Yoga is a series of mental and physical tasks that bring the practitioner out of the material world and uniting the inner person with the Supreme Being. For most of the yoga types, there is no one way to practice them. There are guidelines for each, with each type having a different emphasis. The various yoga types are used to achieve mental strength and clarity, spirituality, physical well being, or calm. Some types have remained in their original form, while others have been changed in modern times. Yoga is usually started by the practitioner reciting some type of mantra, by breathing in a practiced manner or by posing in an asana.

Hatha yoga is one type that has remained in vogue in the U.S. due to its easy poses and soothing effect. In hatha yoga, the poses start after the practitioner has become relaxed and quiet. Gentle stretching is the hatha method for achieving goals. Bhakti yoga practitioners seek a deeper sense of love. The main objective is to express love for God. Bhakti yoga type is not dependent on poses, but instead requires visualizing the Supreme Being nearby. In bhakti yoga, the Supreme Being receives constant feelings of love from the practitioner.

Karma yoga is an attempt to achieve a state of selflessness. To accomplish this, the practitioner seeks out selfless behavior that does not bestow any reward. The positive acts of the practitioner draw positive actions to them. Karma yoga remains one of the most practiced forms of yoga in India. Mantra yoga uses the repetition of a mantra to help the practitioner achieve stillness. A deep meditative state is achieved after stillness comes. Higher consciousness is achieved by the meditative state.

Jnana yoga is focused on the mind and its powers of gaining knowledge. Jnana uses meditation to achieve enlightenment after thoughts and feelings are left behind. Kundalini yoga practitioners attempt to create a stronger bond between the body and mind. Part of the kundalini technique is to use sexuality to enhance this connection. The physical body and the emotions are connected through sexual touch. Improving a future lifetime was once the goal of purna yoga. The spirituality of this life is now the focus of this yoga type. Enlightenment is sought through purna yoga by performing specific poses, meditating and eating a nutritionally sound diet. Purna seeks to bring a love of self to the practitioner, improving spirituality.

Raja yoga is often referred to as classical yoga. This type of yoga is used to achieve a higher mental and physical harmony. Holistic healing and a peaceful life are the ultimate goals of raja yoga. The raja poses are a way to prepare for meditating, though the ultimate focus is on the mental state.