the mind-stuff (citta) from taking various forms (vrittis).”
- Yama ( Principles)
- Pratyahara (Control on Senses)
- Dharana (Concentration )
- Dhyan (Meditation)
- Samadhi (Salvation)
- Niyama (Rules)
- Asana (Yogic Postures)
- Pranayama ( Breathing practices)
HATHA YOGA :
Hatha Yoga Pradipika starts with the Shatkarmas (cleansing practices), these practices are to removes blockage in Nadi (Pranic channel). Shatkarmas removes blocks and the pranic energy starts flowing without hurdles. Purification is first step in Hatha Yoga and second step is asana. Purpose of asanas to achieve Sound Health, Mental Stability, Lightness of Body and Mind (stressless body and mind). Asana disciplines Body and Mind.
Hatha Yoga has six parts (Shatanga Yoga). These six limbs(parts) are:
- Asana (Yogic Postures)
- Pranayama ( Breathing practices)
- Pratyahara (Control on Senses)
- Dharana (Concentration )
- Dhyan (Meditation)
- Samadhi (Salvation)
JNANA YOGA :
Jnana yoga is one of the three classical yoga, alongside Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action) , each offering a path to moksha (liberation) and self-realization. Jnana is the intellectual path of scriptures and self-study, considered to be one of the most direct and yet challenging means of spiritual development. Jnana yoga concept was first described in the Bhagavad Gita . Jnana yoga involves the progressive study of the scriptures, self-awareness leading to self-analysis, experiencing knowledge, realising personal nature. It is the path of knowledge and self-realization. Modern interpretations of Hindu texts are raja yoga and kriya yoga.
MANTRA YOGA :
Mantra yoga may also be referred to as Japa yoga. Japa is a Sanskrit word for the act of repeating word or name or mantra. Mantra yoga neutralizes rajas (agitation) and tamas (inertia). Chanting mantras calms the mind, brings focus.
METHODS OF CHANTING MANTRA
- Baikhari (Audible) – By chanting a loud which can be heard easily is called “Baikhari” Chanting. It removes thoughts and makes meditation easy
- Upanshu (whispering) – Chanting of mantra in low voice, or just whispering so that only practitioner can understand is called “Upanshu” Chanting.
- Manasik – Mantra is repeated in mind without chanting a loud or whispering.
BHAKTI YOGA :
Bhakti yoga (Sanskrit: भक्ति योग): It is one of the three classical paths in Hinduism which lead to Moksha, the other paths being Karma yoga and Jnana yoga. In the Shvetashvatara Upanishad Bhakti is mentioned as participation, devotion and love for any god or goddess or deity. The personal god varies with the devotee. It may include a god or goddess such as Shiva, Shakti, Lakshmi, Narayana. Bhakti yoga is one of the most common paths of spiritual development, particularly in India where the practice originated. The concept was first described in the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, ancient Hindu texts . Surrender is a necessary component of Bhakti yoga practice.
KUNDALINI YOGA :
As per Hindu (Sanatan) scripture Kundalini chakras are the energy centers of the body . They are said to be connected by a coiled serpent-like energy called kundalini that can be awakened through meditation, yogic practices.
The psychic centers, or chakras, which exist in everyone, are what Kundalini yoga is all about. There are many layers that make up the mind. The higher levels of awareness are connected to each of these layers in turn. The various chakras or psychic centers dispersed throughout the psychic body are tied to each of these levels. There are thought to be seven chakras in the human body.
Higher-level chakras and the activities connected to these higher mental centers are awakened in Kundalini yoga. The fundamental technique for waking is to concentrate intently on these chakras and provoking their arousal. The awakening is aided by the practice of asanas, pranayama, mudra, bandha, and other types of yoga, such as mantra yoga.
KARMA YOGA :
A path of commitment to the work is Karma Yoga. While working, one loses their individuality; just unselfish labour is left. It is exceedingly challenging to reach this state. In general, a reward or incentive is tied to the labor that is followed by one or more rewards, incentives, or outcomes. This isn’t Karma Yoga, though. The ultimate goal of Karma Yoga is to achieve non-attachment with the work and to develop into the ideal tool of the super consciousness in this manifested reality. Karma yoga is thoroughly described by God krishna in Bhagavat Gita.
KRIYA YOGA :
The word “kriya” refers to the activity or movement of consciousness and signifies “activity” or “movement.” Kriya can also refer to a specific kind of preliminary or actual practice that leads to total oneness, which is the intended outcome of practice. Kriya Yoga deliberately sparks activity and consciousness awakening rather than attempting to control mental turbulence. All faculties become harmonious and reach their full potential in this way.
Kriya yoga has its roots in antiquity and has developed over time as a result of practice and knowledge. Only about 20 of the more than 70 kriyas that make up Kriya Yoga’s whole form are well known. Numerous tantric books produced in Sanskrit contain references to the kriya rituals. Few of them have been translated into other languages at this point. Swami Satyananda Saraswati developed Kriya Yoga techniques based on obscure teachings found in the Yoga and Tantra Shastras.
SWARA YOGA :
The word SWARA means sound or musical note in Sanskrit; it also means the continuous flow of air through one nostril. The Swara yoga practices related to breath were used to understand association of breath in relation to activities of sun, moon, various seasons, physical and mental conditions of individuals etc. Swara yoga is a tantric science mentioned in the Agama Shastras and from Shaiva Tantra, where Lord Siva is the guru and Shakti is the disciple She asks questions about nature and the governing forces of the universe.
