Let us find out which yoga is suitable for you depending on your nature and characteristics.

Four forms of yoga according to Shiva-Samhita

They are: Mantra-yoga, Hatha-yoga, Laya-yoga, and Raja-yoga.

Mantra-yoga: achieving the state of yoga through the chanting of mantras.

Hatha-yoga: achieving the state of yoga focusing on physical acts such as asanas and kriyas.

Laya-yoga: achieving the state of yoga through meditation.

Raja-yoga: achieving the state of yoga through shunning of all forms of duality.

Four types of sadhakas

• Mridu: Basic
• Madhyama: Intermediate
• Adhimatra: Advanced
• Adhimatra-tama: Perfect

What are the basic qualities needed for yoga-sadhana?

• faith that my sadhana will definitely lead me to the specified result
• unfailing adherence to the sadhana routine
• service to Guru
• equanimity; treating everyone equally
• control over sensory organs and mind; what to see, what to hear etc.
• control over food
• minimum interaction with people who are only materialistic in their outlook
• avoiding harsh words and behavior

What are the characteristics of the Basic-sadhaka?

He has all the above qualities to some extent, but:

• lacks enthusiasm
• is foolish at times
• not very healthy
• lacks confidence in Guru
• doesn't completely abstain from evil thought and deeds
• lacks control over sexual thoughts and needs
• is dependent on others
• is not completely soft and kind

Which yoga is suitable for the Basic-sadhaka?

Mantra-yoga.

He can attain success in twelve years by divine grace.

What are the characteristics of the Intermediate-sadhaka?

• intelligent
• tolerant
• has desire to perform good deeds
• talks sweetly
• adopts the middle-path in all matters

Which yoga is suitable for the Intermediate-sadhaka?

Laya-yoga is ideal for the Intermediate-sadhaka.

What are the characteristics of the Advanced-sadhaka?

• stable mind
• capable of deep meditation
• not dependent on anyone
• courageous
• big-hearted
• tolerant
• kind
• honest
• interest to delve into samadhi
• worshipful of Guru
• fully into yoga-related activities

Which yoga is suitable for the Advanced-sadhaka?

Hatha-yoga.

He will be able to accomplish siddhi in six years.

What are the characteristics of the Perfect-sadhaka?

• very valorous
• highly enthusiastic
• knows principles of yoga-shastra very well
• practices without fail
• free from all worries
• alert
• has sensory organs and mind fully under control
• youthful body
• moderate food intake
• fearless
• hygienic and pure conduct
• skillful
• charitable
• dependable
• stable mind
• wise
• happy
• maintains secrecy about own spirituality
• full faith in Yoga-shastra and Guru
• speaks only truth
• speaks sweetly
• keeps interaction with others to a minimum
• healthy body

Which yoga is suitable for the Perfect-sadhaka?

All yogas are suitable for him including Raja-yoga.

Knowledge Bank

Is yoga an exercise?

The purpose of yoga is to get rid of duality and see oneness in everything. This is attained in the state of samadhi. To achieve samadhi, long and rigorous practice is required. Physical fitness is essential for this. Postures of yoga called asanas give physical fitness. In the state of samadhi, the mind becomes still and calm. By regulating breathing through pranayama, mind control is achieved. Yoga is good for physical and mental fitness.

Which are the ashtangas of yoga?

1.Yama - abstinence from worldly distractions 2.Niyama - observance of spiritual rules 3.Asana - the practice of postures for physical fitness 4.Pranayama - attaining mind control through regulation of breathing 5.Pratyahara - withdrawing the senses from external objects 6.Dharana - concentration 7.Dhyana - meditation 8.Samadhi - keeping the mind still.