There are four types of yoga, as well as eight limbs to be aware of. If you are going to get involved with yoga you should be in tune with the types and limbs and how they will affect your life.
Four Types of Yoga
- Karma Yoga. This is known as the path to service, and the person practicing is the Karma Yogi.
- Bhakti Yoga. Devotion through prayer and ritual.
- Jnana Yoga. The path to wisdom through the studying of sacred, ancient text. Yoga through philosophy.
- Raja Yoga. This type of yoga is often times referred to as the royal path. This is an overall balance of the first three types of yoga.
Eight Limbs of Yoga
- Asana. These are the exercises that are performed while doing yoga. These postures are meant to promote an overall feeling of physical well-being.
- Dharana. Practice of concentration.
- Dhyana. Meditation on God which is used to open the heart to healing.
- Niyama. Includes five positive behaviors: self-study, self-discipline, love for God, contentment, and cleanliness.
- Pranayama. Breathing exercises for inner health and vitality.
- Pratyahara. A way to see challenges in a positive light and overcome everyday worries and barriers.
- Samadhi. A way to experience God and his presence. The desired result of this limb is overall peace and contentment.
- Yama. Includes five ethical traits: truth, non-violence, non-stealing, non-attachment and Absolute fidelity.