Yoga Paths

Yoga originated from India more than 5,000 years ago. From there, it spread to various parts of Asia, and later on, during the latter parts of the 20th century, Europe and America had adopted yoga as well. The word “yoga” encompasses almost all types of meditations and exercises related to the improvement of the physical and psychological state. In western countries, meditation focuses on exercises built around the asanas, physical positions that are also referred to as lotus. The meditation and breathing exercises that yoga incorporates is crucial in this practice because it is used to restore the balance of the mind. Some people derive therapeutic effects from merely observing it, while others incorporate it into their practice of pranayama, a school of yoga that concentrates on breathing exercises.

Yoga nowadays seem to have borrowed some of its meaning from the English word ‘yoke.’ In essence, the western countries’ practice of yoga is usually associated with union, whether with an absolute being or God or union with an inner being – the self. Meditation can be active or passive. Passive meditation is often considered more spiritual because it involves quiet contemplation and eventual understanding of life. Active meditation, on the other hand, serves a more tangible purpose: better physique, stress control, mental clarity, and overall health.

Traditional yoga is concerned with enlightenment. Many schools or types of yoga, called paths, have evolved from this principle.

Bhakti yoga. This type has love and devotion at its core. It involves many rituals and ceremonies such as chanting mantras or lighting incense. Bhakti yoga is often practiced with a guru, essentially a sponsor or a mentor. It is popular because its core responds to the desire of all creatures to experience love and give love.

Hatha yoga. The physical aspect of the person is the main focus of Hatha yoga. The body’s physical strength is developed so much that eventually, the body cannot feel pleasure or pain or even heat and cold. Hatha yoga is concerned primarily with the cleaning of the nervous system and strengthening it.

Jnana yoga. In complete opposition with Hatha yoga, it is primarily concerned with the development of knowledge, wisdom, and insight. The body is perceived to be an impediment towards the knowledge that life is merely a vessel towards the eternal. Practitioners are also taught to develop disdain for and discomfort in the physical aspect.

Karma yoga. At the core of this path is service. This path aims to teach people how to be of service to fellow living creatures and to God. People who are fond of helping other people and building bonds with the community are likely to be comfortable with this path.