Yoga is a practice that leads to the development of life. When many people hear the word “yoga,” they are taken aback, as they associate it with people who have long hair, wear animal skins, and perform it in jungles or caves. Therefore, they wonder what relevance it has to their lives and why they should discuss it.

Such thoughts often occur to those who have never made an effort to contemplate it. Otherwise, yoga is a natural and inherent state of life, aiming to develop all human senses and powers in a proper manner and to channel them within a discipline. That is why yoga is described in the science of yoga as the “cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” In the Bhagavad Gita, it is called the skill of action (karma yoga) and is also referred to as maintaining equanimity in pleasure and pain. It is a misconception to think that yoga is only about achieving a state of deep meditation or sitting in a pit dug into the ground. The purpose of yoga is exactly what is described in the science of yoga or the Bhagavad Gita.

Yes, there are various methods to fulfill this purpose, and one can choose the method that suits their nature and inclination. Below, we provide a description of some forms of yoga as explained by a practitioner of yoga, which can be practiced indirectly while living at home and performing all daily tasks.

1. Kaivalya Yoga: In the science of yoga, the state of Kaivalya is considered the highest. It is the goal of completely relying on oneself, leaving behind dependence on others, and experiencing one’s own power in every aspect. In ordinary circumstances, a person remains dependent on others for all their happiness. This is a kind of bondage, and suffering is inevitable in bondage. Therefore, yogis strive to attain complete independence from all perspectives. Those who reach the pinnacle of this ideal can be understood to be in the state of Kaivalya or self-realization. However, anyone can engage in some aspects of this practice, and as a result, they can experience the joy of freedom.
2. Sushupti Yoga: Even in a state of deep sleep, a person can experience a kind of meditation. If, at the time of falling asleep, the practitioner starts experiencing it, with a year of practice, they will gain knowledge of their soul’s existence. The thoughts with which one falls asleep will certainly have an impact on the body and mind. If a person who has an illness brings the thought of perfect health into their mind while falling asleep and holds the belief, “I am not sick,” experiencing healing will start happening the next day. One method of Sushupti Yoga is to practice chanting a sacred mantra or focusing on its meaning during the transition between wakefulness and sleep, and falling asleep in that state. When you wake up, the mantra will appear naturally in your mind in the same way. When this starts happening, consider that you have been chanting the mantra throughout the night. This chanting should be done while lying in bed, and at that time, do not bring any other thoughts into your mind.
3. Swapna Yoga: Dreams constantly appear to humans, some of which are good and some are bad. The cause of this is our own good and bad thoughts. Therefore, by always cultivating noble thoughts and actions and by contemplating them while falling asleep, you can have good dreams. For this, think about the desired goal you have in mind. For example, if your intention is to observe celibacy, contemplate the image of Bhishma Pitamah. If you want to firmly hold onto vows and truth, imagine Shri Rama. If your aim is to become strong, remember either Bhima or Lord Hanuman. When you fall asleep, the subject on which you contemplate and focus will continue to be experienced in your dreams.
4. Buddhi Yoga: Buddhi refers to the power of resolute knowledge beyond arguments and doubts, combined with faith and devotion. The unique accomplishments of yoga are attained through the practice of such Buddhi. Although you may have faith in God, holding logical arguments is not effective in this form of yoga. Just as you believe in your existence without any proof, similarly, you should make an effort and practice having complete faith in the supremely auspicious Supreme Being without any proof. Those who wish to succeed in Buddhi Yoga should cultivate such faith devoid of logical reasoning, only then can they experience true bliss in relation to the Supreme Being.
5. Chitta Yoga: Chitta is the power of contemplation. In the practice of yoga, keep contemplating on your desired goal. Alternatively, choose a good thought for practice. For example, “I am the soul and I am separate from the body.” By continuously focusing and contemplating on this, you will gradually perceive the distinction between your soul and body. In this way, by contemplating on virtuous and benevolent thoughts, the influx of negative thoughts will completely cease, and you will experience a life filled with joy.
6. Ichha Yoga: The desire power is referred to as Ichha Shakti, which is the desire for acquiring or renouncing something. From the perspective of mind science, the influence of desire power is immense, and through it, great tasks of all kinds can be accomplished. The main means of avoiding evil is desire power. By the strong power of your desire, you can prevent the onset of diseases. Powerful mental inspirations can help alleviate major illnesses. Undesirable traits can also be eliminated through desire power, and one can adopt virtuous conduct. This power exists in everyone; the question is to channel it from negativity towards positivity.
7. Manas Yoga: The nature of the mind is to engage in good and bad thoughts. By making the mind focused, its power can greatly increase, and it can be directed towards progress and welfare activities. For this, through practice, the mind should be made obedient, so that it engages only in thoughts that you consider virtuous.
8. Ahamkara Yoga: The term Ahamkara is often translated as ‘ego’ or ‘pride,’ but here our intention is not with that meaning. Here, its essence is related to our inner self. The goal of Ahamkara Yoga is for a person to understand themselves as distinct from the physical body and make an effort to grasp the qualities of the immortal, eternal, omnipresent, all-powerful nature of the soul. When this realization takes hold within a person, they make a firm decision regarding a task or practice and continue to fulfill it because they have strong belief that they are a powerful soul, and no task is impossible for them.
9. Jnanendriya Yoga: The five sensory organs are considered as jnanendriyas – eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. They are associated with the elements in the following order: fire, ether, earth, water, and air. Among them, the eyes are considered the primary sensory organ for the practice of yoga. To attain the concentration of the mind, the gaze of the eyes is focused on a particular point or center. This increases the power of the mind and begins to have a special influence on others. Through this practice, other sensory organs also start to have benevolent effects.
10. Karmendriya Yoga: The five karmendriyas are speech, hands, feet, anus, and reproductive organs. Among them, speech holds the greatest significance and is the most powerful tool for the development of human life. The words we articulate through speech possess great power. Those who practice yoga should always strive to express excellent and beneficial words through speech. By practicing in this manner, eventually, you will attain the power of eloquence.

In reality, a person’s entire life is a form of yoga. In the form of a human being, one can recognize and attain the Supreme Soul, the ultimate reality. Therefore, we should develop each of our powers with a specific purpose and discipline, so that they continue to progress. If a person wholeheartedly engages in this effort, they will attain all kinds of divine powers and approach the Supreme Being