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FOUR PATHS OF YOGA
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| 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 with Brahman or God - and the lessons of each of
them need to be integrated if true wisdom is to be attained. |
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A garden path at the Stone Door Yoga Retreat |
1.
Karma Yoga , The Yoga of Action |
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 yourself from the
fruits of your actions and offering them up to God, you learn
to sublimate the ego. To achieve this, it is helpful to keep
your mind focused by repeating a mantra while engaged in
any activity.
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2.
Bhakti Yoga, The Path of Devotion or Divine Love |
This path appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature.
The Bhakti Yogi is motivated chiefly by the power of love and
sees God as the embodiment of love. Through prayer, worship and
ritual he surrenders himself to God, channeling and transmuting
his emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or
singing the praises of God form a substantial part of Bhakti
Yoga.
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3.
Jnana Yoga, The Yoga of Knowledge or Wisdom |
This is the
most difficult path, requiring tremendous strength of will
and intellect. Through Vedanta philosophy, 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 God. Jnana Yoga leads the
devotee to experience his unity with God directly by breaking
the glass, dissolving the veils of ignorance. Before practicing
Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons
of the other yogic paths, for without selflessness and love of God, strength
of body and mind, the search for self-realization can become mere idle speculation.
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4.
Raja Yoga,
The Science of Physical and Mental Control |
| Often called
the "royal road," it offers a comprehensive method for controlling
the waves of thought by turning our mental and physical energy into spiritual
energy. Raja Yoga is also called Ahtanga Yoga referring to the eight limbs leading
to absolute mental control. The chief practice of Raja Yoga is meditation. It
also includes all other methods which helps one to control body, energy, senses
and mind. The Hatha-Yogi uses relaxation and other practices such as Yamas, Niyamas,
Mudras, and Bandhas to gain control of the physical body and the subtle life
force called Prana. When body and energy are under control, meditation comes
naturally. |
Further reading
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The SDYR, is affiliated
with the Sivananda
Yoga Vedanta Centers, a non-profit, worldwide network of
ashrams and centers founded by Swami Vishnudevanada to
spread the teachings of yoga. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers
have Ashrams in Val Morin, Canada; Woodbourne, NY; Grass Valley,
CA; Paradise Island, Bahamas; Neyar Dam, India, and Netala, India,
and centers in India, South America, and most major cities in
Europe and North America. They have affiliated teachers
worldwide. Dattatreya and Sita Lakshmi are affiliated teachers
with Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, and are disciples of Swami
Vishnudevananda.
Email: yoga@yogadoor.com |
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