Flavors of Yoga

There are many flavors of Yoga. Some of them are given below:

• Hatha-yoga : Physical and breathing exercises
• Kundalini-yoga : Awaking and energizing various chakras from the body
• Bhakti-yoga : Cultivation of ecstatic spiritual relationship with God
• Mantra-yoga : Chanting of sacred prayers and names of God
• Nada-yoga : Meditation on the Absolute in sound vibration
• Raja-yoga : The eight limbed path of transcendental knowledge
• Karma-yoga : Work as spiritual service

Though there are many paths their final goal is the same - union with God (or the Divine power). Which path one chooses depends on individual mind-body conditions. The path which is suitable for one may not be suitable to the other. That is why it is always said that one should practice Yoga under the able guidance of a Guru. Without guidance there is chance of going fruitless or even causing damage (some techniques really need careful attention) to the mind-body equipment.