What is Yoga? Yoga means Union. The term union can be understood as the union between body and mind or body, mind and spirit etc. However, the traditional true yogic understanding of the world yoga refers to the union between the “Jivatman” and “Paramatman” which is the union between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness. Therefore Yoga refers to a particular state of consciousness. It is also inclusive of the method or lifestyle one is required to follow to attain that state of union with the divine. Four paths of Yoga There are four main paths of Yoga - Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. Each is suited to a different temperament or approach to life. All the paths lead ultimately to the same destination - to union of one's individual self and the Universal Self the learning of each of the four paths need to be integrated if true wisdom is to be attained. Karma Yoga It is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward. By detaching one's self from the fruits of one's actions and offering them up to a Higher Power , one learns to sublimate the ego. Bhakti Yoga This path appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. Bhakti Yogi is motivated chiefly by the power of love and therefore views the Universe as the embodiment of love. Through prayer, worship and ritual the Bhakti yogi surrenders himself, channeling and transmuting his emotions into unconditional love or devotion. A substantial component of Bhakti yoga is chanting or singing the praises of the Universal Self. Jnana Yoga This is considered the most difficult path, requiring tremendous strength of will and intellect. Taking the philosophy of Vedanta the Jnana Yogi uses his mind to inquire into its own nature. We perceive the space inside and outside a glass as different, just as we see ourselves as separate from the Self. The path of Jnana Yoga leads its devotee to experience ones unity with Higher Consciousness directly by breaking the glass, and hence dissolving the veils of ignorance. Before practicing Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons of the other yogic paths - Without selflessness and pure unconditional love and the strength of body and mind, the search for self-realization can become mere idle speculation. Raja Yoga Often called the "royal path" Raja yoga refers to the systematic analysis and control of the mind. Raja Yoga is also called Ahtanga Yoga as its practices are divided into eight limbs which when followed leads to absolute mental control. The chief practice of Raja Yoga is meditation. It also includes all other areas that require control and discipline such as the body, energy and the senses which in turn helps one to achieve the main goal which is eventually to control the mind. Five points of Yoga practice Proper exercise - Asana Yoga regards the body as a vehicle for the soul in its journey towards perfection. The human body is meant to move and exercise. If our lifestyle does not provide a natural motion for muscles and joints, then disease and great discomfort infiltrates the body with time. Asana is what yogis consider to be Proper exercise. Asana practice does not promote violent movements but yet provides the pleasant experience and benefit of exercise not for the physical body alone but for the, mental and spiritual aspects of ones life as well. Proper breathing - Pranayama Yoga teaches us how to maximize our lung potential and the art of controlling the breath. Proper breathing should be deep, slow and rhythmical. This increases vitality and mental clarity. Proper relaxation - Savasana In order to achieve perfect relaxation, a three method of relaxation is used by yogis: physical, mental and spiritual relaxation. When this deep relaxation is successfully achieved the yogi can rejuvenate his nervous system and benefit from experiencing a sense of inner peace. Many modern stress management and relaxation methods borrow heavily from the tradition of powerful yogic techniques of deep relaxation devised by the Rishis and Yogis. Proper diet - Vegetarian Diet is an integral component of the yogic lifestyle and it complies strongly with the idea that “you are what you eat” Besides being responsible for building our physical body, it is believed that the foods we eat profoundly affects our state of mind. For maximum body-mind harmony and efficiency as well as complete spiritual awareness, Yoga advocates a strict lacto-vegetarian diet. Positive thinking and meditation - Dhyana when the mind is still and there are no thoughts and desires you can see the “self” this is called yoga.It is believed that we become what we think. Thus we should exert to entertain positive and creative thoughts as these will contribute to vibrant health and a peaceful, joyful state of mind. A positive outlook on life can be developed by learning and practicing the teachings of the philosophy of Vedanta. According to the yogic teachings the happiness we experience is the result of the calm mind. It is when the mind is brought under perfect control by regular practice of meditation that all the worries and problems disappear. |