Bhakti, Jnana and Karma
Traditionally, six forms of yoga have been practiced in India: Hatha, Mantra, Raja, Bhakti, Jnana and Karma. These last three are the original main forms. The other forms have been derived from these traditional movements over the centuries.
bhakti
There are many forms of yoga. Nowadays yoga is mainly seen as the way to stay healthy of body and mind, but that is not necessarily what is meant by, for example, Bhakti yoga. In Bhakti yoga everything is dominated by the love for the higher. Love that is not limited by any earthly desire. It is a total surrender, a pursuit of selflessness.
Jnana
The second main form, the Jnana yoga, especially sees the importance of gaining knowledge. It is the path of wisdom and focuses on study and meditation. Jnana focuses on the truth that does not change. Through various techniques, this yoga form learns to be free of thoughts.
Karma
The last main form is the yoga of action, of action. The word Karma means action. Within Karma yoga, circumstances are used to achieve self-realization. You enter into karma by doing selfless work.
hatha
Of the three other forms that have traditionally been practiced, Hatha is the best known and the most practiced form in the Netherlands. In the name Hatha the Sanskrit words ha (sun) and tha (moon) come together. The sun stands for action, the moon for internalization. Within Hatha yoga the two come together in the form of asana, physical exercise, and pranayama, control of the breath.
mantra
Within Mantra yoga it is all about sound. The development of self-awareness is achieved through the repetition of sound. This can be done aloud or silently and with sounds, words or sentences. The most famous yoga mantra is OM. Mantras also appear in many contemporary yoga forms.
raja
In Raja yoga all the above streams come together. That is why it is also called the royal yoga (Raja means king). This teaching asks you to focus everything on yoga. Raja yoga is a combination of practical exercises to master the mind. It’s about awareness and the ability to channel thoughts.
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