From today’s perspective, it is clear that Patanjali’s eight-limbed path is always the centerpiece, the methodological basis for all subsequent yoga variations. Yoga variations are mentioned here:

• Hatha yoga – body and breath
• Mantra yoga – recitation of syllables and sounds
• Yantra yoga – meditation on images and symbols
• Laya Yoga – Willpower

The most important medieval texts such as Hatha-Pradipika, Gheranda-Samhita and Shiva-Samhita refer to the body-oriented method of Hatha Yoga. In literature, however, it is generally believed that the practices described therein were known from ancient times, as they were known even in India in the Vedic age.