Yoga is a scientific system of physical and mental practices that originated in India more than three thousand years ago. It is much more than sitting in a lotus position and chanting in unison, rather, Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy that enhances personal growth and well being. There are many different styles of Yoga, and whilst it is fun and challenging it is worth considering which Yoga is right for you.
Bhakti Yoga
This is the path of pure spiritual devotion, love and surrender to God.
Hatha yoga
Introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th century, Hatha Yoga is considered a preparatory stage towards Raja Yoga. Hatha yoga concentrates on physical purification to ensure that the body is fit enough to practise "Higher Meditation". Hatha is what most Westerners would associate with Yoga.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga, not surprisingly, is a gentle form of Yoga practised whilst sitting in a chair (or standing using a chair for support). Chair Yoga is most commonly practised by people who are unable to perform other types of yoga for health or fitness reasons.
Sahaja Yoga
A unique method of meditation based on an experience called Self Realization (Kundalini awakening) that can occur within each human being. Created by Nirmala Srivastava, or "Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi" or "Mother" as she is also known by followers Sahaja Yoga also refers to the Sahaja Yoga International Organization which she founded in 1970 in Nargol, India.
Anusara Yoga
Anusara Yoga is a style of Hatha Yoga, developed by John Friend in 1997 with a Tantric Philosophy.
Iyengar Yoga
Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, Iyengar Yoga uses props, such as belts and blocks, as aids in performing its postures. It is another form of Hatha Yoga and is considered a powerful tool to relieve the stresses of modern-day life.
Karma Yoga
One of the four pillars of yoga Karma Yoga focuses on the adherence to duty while remaining detached from the reward. In other words, one can attain Moksha (salvation) or love of God (bhakti) by performing duties in an unselfish manner for the pleasure of the Supreme.
Kundalini Yoga
A physical and meditative discipline, comprising a set of simple techniques that uses the mind, senses and body to create a communication between "mind" and "body".
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is done in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) and accompanied by specific dialogue. It is a style of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury and consists of 26 yoga postures (or asana) and two breathing exercises lasting 90 minutes.
Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga consists of a number of yogic techniques designed to bring about a profound state of tranquility and God-communion.
Laughter yoga
Laughter yoga uses gentle yoga-breathing and stretching exercises, rhythmic clapping and chanting of Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha in unison. In this simulated laughter turns into real laughter. Sessions last about 20 to 30 minutes and are non-religious, non-sectarian, and non-political.
Power Yoga
Power Yoga is the popular term used to describe the style of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. The asana sequences are largely based on the book Yoga Makaranda. It is an energetic, aerobic style and was originally taught for teenage boys to channel youthful, restless energy and hormones.
Kirshnamacharya then taught a deeper practice as students matured; the intention being that as people mature in their practice, the practice evolves into the more focused, stable, meditative aspects of yoga asana.
Japa Yoga
Another spiritual discipline involving the meditative repetition of a mantra or name of God. Usually the mantra or name is spoken softly, enough for the practitioner to hear it, or more rarely it is spoken purely within the reciters mind. Japa is commonly performed whilst sitting in a yogic meditation posture (said to improve concentration) but this is not always the case in all traditions. It is present in varied forms within most religions in the world, although the Dharmic Religions generally give more emphasis to it as a specific discipline.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is the system of yoga outlined by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. It is also sometimes referred to as Ashtanga (eight-limbed) yoga because there are eight aspects to the path to which one must attend. Raja yoga is concerned principally with the cultivation of the mind using meditation to further one's acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.
Yin Yoga
Developed by Paul Grilley Yin Yoga is a Taoist application of Hatha Yoga which "emphasizes the critical difference between Yin and Yang tissues of the body". The postures in Yin Yoga gently stretch and releases tissues around major joints and also the joints themselves. Postures are held for anywhere between 1 min and 10 min depending upon experience and ability.
So as you can see there are many types of Yoga. Take your time to choose the one which is best suited to you. Yoga is an enjoyable and uplifting activity and it would be a shame to tarnish your experience with a by following a discipline which you you not enjoy.
You may also want to find out about other types of Yoga such as
Dahn Yoga and Yoga Nidra and also about the various Yoga Accessories you might need.
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