Yoga Discipline in Sanskrit: Types and Path

There are 10 types of yoga disciplines in Sanskrit; each discipline's belief and pattern is different from the others. They are also called the path of yoga or a branch in the common language. Yoga defines various forms and patterns of thinking and inclinations. There are four major disciplines, and others are minor.

Lord Shiva is believed as the very first yogi (Adiyogi), and yoga is 5000 years old. There are no documents that can tell the proper age of yoga. With evolution types and forms also changing and people adapted patterns that suit them more in comparison to others.

What are Yoga Disciplines? 

Yoga discipline is the system of practice that unites body, mind and spirit of the body to achieve self-realisation or the higher self. A yogi has to change their lifestyle and leave addiction for this act of self-realisation. These disciplines help them to achieve salvation in a modified way from the old lifestyle. These are both physical and breathing practices for attaining moksha.

These yoga disciplines aim to give mental clarity and personal space for self-realisation. The four major yoga disciplines are Raja yoga, Bhakti yoga, Karma yoga and Jnana yoga. Other disciplines are modified versions by exclusive practitioners, e.g. Mantra yoga, Laya yoga and Kundalini yoga. 

Types of Yoga Disciplines

The modern extensions of yoga are mentioned with the name of the discoverer, and traditional forms of extensions are named according to pattern. These patterns of the yoga discipline also have a touch of philosophy. Here are the names of such disciplines: 

1. Raja Yoga

People who want a self-realisation space can benefit from this pattern. It is based on the Patanjali Yoga, or the eight limbs of Yoga. It is an act of self-discipline and makes some essential changes in behaviour. Inner peace and calmness of the mind are easily achieved through this method.

2. Karma Yoga

Performing duty without any detachment and not expecting anything in return is the greatness of this path. This act saves people from the entanglement in karma. It is also mentioned in the Geeta, which are direct words of lord Krishna. We can spirtualize our work and our duties without attachment gives us freedom and a feeling of joy. There is a word “Stithpragya”, a yogi, through continuous practice of Karma yoga, attains.

3. Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti yoga is the path of devotion, surrendering ourselves to god and working with devotion is the method of this yoga. There is Bhajan, kirtan and mantra chanting to enter this path. It helps in making a connection with god and gives us infinite ability to work and act. Surrendering karma is Karma yoga, and surrendering ourselves is the Bhakti yoga.

4. Jnana Yoga

This is the path of wisdom, and its journey starts from questioning ourselves. The questions like “Who am I?” “From where I came into this world” is the curiosity about ourselves. This path is more spiritually inclined, and the yogi seeks answers to these questions. We can say that it is liberation through wisdom.

Path of Yoga Discipline With Traditional & Modern Extension

The above-mentioned paths are for an exclusive spiritual person; other forms of yoga include physical methods of energy channelising. The section below of the article includes later forms of the disciplines: 

1. Hatha Yoga

The word “Hatha” represents compulsion in the physical changes; there are some people who believe that it is not for a weak person. It is beneficial to maintain proper discipline in the body. Poses, breathing practice and meditation are the steps of Hatha Yoga. The first two practices help in getting a steady meditative state.

2. Kundalini Yoga

This is a statement of a Vedic text that there are 7 Chakras in the body, and Prana Shakti lies in our naval region, which is known as Kundalini Shakti. It can be awakened and can be transmuted into a different form via meditation practice and getting enlightenment. All chakras of the body can be awakened with the help of this power, all at once. Kundalini yoga is performed for the same goal.

3. Laya Yoga

It is a very close method to kundalini yoga; it is regarded as the dissolution of the mind and body. With the help of The meditation practice helps in energy control of the body.

4. Mantra Yoga

The method of controlling “Chitta” with the help of mantra practice is known as Mantra Yoga. It can be practised with the help of Mantra Diksha by a Guru or by chanting any specific Mantra many times to attain liberation. It is also considered a method of getting salvation in one birth.

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Conclusion

Yoga Discipline Sanskrit defines different methods of practice and attaining the alignment. With the continuous practice of these three, a person can attain salvation. These practices make a balance and harmony in daily life. The origin of yoga is stated in the Vedas, and the very first yogi was Lord Shiva. Sages from ancient times made texts of their knowledge in different forms. You may get other information from Pratham Yoga.