Some of the Different Types of Yoga - Darhana, Dhyana, Yama, Niyama and Pranayama

Yoga is not just one simple group of exercises, as many people may believe it is. Yoga has evolved over thousands of years, across a vast geographical area and varied cultures, and has evolved in different directions. In its evolution, different types of yoga have evolved, each with its distinct exercises and approach.

Some of the different types of yoga are described briefly below:

1. Pranayama

Pranayama is a group of breathing exercises that can help to rejuvenate the body. These exercises may be done on their own, or in conjunction with poses and postures. Pranayama also teaches the spiritual aspects of yoga.

2. Niyama

Niyama is a type of yoga that teaches self development and self discipline, and helps to bring out the spiritual side of an individual. Nyama teaches youself control and self discipline, and also how find contentment.

3. Yama

Yama yoga is centred upon a person's ethical and moral feelings. Yama teaches how to best conduct ourselves, and in seeing how other people see us. Yama is a type of yoga which can teach us to control personal tendencies and to gain better control over own lives, giving us the possibility of changing our lives for the better.

4. Dhyana

Dhyana yoga is based on meditation, and is quite difficult to master, but well worth while. It is famed for succeeding ine easing body and mind together. The aim is to bring total stillness throughout the body as well as in the mind. However, the purpose is to achieve that peacefulness and total relaxation while keeping the mind clear and active all the time. It is that active mind aspect that make Dhyana yoga.

5. Darhana

Darhana is a type of yoga that improves your concentration, if you use it successfully. The aim is to teach someone to avoid the cponfusion that can be caused through distraction. Darhana is a form of meditation that relies on concentrating on an object. The choice of object is up to you. Any simple object will do, preferably something peaceful and relaxing in itself, like a flickering candle. By focusing on the object, the chances of distraction are reduced.