Paths of Yoga

The Paths of Yoga are ancient practices that were first documented in the Vedas (the earliest record of civilization in India) and explain how their practices bring health, introspection, or meditative focus, and a connection with the highest power.

This tradition spanned thousands of years, culminating in the Upanishads, which established meditation as the primary path to enlightenment. From this time, Yoga evolved over many centuries into an extensive body of practices passed down from teacher to pupil through oral traditions. At this time, “Raja” yoga was the foundation of practice based on the eight-limb path leading to Samadhi (enlightenment).

As most of us know, the word "yoga" is often translated as "union" or "connecting with the true self, God, or highest consciousness." In modern times, many types of yoga have emerged, focusing on asanas (postures), which fall under the fourth limb of our yoga practice. Ultimately, yoga encompasses moral and personal obstructions, asana, pranayama, introspection, meditation, all leading to Samadhi (bliss) or the union with the highest power.

According to Georg Feuerstein (renowned yoga author), below are brief explanations of these paths found in Yoga:

Hatha Yoga is defined as the Yoga of Force. “Ha” refers to the sun, and “Tha” refers to the moon. Its practices aim to ‘balance’ the energies of the Sun and Moon, emphasizing physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to cultivate both physical and mental stability, preparing for spiritual practices. 

Bhakti Yoga was first mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita around 300 BC, and its root comes from the word “Bhaj,” meaning to share. This form of yoga centers on the heart, emphasizing love and devotion toward a chosen deity through prayer, chanting, rituals, selfless service, and the practice of yoga and pranayama, which is similar to Karma Yoga.

Karma Yoga refers to the Yoga of Action, and the term ‘Karma’ is derived from the root verb ‘Kri,’ meaning ‘to do.’ First mentioned around 300 BC, this form of yoga is the primary focus of the Bhagavad Gita.  This type of yoga is based on selfless service and acting without expectations, allowing practitioners to let go of attachment to the outcomes and focus on the moment of action with awareness of every thought, word, and deed.

Jnana Yoga emphasizes knowledge, wisdom, and understanding through the practice of study, introspection, and contemplation. It involves seeking truth and knowledge through the intellect, by questioning and examining reality, studying scriptures, engaging in philosophical inquiry, and undertaking self-inquiry to discern truth from falsehood. 

 Kriya Yoga emphasizes breath practices, mantra chanting, and meditation to purify the body and mind, ultimately leading to Samadhi (enlightenment). Its practices manipulate life force energy (prana) through techniques designed to achieve deep inner stillness, fostering a focused state of mind and accelerating spiritual evolution. 

 Raja Yoga is associated with Patanjali, who documented the eight-limb path of yoga in the Yoga Sutras around 450 BC. These emphasize the control and purification of the mind, enhancing mental clarity and focus, and promoting spiritual growth with yoga philosophy, asana, pranayama, and meditation practices. 

Mantra Yoga involves using sacred syllables as sounds that promote healing, protection, and prosperity. It holds that everything we do encompasses prana in our thoughts, words, actions, and emotions. Its practices include japa, kirtan, and community chanting, emphasizing Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), which helps lower heart rates, reduce blood pressure, and balance emotions. 

Sanyas Yoga is understood in Vedic astrology and defines the practitioner’s path in yoga based on planetary placements and aspects involving Saturn, Moon, and Mars, which are associated with discipline, detachment, and renunciation. Additionally, Jupiter and Venus are also considered, with a focus on spiritual inclination and detachment. 

Kundalini (Laya) Yoga focuses on awakening the kundalini energy that resides at the base of the spine. It moves upwards through the chakras, ultimately merging with the supreme consciousness through yoga asanas, mudras, pranayama, mantras, and bandhas, all of which are used to transcend the self, creating unity and awareness with nature.