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| | Yoga is an esoteric, initially within in Hinduism, system of psychosomatic approaches for achieving stable changed conditions of consciousness, which includes actualization, differentiation, correction and controlling somatic, mental status of man. Original goal of
Yoga is a change in ontological status of man. Yoga can be applied also for achieving the state of full physical, psychological and social well-being of man (health).
Yoga is very popular in India, and in c. XX, it became popular in the West and Russia. As on today there are more than 1000 various public entities, popularizing yoga all around the world.
The types of yoga:
- Classical Yoga of Patanjali- study about achieving control on consciousness with an aim of fully rupturing with the world of conditionally-limited nature (prakriti) and perception of oneself as the form of pure consciousness (purusha). This includes 8 practices
(links-anga). Different techniques of achieving control on consciousness are described in various ancient texts, and were systematized in Yoga sutra of Patanjali, who considered as founder of classical Yoga.
- Raja Yoga – term introduced later in order to properly differentiate Patanjali from Hatha yoga. Raja Yoga some times considered as highest order of Hatha Yoga, that’s why it is called Raja-kinglike.
- Hatha Yoga is yoga of balance of live energy (prana), controlling energy streams hidden in body. This includes practice of purifying techniques, the asanas, pranayama, mudra and bindhi. Hatha yoga appeared in IX-X centuries due to union of tantric principles (ideas about circulation of live energy in man’s body) and classical yoga practice. Other forms of yoga (Kundalini yoga, Raja yoga, Dhyana yoga, Samadhi yoga and others.), are some times considered as higher stages of hatha-yoga.
- Kundalini yoga (Tantra yoga) is yoga of mystic energy awakening of Kundalini Shakti for opening of higher consciousness. Some times it is considered as high stage of Hatha Yoga.
- Mantra yoga, this yoga uses energy, sound and light (through visualization) vibration for gaining spiritual experience.
- Jnani yoga, yoga of spiritual knowledge and perspicacity, keeps goal of perceiving oneself as transcendental self (atma), and who is a unique existing reality. This is practiced through rejection of enjoying from one’s own deeds, cultivating desire in one self to be free, peaceful and self-control and faith.
- Karma yoga is yoga of action, unattached to the results and performing high-hearted moral deeds.
- Bhakti yoga is yoga of transcendental love and devoted service to personal form of Absolute. This yoga is practiced as emotional ecstatic expression of love to the God, and as a rule in Shiva and Vishnu cults.
- Shadanga yoga- six-step yoga, a system of sidhas and naths, similar to Ashtanga yoga
- Ashtanga yoga has eight (ashta) steps. This comprises of Hatha yoga and Raja yoga.
- Kriya yoga – founder of this type of yoga is Indian saint Lahiri Mahasai, who lived in 19 century in Varanasi (Benares). It is considered that these methods have been given to him by mystical Himalayan saint Babaji, who achieved immortality. The most famous advocate is Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the book “Autobiography of Yoga (1946). Main goal is mystic realization and awakening of Kundalini, methods-pranayama, mudra, bandhi, meditation, hence this yoga can be called one among the branches of traditional Kundalini yoga.
- Laya yoga is a system. Goal of this system is awakening of “latent” psychological energy in vegetative nervous system. Laya yoga’s main means is meditation. Targets of concentration are specific words (mantra), geometric figures (yantra) and pictures (dayat).
- Gyana yoga is also known as nirguna-dhyana (meditation without attributes), meditation on Om, pranava-upasana or brahma upasana. By performing selfless service in a period of 20 years, purify your mind and attention. In consequence, purity of mind, then achieved is the ability to distinguish and disavowal. Gain four qualifications (sadhana chatushatya)- Viveka (ability distinguish true and false, vairagya (disavowal), six virtues and mumukshutva (striving to be saved from degeneration).
Some times terms ending up with – yoga mean one or other practice, not developed as separate teaching. All types of yoga demand qualified Teacher, who belongs to traditional line of succession. Independent rambling practice of some yoga, particularly Kundalini yoga will cause negative effect on mind and body. Several types of breathing exercises need to be held in specially allocated “pure” places. Not following this rule may lead to negative consequences. |
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