There are six branches of yoga each with its own characteristics and functions. These branches all offer various approaches to life. It is important for one to establish the reason for choosing to practice yoga so as to know the right branch to take. These branches are not exclusive of each other as they tend to overlap.
Hatha Yoga or Yoga of Postures
This branch of yoga is involved in physical practices. It is the most commonly practiced in the West. Hatha yoga considers the body as what drives the soul and it purposes to make it perfect and fill it with energy of life. It promotes good health and peace of mind.
Tantra Yoga or Yoga of Rituals
This branch utilizes rituals to experience sanctity in our activities, a part of which is consecrated spiritual sex. In order to practice Tantra yoga, one must possess qualities such as truthfulness, devotion, humility, purity and dedication. It seeks to study the universal from the point of view of the individual and promotes the unearthing of divinity in all ceremonies.
Raja Yoga or Royal Yoga
This branch focuses on meditation and contemplation. It honors the self and believes that the universe exists for the self thereby promoting self respect. Its emphasis is on the awareness of one's state of mind. This instructs adherence to the eight ethical standards also known as the yama. These are: mediation, sensory withdrawal, posture, concentration, breath control, concentration, ecstasy and meditation.
Jnana Yoga or Yoga of the Mind
This branch focuses on intelligence. It deems wisdom and intellect most important and strives to combine the two to overcome all limitations. The intellect is developed through the study of the traditional literature relating to yoga.
Bhakti yoga or Yoga of the Heart
This branch focuses on devotion and teaches the yogis to see the divine in everything and everyone leading to pure love, acceptance and tolerance for all. Yogis are encouraged to express their devotion in all their words, thoughts and actions. It also encourages building or re-building a personal connection with God.
Karma Yoga or the Yoga of Service
This branch focuses on the deeds we did in the past affecting our current experiences. It teaches that what we do today will affect what we experience in the future. No one can escape this pathway of yoga. Therefore to ensure a future with no negativity, we should practice selfless service now.
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