So many types of yoga, what does it all mean?

It hard to do, but pretend you have never heard of yoga. Do not think of yoga as a physical exercise of postures, think of it generally as a way to help the mind and to help youself with drawl from the physical; this connection and attachment to objects that are becoming more and more part of our society.

The ability to understand that you are more than this physical world. Spirituality - this word has been so commonly used now, its a bit of cliche, people say it but not necessarily understand what it means.

This is Yoga which stems from Hinduism - where all religions stem from.

There are different philosophies and paths to achieve this liberation from the mind and material.

There are 4 main paths - Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga. The combination and lessons of all is how to get to the highest spiritual knowledge.

1. Karma: the yoga of action, trying to achieve perfect action. selfless (altruistic) service.

A way of acting, thinking and willing to realise spirit thru acting in accordance with one's duty (dharma) without thinking of self (desires, likes or dislikes). Acting without being attached to the fruits of one's deeds.

2. Bhatki: the path of devotion or divine love. Through prayer, worship and ritual surrender to God/self, channelling emotion into unconditional love. Chanting/sinnging praises is a big part.

3. Raji: is the path of the science of physical and mental control; turning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy.

Also call Ashtanga Path - what most see as Yoga, the physical yoga. The body and energy are under control, meditations come naturally.

4. Jnana: the yoga of knowledge or wisdom. Studying philosophy of the religious texts, dissolving the veils of ignorance to experience god as by understanding him within.

There are more and more new types of Raja yoga emerging. Some people are looking to put together series for different medical benefits, appeal to more people, but some to make a buck.

Branding Yoga as yours is not acceptable in India - Bikram is actual banned in India. You cant brand a 1000 tradition that belongs to people. But he did put together a series for scientific reasons, I believe in it. But I also believe driving profit from it the way he has is not necessarily good.

There is tons of Hot Yoga studios using the heat model from Bikram. Which makes sense, if you heat something up its more malleable.

I just found this little site explaining the disciplines, why re-create the wheel:

http://www.matsmatsmats.com/yoga/yoga-disciplines.html

Find what you like and works for you. Try them all.