Yoga, a practice that originated in ancient India, has evolved into a multifaceted discipline with a variety of styles, each offering unique approaches to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Understanding the diverse types of yoga allows practitioners to explore and find the style that resonates most with their needs and preferences. like Gyan yog, bhakti yog, Raj Yog etcFrom the dynamic and physically demanding to the gentle and meditative, the spectrum of yoga practices caters to individuals of all ages, abilities, and goals. In this exploration, we will delve into some of the most prominent types of yoga, shedding light on their distinctive characteristics, benefits, and philosophies. Whether you seek to enhance flexibility, cultivate inner peace, or embark on a journey of self-discovery, there exists a path within the vast realm of yoga that can guide you towards your aspirations. Join us as we embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of yoga, where ancient wisdom meets modern lifestyles, offering a plethora of paths towards holistic well-being.

1. Types of Yoga
By Dr M P Dogra

2. Main Paths of Yoga
1. Gyana Yoga is the philosophical path. The focus of this path is to gain the ability to
distinguish between reality and unreality. To attain Self-Knowledge through study,
practice and experience.
2. Karma Yoga is the path of action. It deals with the law of cause and effect. Each
action has a corresponding reaction, on one’s body, mind and consciousness. The
outcome of an action is dependent upon its ethical value and the intention with which
it was carried out.
3. Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion and love for God and for the whole of creation -
animals, as well as humans, and all of nature.
4. Raja Yoga is also known as the “Royal Path of Yoga” or the “Eight Step Path”. It is the
path of self-discipline and contains, amongst other things, those Yoga techniques that
are familiar to us such as Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation and Kriyas.
5. Hath Yoga Hatha yoga is the science of harmonizing Pingala and Ida; or the solar
and lunar energies within us so as to prod our higher consciousness to life. It is the
science of activating the third, central nadi - Sushumna - which is the path to
enlightenment. Hatha also means being adamant, making an effort.

3. Jnana Yoga

4. Path of Knowledge.
Jnana Yoga is the process of converting
intellectual knowledge into practical
wisdom Experiencing knowledge . Jnana is
Sanskrit for “knowledge or wisdom” and
Jnana Yoga is the path of attaining
knowledge of the true nature of reality
through the practice of meditation, self-
inquiry, and contemplation. Jnana Yoga
can be defined as the “awareness of
absolute consciousness,” and is a
comprehensive practice of self-study
(Svadhyaya). The fundamental goal of
Jnana yoga is to become liberated from
the illusionary world of maya (self-limiting
thoughts and perceptions) and to achieve
the union of the inner Self (Atman) with the
oneness of all life (Brahman).
Jnana Yoga

5. The Four Pillars of Knowledge (sadhana
chatushtaya)
Viveka
intellectual effort to distinguish
between the real and the unreal, the
permanent and the temporary, and
the Self and not-Self.
Vairagya
(dispassion, detachment) is
cultivating non-attachment or
indifference toward the
temporal objects of worldly
possessions and the ego-mind.
Shatsampat
Six mental practices to
stabilize the mind and
emotions.
Mumukshutva
an intense and passionate
desire for achieving
liberation from suffering.

6. Shama Controlling Mind, Calmness of Mind.
Dama (restraint, control) is the strengthening of the mind
to be able to resist the control of the senses, and the
training of the senses to be used only as instruments of
the mind.
• Uparati (withdrawal, renunciation) is the abandonment
of all activities that are not one’s Dharma (Duty). A simple
lifestyle is followed that contains no worldly distractions
from the spiritual path.
• Titiksha (endurance, forbearance) is the tolerance of
external non-conducive situations that are commonly
considered to produce suffering, especially in extreme
opposite states (success and failure, hot and cold,
pleasure and pain).
• Shraddha (faith, trust) is a sense of certainty and belief in
one’s guru (teacher), the scriptures and the yogic path.
• Samadhana (focus, concentration) is the complete one-
pointedness of the mind.
Shatsampat (six virtues)

7. Three core practices of Jnana Yoga
Sravana
hearing or experiencing
Vedantic philosophy
through a guru or spiritual
teacher, thereby achieving
a deep understanding of
the concepts of atman and
Brahman and the
philosophy of non-dualism.
Manana
thinking and reflecting on
the teachings of non-
duality in an attempt to
understand their subtleties.
Nididhyasana
constant and profound
meditation Brahman and
the inner self in order to
experience absolute Truth.

8. Karam Yoga

9. Karma Yoga
BG-II—48 – Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam.
Karma yoga’s primary goal is to attain
moksha (enlightenment) through one’s
actions and work in the world. One does
not need to wish for wisdom in order to
practice this yoga. This yoga is a way to
help others while lessening our own
suffering and our egoistic tendencies.
When practicing Karma Yoga, one’s
actions are viewed as a form of prayer or
worship to deepen one’s spiritual
connection to the Divine or to the
oneness of all life. Karma yoga also has
the power to transform your ordinary
everyday actions into mighty acts of
spiritual connection and mindfulness

10. Three Types of Karam
Kriye Man Karam
Karam done in day to day
life. These Karam goes to
chit and becomes sansakar
Sanchit Karam
Sanchita Karmas are
accumulated works. Like
Sanskar
Prarabdh
ripe or fructuous actions

11. 4 Types of Kriyeman Karma
Punya
Shukal / Virtuous /
Auspicious
Paap
Krishan , Non Virtuous /
Vikarma
Mishrit
Combination of Punya and
Paap
Yogic
Saturn is a gas giant and
has several rings

12. Bhakti Yoga

13. Derived from the Sanskrit root, bhaj meaning "to
serve God," Bhakti yoga is a practice of selfless
devotion and recognition of the Divine in
everything.
The intention when practicing Bhakti yoga is to
devote one's self to the Divine in everything,
thereby realizing the union of atman (the
individual self) with Brahman (universal
consciousness).
It is motivated by a love of God rather than a fear
of negative repercussions or punishment, and
the path therefore helps to develop love and
acceptance for all beings.
BHAKTI YOGA

14. 4 Types of DEVOTEES
Artha
the distressed
Artharthi
the seeker of material
wealth
Jijnasu
the inquisitive
Jnani
the self-realized

15. Shravana Bhakti
Kirtan Bhakti
Padasevaa Bhakti
Archana Bhakti
NINE FORMS OF BHAKTI
Smarana Bhakt Vandana Bhakti
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Dasya Bhakt
Sakhya Bhakt
Atmanivedana
Bhakt

16. Hatha Yoga
● The word ‘ha’ means Sun, ‘tha’ means
Moon. Hatha means to balance the
Sun and Moon energies in you.
● Hatha yoga is the science of
harmonizing Pingala and Ida; or the
solar and lunar energies within us so
as to prod our higher consciousness to
life. It is the science of activating the
third, central nadi- Sushumna - which is
the path to enlightenment.
● Hatha also means being adamant,
making an effort.

17. Four Parts of Hatha Yoga Chaturanga Yog
03
01
04
02
Mudra
10 Mudras, Bandhas
and Kunalini aweking
Asanas
Description of
Asanas and Mitahara
Nadanusan
dhana
Exploration into
Naad. Anhad and
Aahat
Pranayama
/ Kumbhak
8 different types of
pranayama and
Shatkarmas

18. 15 Classical Asanas
Out of 84 Asanas 15 are classical asanas
Swastikasana, Gomukhasana,
Veerasana, Kurmasana,
Kukkutasana, Uttanakoormasana
Dhanurasana, Matsyendrasana
Paschimottanasana, Mayurasana,
Shavasana,
Siddhasana, Padmasana,
Simhasana Bhadrasana.

19. 8 Pranayama / Kumbhak
Surya Bhedan Pranayama
Shitali Pranayama
Ujjayi Pranayama
Sheetkari Pranayama
Bhastrika Pranayama
Bhramari Pranayama
Morcha Pranayama
Plavini Pranayama

20. 10 Mudras
Maha Mudra
Maha Bandha
Maha Vedha
Khechari
Uddiyana Bandha
Mula Bandha
Jalandhara Bandha
Viparita Karani
Vijroli
Sakti Chalana.

21. Raja Yoga or Ashtang Yoga

22. Raja Yoga
● The Sanskrit word raja means king or royal. It is the King of Yogas. Raja yoga
focuses on attaining enlightenment through meditation and energetics. In
this form of yoga, the yogi sits in a meditative pose and silences their mind by
restraining the wayward thoughts, and eventually enters into a thoughtless
state.
● By working through the mind, the practice of Raja Yoga paves a way to
discipline, self-control, concentration, mental peace, and inner joy.
● The concept of Raja Yoga follows the principles of eight-limb yoga or
Ashtanga Yoga that was compiled by Patanjali. By practising the eight-limb
yoga, the practitioner can reach the enlightened state of consciousness
or samadhi.

23. Eight limbs of Raja Yoga:
● Yamas (self-control or restraints) – ahimsa (non-
violence), satya (truthfulness) asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity)
and aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
● Niyamas (discipline or observance) –
saucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (self-
discipline), svadhyaya (self-study), ishvarapranidhana (devotion or surrender).
● Asana (physical poses or exercise)
● Pranayama (controlled breathing exercise)
● Pratyahara (sense withdrawal from external objects)

24. Eight limbs of Raja Yoga:
● Dharana (concentration)
● Dhyana (meditation)
● Samadhi (complete realization or super consciousness)
● This eight-limbed approach is a systematic method to find
liberation from all sufferings.

25. The 5 stages of Mind – Chitta Bhumis
● Kshipta – the mind is in a scattered state
● Mudha – the dull and forgetful state of mind
● Vikshipta – concentrated yet a mildly scattered state of
mind
● Ekagra – prolonged practice makes the mind one-pointed;
focused or meditative state of mind
● Niruddha – fully controlled state of mind

26. Be Your Own
Doctor