योग (Yog)

The seven paths of Yoga are not explicitly outlined in a single Hindu scripture. Instead, they are derived from various classical texts that discuss different aspects of Yoga. The foundational text that systematically presents the philosophy and practice of Yoga is the "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali." Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, written around the 2nd century BCE, is a key source for Raja Yoga and provides guidance on the path of meditation and mental control.

The idea of different paths of Yoga is also found in the Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains different paths of devotion, knowledge, and selfless action, which align with the concepts of Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga, respectively.

The concept of Hatha Yoga, which involves physical postures and breath control, is found in various ancient texts and scriptures, but it is not associated with a single source.

The paths of Yoga, as explained in the response above, have been synthesized from these and other traditional texts over time. Scholars and practitioners have drawn upon a combination of scriptures, teachings, and philosophical traditions to articulate the diverse aspects of the Yogic path.

Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are the eight limbs or components of classical Yoga, as outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. These eight limbs provide a systematic and comprehensive approach to spiritual and personal development.

The word “chakra” means “spinning wheel.” Yoga maintains that chakras are center points of energy, thoughts, feelings, and the physical body. According to yogic teachers, chakras determine how people experience reality through emotional reactions, desires or aversions, levels of confidence or fear, and even physical symptoms and effects.  When energy becomes blocked in a chakra, it triggers physical, mental, or emotional imbalances that manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, lethargy, or poor digestion. Asanas are the many physical poses in Hatha yoga. People who practice yoga use asanas to free energy and stimulate an imbalanced chakra. There are seven major chakras, each with its own focus:

Modern yoga focuses on exercise, strength, agility, and breathing. It can helpTrusted Source boost physical and mental well-being.  There are many styles of yoga. A person should choose a style based on their goals and fitness level. Types and styles of yoga include:

• Ashtanga yoga.  This type of yoga practice uses ancient yoga teachings. However, it became popular during the 1970s. Ashtanga applies the same poses and sequences that rapidly link every movement to breath.

• Bikram yoga.   People practice Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, in artificially heated rooms at a temperature of nearly 105oF and 40% humidity. It consists of 26 poses and a sequence of two breathing exercises.

• Hatha yoga.  This is a generic term for any type of yoga that teaches physical poses. Hatha classes usually serve as a gentle introduction to the basic poses of yoga.

• Iyengar yoga. This type of yoga practice focuses on finding the correct alignment in each pose with the help of a range of props, such as blocks, blankets, straps, chairs, and bolsters.

• Kripalu yoga.  This type teaches practitioners to know, accept, and learn from the body. A student of Kripalu yoga learns to find their own level of practice by looking inward. The classes usually begin with breathing exercises and gentle stretches, followed by a series of individual poses and final relaxation.

• Kundalini yoga.  Kundalini yoga is a system of meditation that aims to release pent-up energy. A Kundalini yoga class typically begins with chanting and ends with singing. In between, it features asana, pranayama, and meditation that aim to create a specific outcome.

• Power yoga.   In the late 1980s, practitioners developed this active and athletic type of yoga based on the traditional Ashtanga system.

• Sivananda.   This system uses a five point philosophy as its foundation. This philosophy maintains that proper breathing, relaxation, diet, exercise, and positive thinking work together to create a healthy yogic lifestyle. People practicing Sivananda use 12 basic asanas, which they precede with Sun Salutations and follow with Savasana.

• Viniyoga.   Viniyoga focuses on form over function, breath and adaptation, repetition and holding, and the art and science of sequencing.

• Yin yoga.   Yin yoga places its focus on holding passive poses for long periods of time. This style of yoga targets deep tissues, ligaments, joints, bones, and fascia.

• Prenatal yoga.   Prenatal yoga uses poses that practitioners have created with pregnant people in mind. This yoga style can help people get back into shape after giving birth, and support health during pregnancy.

• Restorative yoga.   This is a relaxing method of yoga. A person spends a restorative yoga class in four or five simple poses, using props such as blankets and bolsters to sink into deep relaxation without exerting any effort when holding the pose.