A common teaching in the yoga tradition is that there are four yogas: karma, bhakti, rāja, and jñāna. A less widely recognized perspective understands these not as separate yogas, but as components of a single, holistic framework. From this perspective, the various types of yoga are understood as emphasizing different aspects within the whole of yoga rather than independent systems. The following overview explains how these various types of yoga fit together within the whole of yoga.

 

Yoga Sūtras – Source Text: The Yoga Sūtras is commonly regarded as the primary text of Rāja Yoga. It is also the source of both Kriyā and Aṣṭāṅga, two fundamental components of Rāja Yoga. The Yoga Sūtras has provided us with Rāja Yoga’s comprehensive structure.

 

Rāja Yoga – Comprehensive Framework: Rāja Yoga, or Royal Yoga, as derived from the Yoga Sūtras, systematically cultivates behavior, body, breath, and mind. It functions as the fundamental framework for the primary subcategories of yoga.

 

Kriyā Yoga – Method of Practice: Kriyā Yoga is Rāja Yoga’s threefold method of practice. This threefold methodology combines discipline (tapas), self-study (svādhyāya), and selfless-service (īśvarapraṇidhāna). These are to function simultaneously, tranforming any ordinary activity into an act of yoga: discipline provides steadiness of effort, self-study directs and refines that effort, and selfless service frees that effort from shortsighted motives.

 

Aṣṭāṅga Yoga – Realms of Practice: Aṣṭāṅga or eight limbs, are eight aspects of ourselves in which to apply the threefold method of practice (kriyā). Discipline, self-study, and selfless service are to be applied to behavior, posture (āsana), breathing (prāṇāyāma), attention, and the remaining limbs.

 

Haṭha Yoga – Physical Development: Haṭha Yoga is the physical practice of yoga. It is the widely known practice of yogic postures (āsana), and also the less known yogic practices of breathing (prāṇāyāma). These are two of the eight limbs  (aṣṭāṅga) of Rāja Yoga.

 

Karma Yoga – Actions Refined: Karma Yoga is the means of turning ordinary actions into acts of yoga. This is accomplished through a more responsible call to action and, over time, the cultivation of a more selfless motive. Within Rāja Yoga this is reflected in the role and methodolgy of Kriyā Yoga.

 

Bhakti Yoga – Devotion Refined: Bhakti Yoga is the practice of devotion to the divine. It can be expressed either outwardly through worship, prayer, amd service, or it can be expressed internally through belief. Rāja Yoga’s ephasis leans more toward a sense of trust referred to as Īśvarapraṇidhāna.

 

Jñāna Yoga – Discernment Refined: Jñāna Yoga is the practice of discering more carefully, more clearly, and with greater distinction. Through more stable and deeper observation, finer details are revealed, and misunderstandings about ourselves and the world are rectified. In Rāja Yoga this is a recurring theme throughout the Yoga Sūtras.

 

In common usage, these terms are generally presented as separate systems. Here they have been presented as complementary aspects of the larger, generic process simply called yoga. The best way to understand these terms is to become familiar and comfortable with both views: common separate classifications of yoga, together with the integrated expression of them as parts of a holistic yogic framework.

​

First published: 2026 JUNE 29

Last edited: 2026 JULY 11