THE BRANCHES OF YOGA
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the best-known branch of Yoga in the West. It works with the body’s systems through physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama), activating and balancing them.
The practices of Hatha Yoga support the cleansing of the physical body and help all its systems work in harmony. The breath becomes smooth and expansive, and the body receives the energy it needs.
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of devotion, invites us to offer all our feelings to the Divine. In this practice, emotions are expressed, purified, and transformed into bhava: the complete channelling of all human emotions towards the One.
Nada Yoga
In Nada Yoga, sound becomes a path to spiritual awakening and inner peace. In this practice, sound and vibration are recognised as the first manifestations of Consciousness, the foundation of all movement and matter. Through the recitation of mantras, the senses relax and the mind is purified, allowing awareness to turn inwards and a deep meditative state to arise.
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga is the path of detached action, a dynamic form of meditation that can be brought into daily life. Swami Satyananda Saraswati emphasised the importance of including Karma Yoga in any Yoga practice. It encourages us to perform our duties selflessly, without attachment to the outcome, so that the heart is purified and we connect with a greater purpose.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga, often called the “Royal Yoga” or the “Yoga of Meditation”, is a classical path from ancient Indian philosophy, closely associated with the sage Patanjali, who set out its principles in the Yoga Sutras. It is a practice of exploring the mind, guiding practitioners toward self-awareness and awakening through meditation. Raja Yoga emphasises understanding the patterns and functions of the mind, leading to a state of harmony within oneself.
Seva Yoga
Seva Yoga, often called the “Yoga of Service”, embodies the spirit of selfless service as a path to spiritual growth and self-realisation. The word Seva comes from Sanskrit and means selfless service. It emphasises acting without attachment to personal gain or recognition. The practice encourages us to turn our energy toward the greater good, fostering a sense of unity with all beings. Through acts of kindness and service, we contribute to the well-being of others and cultivate compassion, humility and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Laya Yoga
Laya Yoga, also known as the Yoga of Dissolution, is an advanced practice that focuses on awakening the dormant spiritual energy within us. This energy is often symbolised as a coiled serpent called Kundalini, residing at the base of the spine and representing the force of spiritual growth. The practice involves various techniques, including meditation, breath control (pranayama) and mantra chanting, which activate the energy and help it rise through the chakras. As practitioners engage in these techniques, they may experience changes on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels, and a deeper connection with themselves and the universe.
One Goal: Awareness
Yoga is a vast practice that goes beyond the limits of words. At its core, Yoga is the expansion of Awareness, a path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. The essence of Yoga lies in the understanding that Consciousness, the fundamental reality, manifests in the endless diversity of the universe. Yet all the paths of Yoga lead to the same goal, the realisation of our true nature as Awareness itself.
Our classes and retreats are rooted in Satyananda Yoga tradition and Scaravelli-inspired practice.
See the class schedule, or write to us at info@adishaktiyoga.gr.”
