What are the major types of yoga, and how are they different?

Namaste Riddhi 

Now let's understand it in this way . We first take definition of yoga with the refference of Maharishi "Patanjali " who in his aphorism " Yoga Darshan " describes yoga as " calming the impressions of mind" . Now to bring that state there are various stages of practises . For a beginner it starts with "Bahiranga Yoga " that is the external yoga where we work mostly body -breath centric . Here we can put HATHA YOGA as balancing and preparing mind - body complex . Under hatha yoga many modern schools developed like the contemporary classical hatha yoga , ashtanga , vinyasa , yin etc . Afterwards comes the intermediate journey and hence comes the Raj yoga that also comes under 'antarang yoga ' or internal yoga where a sadhak has mastered ones external equipments and now can work on the internal that is senses and mind . From the mastery here the ultimate path of kriya yoga yoga starts . So it all is a gradua path depending upon the personality , previous samskaras , prarabdhas and also the interest of a sadhak / Yogi 

I hope this answer provided you some useful background for your query 

Om 

Sumathi 

Yoga counsellor / Healer / wellness expert 

This has given rise to four broad classifications of Yoga: 

karma yoga, where we use the body; bhakti yoga, where we use the emotions; gyana yoga, where we use the mind and intellect; and kriya yoga, where we use the energy.

All the ancient commentaries on Yoga focus on performing the Yoga under the direction of a Guru.

There are several major types of yoga, each with its own focus and techniques:

1. **Hatha Yoga**: Focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to align the body and mind.

2. **Vinyasa Yoga**: A dynamic style that synchronizes movement with breath, often described as "flow" yoga.

3. **Ashtanga Yoga**: A vigorous and structured style with a specific sequence of poses, emphasizing breath coordination and progressive series.

4. **Bikram Yoga**: Consists of a series of 26 poses practiced in a room heated to a high temperature, promoting flexibility and detoxification.

5. **Kundalini Yoga**: Focuses on awakening spiritual energy through breathwork, chanting, and dynamic movements.

6. **Iyengar Yoga**: Emphasizes precise alignment and the use of props to assist in holding poses for longer durations, promoting strength and flexibility.

7. **Yin Yoga**: Involves holding passive poses for extended periods, targeting the connective tissues and promoting relaxation and flexibility.

8. **Restorative Yoga**: Utilizes props to support the body in restful poses, aiming to deeply relax and rejuvenate the body and mind.

Each type offers unique benefits, catering to different needs and preferences.

There are several major types of yoga, each with its own focus and techniques: 1. **Hatha Yoga**: Focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to align the body and mind. 2. **Vinyasa Yoga**: A dynamic style that synchronizes movement with breath, often described as "flow" yoga. 3. **Ashtanga Yoga**: A vigorous and structured style with a specific sequence of poses, emphasizing breath coordination and progressive series. 4. **Bikram Yoga**: Consists of a series of 26 poses practiced in a room heated to a high temperature, promoting flexibility and detoxification. 5. **Kundalini Yoga**: Focuses on awakening spiritual energy through breathwork, chanting, and dynamic movements. 6. **Iyengar Yoga**: Emphasizes precise alignment and the use of props to assist in holding poses for longer durations, promoting strength and flexibility. 7. **Yin Yoga**: Involves holding passive poses for extended periods, targeting the connective tissues and promoting relaxation and flexibility. 8. **Restorative Yoga**: Utilizes props to support the body in restful poses, aiming to deeply relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. Each type offers unique benefits, catering to different needs and preferences