There is much more to Yoga than the physical postures associated with Asana. Learn how the seven traditional paths of Yoga differ from Patanjali’s eight limbs of Yoga. Learn how to find a yoga practice right for you.
Selecting the correct Yoga practice is important, but it’s not easy. It can be confusing because there are so many kinds of Yoga available. This article summarizes the content of the primary systems so you can make an informed choice.
The practice of Yoga may be the most widely used system of physical and mental development. Most people associate Yoga with its physical postures, but this is only one aspect of this holistic system.
Different Types of Yoga Paths
There are many schools of thought about Yoga and many ways to categorize the practice of this art. We will discuss the two fundamental ways of grouping and then list all the different types available.
Yoga offers a wide range of practices, each with its own unique approach to achieving balance and well-being. This diversity means there’s likely a style that fits your personal needs and preferences. Some forms focus on physical postures, while others emphasize relaxation and meditation. The variety of different types of Yoga paths gives you the ability to choose a practice that aligns with your goals. What’s your goal? Is it improving flexibility, reducing stress, or finding inner peace?
The choice of a yoga teacher can greatly impact your experience. Different teachers bring their own styles, philosophies, and energy to their classes. A teacher who resonates with you can make your practice more enjoyable and effective. They can offer modifications to suit your level and provide guidance that helps you grow. Conversely, if a teacher’s style doesn’t match your needs, it might make the practice less engaging or even uncomfortable. Finding the right teacher is as important as finding the right type of Yoga, as they can inspire and support you on your journey.
Eight Limbs of Yoga Practice Vs. Seven Traditional Paths of Yoga
Indian folklore tells us about Shiva, the Adiyogi, or the first yogi. Legend has it he lived several thousand years before recorded history. He created and gave the system we know as Yoga to the Sapta Rishis, the original seven sages. He did not leave a written record.
Legend has it he was too wild to be a scholar. So, he chose seven people and gave each a different aspect of the system. These became the seven traditional Yoga paths. Today, there are hundreds of variations of these forms.
There are seven traditional Yoga paths, but people talk about eight different types of Yoga paths, which can make things confusing. There are two different ways to categorize the system. The seven paths of the traditional system are a classical way of categorizing the system. Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga practice are a later version compiled in the 2nd century.
Many scholars consider Patanjali the father of Yoga. He did not invent Yoga, but he created a text that outlined a new way to organize the system.
His work, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, is a significant cultural document. It is a framework of eight distinctive processes. He provides the goal and results but does not tell how to apply these formulas. Differences in the translation have led to different interpretations.
Here’s a comparison between the two:
The Seven Traditional Paths of Yoga
1. Jnana
2. Bhakti
3. Karma
4. Mantra
5. Raja
6. Tantra
7. Hatha
Next, Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga Practice
1. Discipline (Yamas)
2. Self Observation and self-training (Niyamas)
3. Postures (Asana)
4. Breathing exercises (Pranayama)
5. Withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara)
6. Concentration (Dharana)
7. Meditation (Dhyana), and
8. Samādhi and the Siddhis.
The different types of Yoga paths aren’t that dissimilar. Mostly, they differ in how they list the techniques. Both contain the same essential methods, except for the addition of the Siddhis. Patanjali groups by method, and the traditional form uses the name of the person associated with the method.
How To Find A Yoga Practice Right For You
Start with the goal in mind. If the goal is to learn Patanajli’s eight limbs of Yoga, then seek someone who can lead you down this path. It normally starts with Japa Meditation. If you are looking for something to improve some aspect of your health, then look for a specific form that addresses your needs. If you are simply interested in spiritual exploration, you may want to start with mantras. How do you know you’ve found the right form?
When you’ve found the right yoga practice, you’ll often feel a sense of joy and relaxation after each session. You’ll look forward to your classes and feel excited about your progress. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in your flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. The poses will feel comfortable and appropriate for your body, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you master new techniques. This positive experience can make Yoga a cherished part of your routine.
The path to find a Yoga practice right for you is a part of the journey. When you find a practice that suits you, it can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Consider your level of health, your goals for your practice, and what is available near you. Start by making a list of your goals. See what is available that meets your needs. Here’s how you can tell if you’ve found the right one or if you might need to keep looking.
Many different types of Yoga paths have similar practices but emphasize certain elements. Some are more physically demanding than others, while some are mental processes without movement.
On the other hand, if the yoga practice isn’t right for you, there are some clear signs. If you experience pain during or after your sessions, it’s a powerful indicator that the practice might not be suitable for your body. Feeling bored or uninterested during class can also be a sign that the style doesn’t engage you. It’s not a good fit if the practice feels too challenging or if it leaves you feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Additionally, if you don’t notice positive changes in your physical or mental state, it’s a sign the practice isn’t meeting your needs.
Listen to your body and pay attention to how you feel during and after your yoga session. This will guide you in finding the practice that’s right for you. It’s all about finding a balance that makes you feel good and supports your health and happiness. When you finally find a Yoga practice right for you, you’ll feel at home.
The List of Different Types of Yoga Paths
Ashtanga
Ashtanga is power yoga or the eight-limb path. Since it is physically demanding, experts do not recommend Ashtanga for beginners. This method was compiled by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). It involves a progressively harder series of postures while synchronizing the breath.
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti is a traditional Hinduism path. It is the second of the seven traditional paths of Yoga. It is also known as the path of devotion and love for the Supreme God and Guru. This multifaceted method is intended to transcend all religious beliefs.
It’s a Yoga practice right for you if you are looking for a way to harness the energy of your emotions. Then, we learn to direct these passions for the greater good. Its goal is oneness through rituals, verbalizing mantras, songs, and dance. The goal is to increase positive social activism.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram Choudhury branded this system with his name. It consists of 26 classic postures used in a challenging progression. He learned this progression from Bishu Ghosh, the younger brother of Paramahansa Yogananda.
He is also known for his abrasive teaching style and was one of the first teachers to use a heated room with low humidity to increase sweating. Sweating expedites the release of toxins. It’s a physically demanding practice, definitely not for those with a heart condition or those who like cold weather.
Netflix did a documentary on this teacher called Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator. This film chronicles the life of Bikram, showing interviews with former students who say he uses his position of authority to abuse them. Many former students have filed complaints ranging from sexual assault to false imprisonment.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha is the seventh of the seven traditional paths of Yoga. ‘Ha’ means sun, and ‘Tha’ means moon. Hatha Yoga is a broad term that includes all physical Asana. So all physical forms of Yoga are a subset of Hatha Yoga. It is the most popular Yoga form in Western culture. It is a form to balance mind, body, and spirit. Hatha incorporates breathing, postures, and hand mudras.
More variations of Hatha Yoga are emerging, such as Prenatal Yoga, Acroyoga, and Yin Yoga. You can change this Yoga form to fit any stage and situation in life.
Iyengar Yoga
B. K. S. Iyengar created this system focusing on body alignment. This focus makes it an ideal yoga practice for physical therapy, injury recovery, and joint problems.
Japa Meditation
Japa is a seated meditation technique at the heart of Patanjali’s eight limbs of Yoga. This is the most common meditation technique used to reach Samādhi, the transcendent fourth state, or bliss consciousness.
The fourth state of consciousness differs significantly from waking, sleeping, or dreaming. It produces a unique set of measurable physical responses. It lowers heart rate and respiration while increasing skin resistance. The most prominent aspect is the profound state of rest while the mind remains alert.
This technique is commercially available under the name Transcendental Meditation (TM). Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Maharishi (1918-2008) is one of the meditation movement’s primary pioneers.
Jnana Yoga
The Vedas and the early Upanishads trace back Jnana to the first of the seven traditional paths of Yoga. Jnana and Raja Yoga use meditation methods to investigate the mind.
Jnana is a yoga practice that focuses on knowledge and wisdom. It uses a process similar to the repeating question technique. The method seeks core answers by bypassing programmed answers. It trains the mind to think without the interference of any previous conditioning or assumptions.
Jivamukti
This holistic approach combines several of the most popular techniques. It uses Vinyasa-style postures, self-reflection meditation, as well as chanting and breathing exercises. It is a pleasant mixture of Yoga for all levels.
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga is the third of the seven traditional paths of Yoga. It focuses on positive actions. This is the primary focus of those who become Buddhist monks. It teaches people to show kindness without the expectation of reward.
Positive karmic deeds can be practical, like cleaning up litter, fixing a fallen sign, or saving a drowning insect. These are random acts of kindness, doing things for the greater good.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu Yoga is a mix of traditional physical postures and breathing exercises. The focus is on self-reflection using Pranayama, music for deep relaxation, and basic forms of seated meditation. It is an excellent all-around Yoga form with meditative and moving practices. This makes it a good preparatory practice for Japa Meditation and The Siddhis.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini is another powerful seated meditative practice. It uses mudras, breathing, and visualization techniques to activate energy flow up the spine. This technique opens all main chakras and awakening the practitioner.
Mantra
Mantra is the fourth of the seven traditional paths of Yoga. The term comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘Manas’ (mind) and ‘Trayati’ (liberation). The Vedas are replete with mantras for many uses. Mantras are Indian Sanskrit energy-based words that affect change. We can verbalize or use them mentally.
Mantras are words or phrases with unique vibrational properties. They are frequencies that activate, heal, and align energy centers known as chakras. It is possible to measure the effect of these vibrational tools on our physiology, but science is still trying to determine how they work. Many forms of seated and moving meditation incorporate mantras.
Meditation
Meditation, known as Dhyana, is the seventh part of the eight limbs of yoga practice described by Patanjali. It involves focusing your mind and finding a deep sense of calm. When you meditate, you try to keep your mind from wandering and stay fully present in the moment. This helps you feel more peaceful and aware of yourself.
The process of meditation comes after learning to concentrate your mind, which is called Dharana. Once you can focus well, meditation helps you focus on using mantras and sutras to go even deeper. It’s like training your mind to be still and quiet, which can make you feel very calm and connected to everything around you.
Moving Meditation
This category of techniques includes Eastern methods like Tai Chi and Qigong, as well as dance and ritual forms found in Bhakti Yoga. With the right frame of mind, almost any kind of movement can become a form of moving meditation. Many moving practices use the Mindfulness Meditation process with movement.
Although Yoga is an exercise for the physical body, the purpose of the practice is to prepare us for serious inner work. The goal of moving meditation is to generate energy for this work.
Raja Yoga
Raja is the fifth of the seven traditional paths of Yoga, also known as Royal Yoga. It focuses on inner work, with the goal of finding and awakening the hidden gifts of the spirit by investigating the deeper aspects of the psyche. Many people use Raja and Hatha Yoga together. Raja prepares the mind to enable the proper mindset for physical practice.
The Siddhis
Patanjali’s eight limbs of Yoga include the mystical processes of The Siddhis. This system uses a collection of specialized sutras to produce extraordinary experiential results. It’s a technique that springboards from the transcendent state produced by Japa Meditation. Using these techniques is an advanced practice. You need to be grounded in the 4th state to use these tools.
These Sutras are formulas that cause specific actions on the subtle level of energy which gives the user a unique experience. These experiences are expressions of the purest form of the sutra. The responses can be emotional, psychological, physical, or a combination of each.
Tantra Yoga
Tantra is the sixth of the seven traditional paths of Yoga. It focuses on achieving a balance of our feminine (Shakti) and masculine (Shiva) natures. Tantra comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘Tanoti’ (expansion) and ‘Trayati’ (liberation). It means to expand freedom with a balance of both energies. When these energies are in balance, they keep the Ego in check.
Tantra uses the power of our sexual instinct to transform consciousness, and there are two paths for this inner work. The outer left path, which is the most misunderstood form, directs physical and sexual energy to transcend awareness. The inner right path involves the individual practice of Asanas, Pranayama, and visualization to achieve the same goal.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa Yoga is a standard form of Yoga that includes a seamless flow of various physical asanas and breathing exercises. However, unlike some other yoga forms that follow a set routine, this method uses ever-changing sequences. This means you must stay focused on the practice and not let your mind wander. The intent is to mirror the ever-changing flow of life. It’s a physically demanding form for those who love verity and change.
Yin Yoga
The practice of Yin Yoga focuses on holding postures for long periods. Sometimes, it also uses a heated room. This slower pace increases circulation and improves flexibility. To get the maximum benefit, you spend upwards of four minutes in a pose.
In Conclusion
Learn how the seven traditional paths of Yoga differ from Patanjali’s eight limbs of Yoga practice. It will help you understand the different types of Yoga paths. Remember, you can use physical postures as exercise. However, if you only use them as exercise and not as a link, you miss most of the benefits. Yoga Asana is a preparatory tool for the higher mental forms. To find a Yoga practice right for you, experiment. Try the beginning versions first. Listen to your body.