Which of these 6 Branches of Yoga are you using to Return to Oneness..

Yoga is much more than a form of stretching and exercise.  It is an ancient set of paths and beliefs that are aimed to bring one back into union with the universe.  The word Yoga means “to unite” and it has been the purpose and goal of many yogis to help everyone return to their oneness state.

In order to return to a state of oneness Yoga has developed many different styles and practices in order to help the individual become connected with the breath of the universe and all of its creations.  The different paths in Yoga are designed to help you overcome your individual hardships and reach a state of oneness.

As you read these different paths of Yoga see which areas you most resonate with.

1.      1.  Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)-  Bhakti Yoga is designed to help the individual create a personal relationship with the divine energy of the universe.  It is often a study of chanting, prayer, and finding an individual way of expressing your devotion.  It is common for those who practice this path to be focused on commitment, faith, and being sincere in all their actions.

2.       2. Hatha Yoga (Physical Exercise)- The goal of Hatha Yoga is to gain liberation through physical discipline.  This branch of Yoga is focused on mastering each of the poses in Yoga to purify and master the body and mind.  This form of yoga is often energetic, active and full of physical challenges.

3.       3. Jnana Yoga (Wisdom)- Jnana Yoga is where the truth seekers gather to study and debate.  They fill their time with reading, researching, analyzing, asking questions and discussing what they find with others.  These individuals are often intellectual and philosophical.

4.       4. Karma Yoga (Service)- The goal of Karma Yoga is to selflessly help others.  These individuals will often perform public service, take up a good cause, or volunteer.  They are very generous, altruistic and have a grand awareness of the connections between all of us.

5.      5.  Mantra Yoga (Sound)- This form of Yoga is about focusing the mind through the use of sound.  Mantras will be memorized and chanted over and over to help the individual reach a higher state of being.  Individuals who follow this path are generally focused, appreciate solitude, and often quite musical.

6.       6. Raja Yoga (Meditation)- Raja Yoga is focused on completely clearing the mind in order to have moments of clarity and peace.  These meditations are focused on consistency of practice in order to maintain the balance of the preferred state of mind.  The Raja individual is often scientific, curious, and interested in the direct experiences in life.

Was there a branch of Yoga above that you felt the most drawn to?  Many people may find that they have been on a specific path or two of Yoga for years and they didn’t even realize it.