Offshoots of the Major Branches of Yoga

Offshoots of the Major Branches of Yoga

Offshoots of the Major Branches of Yoga

There are many paths to choose from, and all the paths are equally valid.2

—Swami Rama

While most authorities on yoga generally agree that bhakti, jnana, karma, and raja are the four major branches of yoga, there are several yoga practices, or traditional approaches to yoga, that have gained prominence, and which might be considered offshoots of the major branches of yoga. You may, or may have already, come across the names of some of these offshoots. Being familiar with the following popular terms will help round out your understanding of yoga.