Types of Yoga
There are many paths within the tradition of Yoga, each honouring different temperaments, inclinations, and stages of a persons spiritual journey. These paths are not mutually exclusive and are often practiced together within a holistic approach to spiritual life and inner transformation. Here you will find a guide to the different types of Yoga, drawn from ancient scripture and traditional systems, yet deeply relevant to modern-day seekers. Yoga, in its deepest sense is a timeless path of union with the God, a means to awaken our true nature, and a practice of returning to the essence of who we are.
Haṭha Yoga
The Yoga of Energetic Balance and Embodiment
Haṭha Yoga works with the body, breath, and subtle energies to harmonise the sun (ha) and moon (ṭha) within as it prepares the practitioner for deep meditation and inner stillness. Most forms of Yoga in the West can be classified as Haṭha Yoga, meaning vinyasa, yin and Iyengar classes are all considered Haṭha Yoga.
Bhakti Yoga
The Yoga of Love & Devotion
Bhakti Yoga is the path of the heart. Through prayer, mantra, ritual, and heartfelt longing, we surrender ourselves to a Higher Being and we cultivate an intimate relationship with God in all forms. It is a journey of merging the individual soul with the Supreme.
Jñāna Yoga
The Yoga of Knowledge & Discernment
Jñāna Yoga is the path of inner inquiry. It teaches us to discern between the temporary (body, mind) and the eternal (Self, or Ātman), and to realise our true nature beyond form. Through study, contemplation, and self-enquiry, the veil of illusion is lifted.
Karma Yoga
The Yoga of Selfless Action
Karma Yoga is the path of selfless service. It invites us to perform our duties and actions as an offering, without desire for personal gain or recognition. Through surrendering the fruits of our actions, we purify the ego and align our will with Divine Will.
Mantra Yoga
The Yoga of Sacred Sound
Mantra Yoga uses the power of sacred sounds; words of divine resonance, to focus the mind and elevate consciousness. Repetition (japa) of a mantra purifies the heart, centres awareness, and aligns the practitioner with the deeper rhythms of the universe.
Rāja Yoga / Dhyāna Yoga
The Yoga of Meditation and Mind Mastery
Often known as the ‘royal path’, Rāja Yoga is considered to be the best path to attaining the highest state of yoga - samadhi. Swami Vivekananda describes this internal meditative practice as a path towards mastering the whole universe.
Sāṅkhya-Yoga
Discernment of Spirit (Puruṣa) & Matter (Prakṛti)
Sāṅkhya is one of the oldest philosophical systems of India and provides the metaphysical foundation for many yogic teachings. It distinguishes between the eternal Spirit and the ever-changing material world. This discernment leads to liberation from suffering and identification with the eternal Self.
Kriyā Yoga
The Yoga of Purification and Inner Discipline
Mentioned in the Yoga Sūtras, Kriyā Yoga integrates ascetic discipline (tapas), self-study (svādhyāya), and surrender to God (Īśvara-praṇidhāna). In some traditions, it also refers to powerful internal techniques aimed at awakening dormant spiritual energy and accelerating Self-realisation.
Tantra Yoga
The Yoga of Expansion through Ritual and Energy
Tantra views the entire cosmos as a manifestation of Divine Consciousness. It includes rituals, mantra, meditation, and subtle body practices to awaken kundalinī energy and unite Śiva (pure consciousness) with Śakti (divine energy) within.
Laya Yoga
The Yoga of Dissolution into the Absolute
Laya means dissolution or merging. This path uses concentration on inner sound (nāda) and energetic practices to dissolve the ego-mind into the Divine. It is a deeply meditative path aimed at total union with the Supreme.
All Paths Lead to the One
Each path of Yoga offers a unique doorway into the vast temple of Self-realisation. Whether your inclination is devotional, intellectual, action-based, meditative, or embodied, all sincere approaches ultimately lead back to the same Divine Source.
In my offerings, including 1:1 mentorship, online courses, retreats, and sacred community spaces, I bring together some of these traditional threads into an integrated, heart-centred path that honours your unique journey. May your practice be a living expression of Truth, and may you walk this path with grace, courage, and devotion.