Hello dear Lemon Tree Yogis!
Today we will talk about yoga styles that are popular around the world and each offers different benefits.
Although yoga is a practice that dates back thousands of years, it is still evolving today and is loved in its various forms all over the world.
Whether you want to strengthen your body, calm your mind, or embark on a spiritual journey, there is a yoga style for you!
1. Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti Yoga is the path of universal love and devotion. It is known for its emotional intensity and spiritual depth. Its practitioners experience emotional surrender through songs, chants and fresh rituals.
2. Karma Yoga: Also known as the “path of action,” Karma Yoga is based on the idea of shaping our own destiny through our actions. This style is based on the principles of altruism and service. Practitioners accelerate their spiritual development by serving others.
3. Jnana Yoga: Jnana Yoga, meaning “the path of wisdom or knowledge,” is a mental and intellectual approach. This path aims at self-realization through meditation, deep thought, and philosophical pursuits.
4.Raja Yoga: Raja Yoga, which can be translated as “Royal Path”, focuses on mind control and meditation. It follows the eight-step path (Ashtanga Yoga) described in the Yoga Sutras. This path seeks mental discipline and inner peace.
5. Tantra Yoga: Tantra Yoga is based on a practice full of energy and rituals. This style embraces all sensory experiences and encourages spiritual growth and living in harmony with universal energies.
6. Hatha Yoga: One of the first styles that comes to mind when it comes to yoga, Hatha Yoga is ideal for those who are new to yoga practice. Hatha aims to provide balance between the mind and body. With a slower pace and meditative approach, it offers perfect harmony between breath control and physical poses.
7. Kundalini Yoga: Focusing on awakening the Kundalini energy, also known as the “snake power,” this style includes dynamic movements, breathing techniques, meditation and the use of mantras. It both increases your energy level and provides a spiritual awakening.
8. Mantra Yoga: Based on the power of sound, Mantra Yoga aims to clear and focus the mind through the repetition of certain words or sounds. These mantras are used during meditation and can lead to deep inner peace.
There are many styles in the world of yoga that have evolved over a wide spectrum, from traditional styles to modern practices.
Along with the first eight styles, let's explore other popular forms of yoga that are inspired by these styles and take them even deeper.
Below, we will cover the history of the styles that have become popular in modern times, especially Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin and Restorative Yoga, which are derived from traditional roots, and the traditional styles they are related to. We will also introduce Iyengar Yoga, which focuses on technical details:
1.Vinyasa Yoga:
Time of Origin: Modern Vinyasa Yoga developed in the mid-20th century from the older “Ashtanga Yoga” system.
Related Style: Considered a variation of Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga builds on the dynamic movement and breath synchronization of Ashtanga and combines it with a freer, more flowing practice.
2. Ashtanga Yoga:
Time of Origin: While the origins of Ashtanga Yoga can be traced back to ancient India, the modern form of this style was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the early 20th century.
Associated Style: Ashtanga is derived from the eight-limbed path (Ashtanga), one of the classical “Raja Yoga” disciplines described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
3. Yin Yoga:
Origin: Yin Yoga is a style modernized with Taoist yoga practices and western knowledge of anatomy in the 1970s. It was popularized in the west by Paulie Zink.
Related Style: Yin Yoga is based primarily on Taoist yoga practices and combines these traditional Chinese medical theories with modern yoga practice.
4. Restorative Yoga:
Time of Release: Restorative Yoga was developed by BKS Iyengar in the mid-20th century and is designed specifically for yogis who have had injuries or are recovering.
Associated Style: Restorative Yoga emerged as an offshoot of Iyengar Yoga .
5. Iyengar Yoga:
Time of Origin: Iyengar Yoga was developed by BKS Iyengar in the mid-20th century and was designed specifically for yogis who have had injuries or are recovering.
Related Style: Iyengar Yoga is a more technically focused and detailed application of Hatha Yoga, with a strong emphasis on correct postures. This style focuses on correct alignment of positions, breath control, and deep concentration, thus increasing both physical and mental discipline.
BKS Iyengar's book "Light on Life" is an excellent resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the philosophy and practice of Iyengar Yoga.
Drawing on Iyengar's own experiences, this book offers ways to overcome the challenges you may encounter on your yoga journey and transform your life.
Each yoga style has unique characteristics and benefits. Whether you are looking to gain physical strength, achieve mental peace, or embark on a spiritual journey, these world-renowned yoga styles can help you.
As Lemon Tree Online Yoga, we are happy to offer you this diversity. Let's embark on this wonderful journey together!
With love,
Isil Ulku - Lemon Tree Yogi