Yoga can be applied to a variety of practices and methods, which also includes Jain, Buddhist and Hindu practices. These practices are Jnana Yoga (Bhakti Yoga), Laya Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Laya Yoga in Hinduism.
Ashtanga Yoga
The Yoga Sutras from Pantajali are the oldest written compilations about yoga.
Wellnessbeing the Raja Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga (the eight limbs that must be followed to achieve Samadhi). The ultimate goal of yoga is Samadhi, or the union of one's individual self and the Supreme Being. Patanjali says that you can attain this ultimate union by eliminating the 'vruttis', or different modifications of your mind. Right discipline and training the body can control the mind. The Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali include:
- Yama: Ethical values or social restraints for living. They include: Ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya (truthfulness) Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy, fidelity to one's partner) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
- Niyama – They include personal observances like Sauca (clarity in mind, speech and physique), Santosha(contentment), Tapas [perseverance]. Svadhyaya, which is self-reflection and self-study, as well as Ishvara Pranidhana, which is contemplation of God/Supreme Being/True self) are all forms of Svadhyaya.
- Asana literally means "seat" and is referred to in Patanjali’s Sutras as the seated position for meditation.
- Pranayama – Prana. Breath, "ayama", to stop or restrain, i.e. regulate the breath
- Pratyahara: Withdrawal from the senses in preparation for meditation.
- Dharana - Concentration
- Dhyana - Meditation.
- Samadhi: To liberate one's body and attain ecstasy.
Patanjali also identified basic obstacles that prevent the mind from practising yoga. They are divided into two classes by Patanjali:
- Antarayas are intruders on the path to yoga
- Viksepasahabhuvah: co-existing with mental distraction
There are 9 Antarayas.
- Vyadhi is a physical illness that affects the body. It needs to be treated and returned to health. A disease can cause mental disorder and make it difficult to do yoga or other forms of physical discipline.
- Mental laziness is Styana. This is the human desire to see the benefits of action and not exert any effort. It is detrimental to mental health. To overcome this condition, you must have strong will power.
- Samshaya (doubt). Faith is the only way to get rid of all doubts.
- Pramada (heedlessness), - Yoga is not possible if one isn't aware of cultivating virtues.
- Physical laziness is called Alasya. It can be overcome by engaging in healthy activities.
- Avirati (detachment), - To attain Yoga, the mind must be free from all material objects.
- Bhrantidarsana, or false perception, is a dangerous condition that can lead to self-conceit. It should be avoided.
- Alabdha- Bhumikatva - Recognizing and banishing the negative traits of our personality would be a great way to improve your long-term health.
- Anavasthitatva is the act of falling away from the yogic states attained.
There are four Viksepasahabhuvah
- Dukha is sorrow and suffering that the human mind suffers.
- Daurmanasya is a term that refers to disappointment caused by the inability to fulfill one's desires or ambitions.
- Angamejayatva is a mental disorder that causes restlessness in the limbs.
- Shvasa or prashvasa is a forced inhalation and outhalation. Mind calmening can be achieved through controlled breathing or balance.
Patanjali says that meditation and devotion to God can remove these obstacles, which will open the door for self-realization.
Vashishta Yoga:
Yoga Vashishta is believed to have been revealed by Vashishta, a Vedic sage to his royal disciple Lord Rama. Lord Rama is believed to be a reincarnation Lord Vishnu. Yoga Vashishta is composed of 32000 shlokas. This scripture explains Vedanta's teachings to Lord Rama through the use of stories. He teaches him about deceitful nature of the world and teaches him how to achieve wisdom and happiness, thus leading him to the path to the supreme spirit.
Kundalini Yoga (Laya Yoga):
This type of yoga was introduced to the world in The Yoga- Kundalini Upanishad during the first half 17th century. Kundalini yoga refers to the yoga of consciousness. Kundalini, or primal energy, is the Shakti or primordial energy. It lies dormant at the base of your spine and is coiled like a serpent. It is the energy that enables awareness and consciousness in all human forms. Kundalini yoga is said to awaken the Kundalini Shakti, which lies in a coiled position at its spinal base. It then moves through 6 chakras and reaches the crown, the 7th chakra. This form of yoga, which involves daily practice of kriyas as well as meditation in sadhana, is meant to help people realize their full creative potential. Kundalini Yoga is a way to liberate yourself from your Karma and realize your purpose in life (Dharma).
Nada Yoga:
Nada Yoga's basic theory is that all of the universe and its inhabitants are made up sound vibrations, or nadas. (Sanskrit: "nad" means sound). "Nada" resonates to the sound 'Om", which is the primitive form energy. Nada yoga is a form of exercise that summons the union of the self and God through sound or music. N?da yoga divides music or sound into two types: anahata (internal sound) and ahata (external sound). Nada yoga focuses on the 'anahata nada' or inner sound. It is important to focus on the sound produced within the body, and not any external vibrations. The aspirant will experience a sense of stillness that allows them to connect with their soul or the 'atman. Nada yoga helps us tune ourselves to all sounds and ultimately immerse ourselves in the cosmic sound, "Om". Yoga Sutras by Patanjali state that the mantra "Om" is "the sound that expresses Supreme Being and should be repeated while simultaneously absorbing its meaning."
Jnana yoga:
Jnana, or wisdom or knowledge, is the most difficult path in Yoga. It requires great willpower and intelligence. This form of yoga aims to liberate the mind from the world of illusions and perceptions. It also aims to unite the inner Self (Atman), with the Oneness of All Life (Brahman). You can achieve this by constantly practicing the mental techniques of contemplation, self-questioning and conscious illumination as described in sadhana chatushtaya ("Four Pillars of Knowledge"). These are the steps towards liberation. These steps can be practiced continuously to increase spiritual insight, understanding, and reduce suffering and dissatisfaction. These are the 4 steps:
- Viveka (discernment and discrimination) is a deliberate intellectual effort to distinguish between the permanent and temporary, Self and not-Self.
- Vairagya (detachment). To attain Yoga, the mind must be free from all material objects.
- Shatsampat (six virtues), six mental practices that promote calmness, restraint and endurance. They also help to stabilize the mind, emotions, and trust.
- Mumukshutva is a passionate desire to be free from suffering.
On the road to self-realization, it is important to be humble and compassionate.
Bhakti yoga:
Yoga is the fourth main path to enlightenment. Bhakti, or devotion or love, is Yoga. This type of yoga aims to unify the bhakta or aspirant with the Divine. Bhakti Yoga is the simplest and most direct way to achieve unity of mind, spirit, and body. Bhakti Yoga is a simple, loving practice that requires an open heart. Hatha Yoga demands a flexible and strong body. Raja Yoga requires a focused mind and a disciplined mind. Jnana Yoga requires a sharp intellect. Bhakti Yoga is a complement to other yoga paths well. It is believed that Bhakti Yoga will bring out your jnana (knowledge, or wisdom) when you are deeply involved in the devotional practices.
Hatha yoga
Hatha (Hah-sun; Tha-moon) yoga is about balancing the masculine and feminine aspects within us. It helps to balance the opposing forces and unify them. Through a series asanas (postures), pranayama, and breathing exercises, it aims to unite mind and body. These practices activate the Kundalini energies and purify the mind of all negative thoughts. This form of Yoga is extremely popular in the West.
Hatha Yoga helps us achieve a healthy balance between strength and flexibility. We also learn how to manage our minds by using our physical effort to balance our mental efforts and allowing ourselves to be in the pose. Hatha yoga is an excellent way to transform your self. The science of controlling your breath allows you to control the wanderings in your mind.