Schools And Branches of Yogic Thought

School of Yogic Thought and Branches of Yogic thought refer to two different sets of yogic thought altogether. Whereas the schools of Yogic thought evolved over time, the branches of Yogic thought have remained pretty constant throughout.

Schools of Yogic Thought.

Hatha Yoga : this is often mistakenly equated with a particular style of yoga whereas all it actually refers to is the physical practice of yoga. Hatha yoga is geared towards preparing the body and mind for the higher spiritual practices of Raja Yoga (a Branch of yogic thought)

Mantra Yoga : beneficial for even the most beginning (dull-witted, ot distracted) student refers to the chanting of chanting of mantras or sacred sounds with powerful vibrations to achieve a state of expanded consciousness.

Laya Yoga : is a more intermediate practice, relying on mudras, pranayama, and mediatation to achieve control over the senses, longevity and liberation from attachment.

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Branches of Yogic Thought

Gyana Yoga : Dates back as far as the Upanishads and Bhagawat Gita. It is the Yoga of the Mind  with its concentration on the scriptures and knowledge.

Karma Yoga : Equally ancient, found in the Vedas. Karma literally translated means work, and is the Yoga of Action. Based on the simple idea that our actions determine our life, Karma Yoga involves a path of service towards the self and others.

Bhakti Yoga : Once more, found as early in the scriptures of Bhagwat Gita , it refers to the Yoga of Devotion. By that one could mean devotion to self, to a cause or to every moment in time. It goes hand in hand with the idea of practicing detachment from the world, while living in the world.

Raja Yoga : originated during the first spread of Patanjali's yoga sutras (150 BCE), as the Yoga of Meditation, places Patanjali's Eight Limbed path of Yoga at the centre of its practice. It involves strict adherance to the Yama and Niyama  , leading to deeper forms of meditation. Hatha Yoga makes an entrance here since it provides a way to gain control over the body. Control over the mind or senses is hard without control over the physical body, which is a critical step in the path towards an expanded consciousness.