The 6 branches of the yoga tree

In the West, yoga is very often reduced to a practice of asanas or is represented by a kind of Indian gymnastics. Fortunately, yoga is much more than that. This is why we are going to try to explain to you what the 6 branches of yoga are.

What is yoga?

The word "yoga" in its Sanskrit translation means "union" from the word Yuj . This discipline, derived from the Indian philosophy "astika" is the realization of spiritual union through the alliance of breath, asanas and the mind to free oneself from the cycle of rebirth.

Although since its introduction in the United States before arriving in the West, many styles of yoga have emerged such as power yoga, acro yoga, SUP yoga, etc. This practice of asanas or body positions only represents a part of the 6 major paths of the yoga tree. Each branch has its own history, philosophy and methodology.

Here is the description of the 6 branches of Yoga

1. Raja Yoga

This path is often represented as the "highest form" of yoga, this " royal yoga " is closely related to ashtanga yoga (8-limbed yoga) and is based on the "yoga sutras" of Patanjali. It is a precise path that aims to master the intellect and thoughts through meditation.

It is the union with " pure consciousness " that is sought. This search is done by the disidentification of the ego and allows to reveal what has always been there: the universal self.

So it is an inner practice with little outward expression. It requires discipline and commitment. Originally, this discipline was intended for the upper royal caste who had education, time and means to meditate.

2. Jnana yoga

This is the yoga of knowledge . This yoga is considered one of the most direct paths to the knowledge of our true help. It is also the most difficult yoga. This form of non-dual yoga is the investigation of the self by returning to the source of our thoughts, to the "I", original thought, origin of the "maya" (illusory nature of the world). Originally, only priests and scholars were likely to be considered disciples of this discipline.

3. Tantra Yoga

The French translation of "trantra" is: "tan" which means "to extend" or "to weave", tantra yoga explores all the physical and energetic aspects, sensations, and perceptions of the body and mind.

The practice is transmitted from master to disciple and focuses on the most subtle elements of the body, mind and life. Chakras, nadis, yantras, kundalini or the invocation of deities are part of the practice.

Tantra cannot be reduced to a sexual practice. Moreover, this sexual practice is reserved only for certain initiates who are rare.

4. Hatha yoga

Which means yoga of strength . This yoga is first mentioned around 1100 AD, it is the most recent branch of yoga. "Ha" means sun and "tha" moon. This yoga aims to balance the feminine and masculine energies in order to unite them. It is a body yoga intended to bring balance within the human organism. It is the most common yoga in the West.

Among the practices, we find asanas (postures), bandhas (energy knots, muscular contractions), pranayamas (breathing exercises), mudras (codified gestures), mantras (chants, sacred formulas), and meditation.

5. Bakti Yoga

This yoga is first mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita around 300 BC, it is the yoga of "devotion", it is based on Self-realization through love, devotion, development of the qualities of the heart.

There are traditionally 9 practices in Bhakti yoga: "shravana" listening to sacred scriptures, "kirtana" sacred chanting, "smarana" remembrance of the divine, "pada-sevana" service at the feet of the lord, "vandana" servile devotion, "sakhya" spiritual friendship, "atma nivedana" self-offering.
It is one of the most popular routes in India.

6. Karma Yoga

We discover the appearance of this yoga in 300 BC, it is the yoga of action , it is based on service, selfless action and non-violence. This yoga occupies an important place in Indian philosophy. Inner union is achieved by making all actions an offering to God, or to the divinity or to the universal self.

It involves letting go of attachment to the consequences of our actions and focusing on the present moment . It is the ancestor of mindfulness.

It is up to you to find your way in the long path of yoga. The main thing is to keep and listen to your inner compass. The goal of all yogis is to realize oneself, to be the source of our happiness and inner peace.