Yoga Styles

It is generally accepted opinion of the highest authorities of yoga that only complete systems which include almost all methods that Patanjali emphasizes, can be accepted as yoga styles.

Method or the part which is chosen as the most important part of the self-development will influence the choice of the yoga style. We will mention some of them:

1. Raja yoga is the path that helps to achieve the mind processes control on the say to the higher levels of consciousness;
2. Hatha yoga is the path in which yoga asanas, pranayama, but also all other methods described by Patanjali, are dominantly practiced on the way to the higher levels of consciousness. Hatha yoga is the most present yoga style in the world, with different names. This style integrated all the key dimensions of yoga (yama, niyama, pranayama, pratyahara, asanas, dharana, dhyana and samadhi), but also techniques of kriya, mudra, bandha. By practicing this style, practitioners obtain psycho-physiological, social and spiritual development. National branch yoga federations of all countries conduct register of certified yoga teachers who were educated in yoga in institutions that have approval of the competent national Ministry.
3. Nada yoga is the path where sounds are used in order to achieve the higher levels of consciousness;
4. Swara yoga is the path where the higher levels of consciousness are achieved by awareness, understanding and managing the subtle energy flows in the energy channels (nadis).
5. Bhakti yoga is the path of respect, gratefulness and devotion;
6. Karma yoga is the path of active performance with the filling of unity – its result is a good deed;
7. Jnana yoga is the path of achievement of the higher levels of consciousness by attaining wisdom, i.e. adoption (internalization) of the essential knowledge.

Yoga is also recognised as a sport branch that includes sports disciplines (Hatha yoga, Art yoga, Raja yoga, Kundalini yoga, Svara yoga, Nada yoga, Jnana yoga) and styles (Academic yoga, Contemporary yoga and Traditional yoga).