Branches of Yoga
Jnana Yoga
This is the path of spiritual knowledge and wisdom, suited to the intellectual temperament, in which the intellect penetrates the veils of ignorance that prevent man from seeing his True Self (Atman), which is other than the empirical ego. The discipline of this path of the well-honed intellect are those of study and meditation.
Jnana Yoga emphasizes the use of the mind to surpass the mind i.e. to discern the mind. The aim of Jnana Yoga is to endeavor ceaselessly to explore knowledge and to know and understand.
Jnana Yoga is one of the eight-limbed of Yoga, and its other seven limbs are detachment, self-discipline, longing for freedom, hearing the truth, reflection upon the truth, and meditation. Jnana Yoga aims at attending liberation through knowledge and not by rituals and ceremonies. Knoledge attained by Jnana Yoga is through understanding of judgment and experience.
Knowledge is only for the special few who are prepared for sound examination and clear discernment of the nature of Consciousness. The individual who chooses the path of Jnana Yoga to discern knowledge goes through conclusions accumulated through millions of years. Afterwards the individual examines them in the light of his own intelligence and then comes to his own realization. In deep meditation, the knowledge seeker reflects the distinctiveness of consciousness in manifestation. After going through this rigorous process of Jnana Yoga the knowledge seeker gains insight and perfect realization.
This is the path of spiritual knowledge and wisdom, suited to the intellectual temperament, in which the intellect penetrates the veils of ignorance that prevent man from seeing his True Self (Atman), which is other than the empirical ego. The discipline of this path of the well-honed intellect are those of study and meditation.
Jnana Yoga emphasizes the use of the mind to surpass the mind i.e. to discern the mind. The aim of Jnana Yoga is to endeavor ceaselessly to explore knowledge and to know and understand.
Jnana Yoga is one of the eight-limbed of Yoga, and its other seven limbs are detachment, self-discipline, longing for freedom, hearing the truth, reflection upon the truth, and meditation. Jnana Yoga aims at attending liberation through knowledge and not by rituals and ceremonies. Knoledge attained by Jnana Yoga is through understanding of judgment and experience.
Knowledge is only for the special few who are prepared for sound examination and clear discernment of the nature of Consciousness. The individual who chooses the path of Jnana Yoga to discern knowledge goes through conclusions accumulated through millions of years. Afterwards the individual examines them in the light of his own intelligence and then comes to his own realization. In deep meditation, the knowledge seeker reflects the distinctiveness of consciousness in manifestation. After going through this rigorous process of Jnana Yoga the knowledge seeker gains insight and perfect realization.
Bhakti Yoga
This is the Yoga of strongly-focused love, devotion, and worship, at its finest in love of the One. The Hindu may concentrate his devotion upon a worshipped deity (Krishna is the most popular) or upon the divine principle as incarnated in a guru. Bhakti Yoga is accessible to Westerners with highly devotional temperaments; others are made to feel uncomfortable by some of the excesses. This could be said to be the favourite Yoga of the Indian masses. Its disciplines are those of rite and the singing of songs of praise. St Francis of Assisi is often mentioned as an example of a Christian bhakti.
Some of the Bhakti Yoga traditions do not preach the traditional Yoga asanas, pranayama, mudra or controlled meditation. In its place they lay emphasis on love of God, love of God in man and surrender to God's will. Some people are naturally inclined by temperament to be devotional and to love God and God-as-the-world. In the Bhakti Yoga fold, maintenance of balance is recommended. Perhaps we all practice Bhakti Yoga in our day today life. It is in our dealings with other persons that we tend to practice this. Bhakti Yoga is reflected most in our prayer to the God.
Like established Yoga systems there are no fixed ways to perform Bhakti Yoga. It all depends from person to person. Some individuals can take the help of external aids to stimulate prayer and meditation. These external aids may include pictures of saints, chanting or singing and use of mantra. Whatever an individual does, if it proves beneficial in the long run it is perfectly in order for that individual, even though the same may not appeal to another person. Then there are a large number of people who resort to singing the names of God to elevate consciousness and charge the environment with pure energy. For those who find it difficult to concentrate during meditation, prayer and chanting is of great help.
Some of the Bhakti Yoga traditions do not preach the traditional Yoga asanas, pranayama, mudra or controlled meditation. In its place they lay emphasis on love of God, love of God in man and surrender to God's will. Some people are naturally inclined by temperament to be devotional and to love God and God-as-the-world. In the Bhakti Yoga fold, maintenance of balance is recommended. Perhaps we all practice Bhakti Yoga in our day today life. It is in our dealings with other persons that we tend to practice this. Bhakti Yoga is reflected most in our prayer to the God.
Like established Yoga systems there are no fixed ways to perform Bhakti Yoga. It all depends from person to person. Some individuals can take the help of external aids to stimulate prayer and meditation. These external aids may include pictures of saints, chanting or singing and use of mantra. Whatever an individual does, if it proves beneficial in the long run it is perfectly in order for that individual, even though the same may not appeal to another person. Then there are a large number of people who resort to singing the names of God to elevate consciousness and charge the environment with pure energy. For those who find it difficult to concentrate during meditation, prayer and chanting is of great help.
Karma Yoga
This is the path of selfless action and service, without thought of the fruits of action. Its most eloquent exposition is the Lord Krishna’s instruction of the young prince Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. Mahatma Ghandhi, the father of modern Indian, could be looked on as a Karma Yogin.
Karma Yoga lays emphasis on selfless action and service. The underlying message of Karma Yoga is very clear – humans must always work in harmony with the great power that controls and runs the universe. If we follow this we are no longer egotistically motivated. At the same time we no longer maintain obsessive desires in relation to the future. With the eradication of compulsive or obsessive desire, we are able to live in the present and at the same time can plan for the future. This planning about future is independent foundation for the future.
We all know that every logical desire carries within itself the motive force for its fulfillment i.e. while doing different works we tend to think about their results in future. In the process we are subconsciously pushed towards it or attract it to ourselves. The most important aspect of the Yogic philosophy is that it is not against intelligent planning. It lays emphasis only on relinquishing egotistic desires. In this way we are more open to practical aspects of inner guidance. As we work with a cheerful attitude, doing what we are best suited to do, we know a harmony and an inner peace which those who strive and struggle can never know.
This is the path of selfless action and service, without thought of the fruits of action. Its most eloquent exposition is the Lord Krishna’s instruction of the young prince Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. Mahatma Ghandhi, the father of modern Indian, could be looked on as a Karma Yogin.
Karma Yoga lays emphasis on selfless action and service. The underlying message of Karma Yoga is very clear – humans must always work in harmony with the great power that controls and runs the universe. If we follow this we are no longer egotistically motivated. At the same time we no longer maintain obsessive desires in relation to the future. With the eradication of compulsive or obsessive desire, we are able to live in the present and at the same time can plan for the future. This planning about future is independent foundation for the future.
We all know that every logical desire carries within itself the motive force for its fulfillment i.e. while doing different works we tend to think about their results in future. In the process we are subconsciously pushed towards it or attract it to ourselves. The most important aspect of the Yogic philosophy is that it is not against intelligent planning. It lays emphasis only on relinquishing egotistic desires. In this way we are more open to practical aspects of inner guidance. As we work with a cheerful attitude, doing what we are best suited to do, we know a harmony and an inner peace which those who strive and struggle can never know.
Mantra Yoga
The practice of Mantra Yoga influences consciousness through repeating (aloud or inwardly) certain syllables, words, or phrases (mantras). A form of Mantra Yoga is being practiced by many thousands of Westerner, in the form of the Transcendental Meditation taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Rhythmic repetition of mantras is called Japa. The most highly-regarded mantras are ‘OM’ and ‘OM MANE PADME HUM’.
Mantras are words, phrases, or syllables which are chanted attentively and thoughtfully to attain certain goals. In the Mantra Yoga meditation one has to chant a word or a phrase until he/she transcends mind and emotions. In the process the super-conscious is discovered and achieved. The rhythm and the meaning of mantras combine to conduct the mind safely back to the point of meditation – the higher consciousness or the specific spiritual focus. Different syllables, phrases and words posses their unique healing potential. Hence they are chanted at a specific time. As a tool to achieve stillness, the mantra is to be discarded at the moment stillness is achieved. In the chanting of the mantras it is of immense importance that they are pronounced properly or else all their intended effect would not come. For such purposes it is important that the proper pronunciation is imparted.
The practice of Mantra Yoga influences consciousness through repeating (aloud or inwardly) certain syllables, words, or phrases (mantras). A form of Mantra Yoga is being practiced by many thousands of Westerner, in the form of the Transcendental Meditation taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Rhythmic repetition of mantras is called Japa. The most highly-regarded mantras are ‘OM’ and ‘OM MANE PADME HUM’.
Mantras are words, phrases, or syllables which are chanted attentively and thoughtfully to attain certain goals. In the Mantra Yoga meditation one has to chant a word or a phrase until he/she transcends mind and emotions. In the process the super-conscious is discovered and achieved. The rhythm and the meaning of mantras combine to conduct the mind safely back to the point of meditation – the higher consciousness or the specific spiritual focus. Different syllables, phrases and words posses their unique healing potential. Hence they are chanted at a specific time. As a tool to achieve stillness, the mantra is to be discarded at the moment stillness is achieved. In the chanting of the mantras it is of immense importance that they are pronounced properly or else all their intended effect would not come. For such purposes it is important that the proper pronunciation is imparted.
Yantra Yoga
As Mantra Yoga influences consciousness through the vibration of the voice and sound, so Yantra Yoga employs sight and form. The colourful mandala of Northern India and Tibet are objects of contemplation to Yogains. The visualization may be with the inner eye, just as listening to a mantra may be with the inner ear. A Yantra is a design with power to influence consciounes: it can be an objective picture, an inner visualization, or the design of a temple.
As Mantra Yoga influences consciousness through the vibration of the voice and sound, so Yantra Yoga employs sight and form. The colourful mandala of Northern India and Tibet are objects of contemplation to Yogains. The visualization may be with the inner eye, just as listening to a mantra may be with the inner ear. A Yantra is a design with power to influence consciounes: it can be an objective picture, an inner visualization, or the design of a temple.
Kundalini Yoga
These combine many of the techniques of Hatha Yoga, especially prolonged breath suspension and stable posture, with intense meditative concentration, so as to awaken the psychic nerve-force latent in the body, symbolized as serpent power (kundalini), which is coiled below the base of the spine. The force is taken up the spine, passing through several power centres (chakras), until it reaches a chakra in the crown of the head, when intuitive enlightened (Samadhi) triggered. The physiological and concentrative disciplines are severe, and this is a Yoga best practiced with personal supervision by a teacher.
Kundalini Yoga system is remarkably different than most of the religious systems of the world. Most of the religious traditions look forward to maintaining celibacy to attain spiritual growth. It is mainly because of this attitude that the thought, sexual involvement is detrimental to a greater development of self, has come into being. On the other hand, Tantra Yoga suggests that sexuality can be a very powerful force that should be harnessed for increased self-awareness and consciousness. Thus, Kundalini Yoga is curious, in that it not only allows sexual feelings and contact, but uses sexual experience as a means to enlightenment and knowledge.
The Tantra school believes in the notion that if the enormous energy, trapped into sexuality, is released from the lower end of the spine, can flow up the spinal column to bring divine illumination to the brain. According to their belief, Kundalini energy flows in the interior of spine, along an energy channel called shushumna. The Kundalini energy is thought to be the most powerful of all supernatural energies.
Kundalini Yoga system is remarkably different than most of the religious systems of the world. Most of the religious traditions look forward to maintaining celibacy to attain spiritual growth. It is mainly because of this attitude that the thought, sexual involvement is detrimental to a greater development of self, has come into being. On the other hand, Tantra Yoga suggests that sexuality can be a very powerful force that should be harnessed for increased self-awareness and consciousness. Thus, Kundalini Yoga is curious, in that it not only allows sexual feelings and contact, but uses sexual experience as a means to enlightenment and knowledge.
The Tantra school believes in the notion that if the enormous energy, trapped into sexuality, is released from the lower end of the spine, can flow up the spinal column to bring divine illumination to the brain. According to their belief, Kundalini energy flows in the interior of spine, along an energy channel called shushumna. The Kundalini energy is thought to be the most powerful of all supernatural energies.
Tantric Yoga
"Tantric" is applied as a general term to distinguish physiological systems from those that are non-physiological. Tantrism is also a form a Yoga, found mainly in Northern India and Tibet, in which control of the sexual energies has a prominent part, and the union of male and female (Yogi and Yogini), either actually or in an act of imaginative creation, has a ritualistic role. Tantric Yoga, of all the Yogas, guards it teaching and techniques most closely. This sexual Yoga may be looked upon with a measure of disapproval by adherent of some of the other schools.
After achieving mastery of self by relaxing body tension, silencing mental talk, and releasing energy blocks, an individual is ready to join with a partner having the same energy level. Together they form a "whole". To reach this position the partners must achieve a highly developed awareness within their being. In the Tantric lovemaking (maithuna), the partners undergo a diversity of meditations and rituals before making physical contact. It is of utmost importance that throughout the lovemaking process the partners must maintain the spiritual link.
It is interesting to know that in the Tantric Yoga, the partners do not aim at orgasm. On the other hand they try not to have one. In the process they draw the forces of Kundalini energy upward. It helps in releasing the power of various chakras. The process of "maithuna" is not aimed at the sexual release as an end, but on sex as a conduit through which the evolution of self may continue.
"Tantric" is applied as a general term to distinguish physiological systems from those that are non-physiological. Tantrism is also a form a Yoga, found mainly in Northern India and Tibet, in which control of the sexual energies has a prominent part, and the union of male and female (Yogi and Yogini), either actually or in an act of imaginative creation, has a ritualistic role. Tantric Yoga, of all the Yogas, guards it teaching and techniques most closely. This sexual Yoga may be looked upon with a measure of disapproval by adherent of some of the other schools.
After achieving mastery of self by relaxing body tension, silencing mental talk, and releasing energy blocks, an individual is ready to join with a partner having the same energy level. Together they form a "whole". To reach this position the partners must achieve a highly developed awareness within their being. In the Tantric lovemaking (maithuna), the partners undergo a diversity of meditations and rituals before making physical contact. It is of utmost importance that throughout the lovemaking process the partners must maintain the spiritual link.
It is interesting to know that in the Tantric Yoga, the partners do not aim at orgasm. On the other hand they try not to have one. In the process they draw the forces of Kundalini energy upward. It helps in releasing the power of various chakras. The process of "maithuna" is not aimed at the sexual release as an end, but on sex as a conduit through which the evolution of self may continue.
Hatha Yoga
The word Hatha drives from two roots: ha means ‘sun’ and tha means ‘moon’. The flow of breath in the right nostril is called the ‘sun breath’ and the flow of breath in the left nostril is the ‘moon’ breath’. Central to all Hatha Yoga disciplines is the regulation of breath, the harmonizing of its positive (sun) and negative (moon), or male and female current. Another meaning of the word Hatha is ‘forced’, but the term Forced Yoga would not do justice to the poised and gentle nature of most yogic controls.
Its best-known feature is posturing – in particular sitting with the legs crossed and the feet upturned on the thigh (Lotus Posture or Padmasana) and standing on the head (Headstand Posture or Sirsasana). Asana, which now means a yogic posture, originally meant ‘seat’ or ‘sitting method’, an indication that the wide rang of postures developed from a few basic positions for sitting in meditation.
Hatha Yoga exercises are practiced extensively in the West for their practical benefits to the health of the nervous system, glands, and vital organs. When it is practiced similarly in India it is sometime called Ghatasha Yoga; but their physiological Yoga is less often separated from its over-all mystical setting and purpose.
Hatha Yoga may be viewed as a hygiene which takes into account purification of the total organism; it also strengthen and ward off old age and death for the longest time possible. It may sound quotidian to some people to call this Yoga hygiene, but there is a mainstream tradition that sees Hatha Yoga as a purificatory preparation for Raja Yoga, which is work upon consciousness itself. Such mental disciplining can best be effected in a healthy, relaxed body in which the energies have been equalized.
The most suitable way to practice Hatha Yoga is to begin with a calm and meditative state of mind. Sit quietly for a few moments and relax. Thereafter you can begin with the Hatha Yoga practice, slowly, with control and grace. While doing the asanas you must remember that you do not overstretch beyond a limit. Remember this is not a competition.
Hatha Yoga is a complete fitness program and will release endorphins in the brain as well as any regular exercise program.
Another important facet of Yoga is that it aims at balancing different energy flows within the human body. About half of the nearly 200 Hatha Yoga asanas are popular in the West. The Hatha Yoga postures range from the basic to the complex, from the easy ones to the very challenging. Every movement in Yoga is planned and controlled as a result of that they prove revitalizing for both mind and body.
Its best-known feature is posturing – in particular sitting with the legs crossed and the feet upturned on the thigh (Lotus Posture or Padmasana) and standing on the head (Headstand Posture or Sirsasana). Asana, which now means a yogic posture, originally meant ‘seat’ or ‘sitting method’, an indication that the wide rang of postures developed from a few basic positions for sitting in meditation.
Hatha Yoga exercises are practiced extensively in the West for their practical benefits to the health of the nervous system, glands, and vital organs. When it is practiced similarly in India it is sometime called Ghatasha Yoga; but their physiological Yoga is less often separated from its over-all mystical setting and purpose.
Hatha Yoga may be viewed as a hygiene which takes into account purification of the total organism; it also strengthen and ward off old age and death for the longest time possible. It may sound quotidian to some people to call this Yoga hygiene, but there is a mainstream tradition that sees Hatha Yoga as a purificatory preparation for Raja Yoga, which is work upon consciousness itself. Such mental disciplining can best be effected in a healthy, relaxed body in which the energies have been equalized.
The most suitable way to practice Hatha Yoga is to begin with a calm and meditative state of mind. Sit quietly for a few moments and relax. Thereafter you can begin with the Hatha Yoga practice, slowly, with control and grace. While doing the asanas you must remember that you do not overstretch beyond a limit. Remember this is not a competition.
Hatha Yoga is a complete fitness program and will release endorphins in the brain as well as any regular exercise program.
Another important facet of Yoga is that it aims at balancing different energy flows within the human body. About half of the nearly 200 Hatha Yoga asanas are popular in the West. The Hatha Yoga postures range from the basic to the complex, from the easy ones to the very challenging. Every movement in Yoga is planned and controlled as a result of that they prove revitalizing for both mind and body.
Raja Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the most practical of Yogas, with its emphasis on promoting vibrant health and tapping the organism’s latent energies. It has, too, an integrating and calming influence on the mind. But the direct work of mastering consciousness and stilling thought as to become aware of the Ground of Being belongs to Raja or Royal Yoga, Raja Yoga is considered royal because the yogin who practices this Yoga thereby becomes ruler over his mind.
Raja Yoga is closely associated with the systematization of Yoga techniques by Patanjali (who lived about the third or second century BC) in his Yoga Sutras. He listed asana (postures) and such classic texts as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Gheranda Samhita, and the Siva Samhita follow Patanjali in seeing Hatha Yoga practices as providing a physiological hygiene that prepares the body for effective mental control. According to this view, Raja Yoga includes Hatha Yoga within its system.
Hatha Yoga works upon the body, purification and perfecting it, and through the body upon the mind. Raja Yoga works upon the mind, refining and perfecting it, and through the mind upon the body. But just as some people practice the physiological Yogas with little or no thought for mental disciplines, so there are exponents of the mental Yogas who consider that the body will respond beneficially to control of consciousness without having to resort to anything more ‘physical’ than a stable posture in sitting for meditation. But a great number of yogins combine the physiological Yoga of breathing with the physical Yoga of Meditation.
An important branch of Yoga, Raja Yoga is a one stop solution for complete and holistic healing. Raja Yoga possesses the positive power of influencing the life of human beings. Raja Yoga synchronizes the physiological system as a whole as well as transforms all spheres (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual) of human existence. Raja Yoga therapy is truly a holistic treatment as it heals the principal mechanisms and the control of the whole person. Raja Yoga helps an individual to mitigate emotional and mental conflicts. Raja Yoga also brings lasting peace and satisfaction in one's life. All these virtues make Raja Yoga a way of living.
Hatha Yoga is the most practical of Yogas, with its emphasis on promoting vibrant health and tapping the organism’s latent energies. It has, too, an integrating and calming influence on the mind. But the direct work of mastering consciousness and stilling thought as to become aware of the Ground of Being belongs to Raja or Royal Yoga, Raja Yoga is considered royal because the yogin who practices this Yoga thereby becomes ruler over his mind.
Raja Yoga is closely associated with the systematization of Yoga techniques by Patanjali (who lived about the third or second century BC) in his Yoga Sutras. He listed asana (postures) and such classic texts as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Gheranda Samhita, and the Siva Samhita follow Patanjali in seeing Hatha Yoga practices as providing a physiological hygiene that prepares the body for effective mental control. According to this view, Raja Yoga includes Hatha Yoga within its system.
Hatha Yoga works upon the body, purification and perfecting it, and through the body upon the mind. Raja Yoga works upon the mind, refining and perfecting it, and through the mind upon the body. But just as some people practice the physiological Yogas with little or no thought for mental disciplines, so there are exponents of the mental Yogas who consider that the body will respond beneficially to control of consciousness without having to resort to anything more ‘physical’ than a stable posture in sitting for meditation. But a great number of yogins combine the physiological Yoga of breathing with the physical Yoga of Meditation.
An important branch of Yoga, Raja Yoga is a one stop solution for complete and holistic healing. Raja Yoga possesses the positive power of influencing the life of human beings. Raja Yoga synchronizes the physiological system as a whole as well as transforms all spheres (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual) of human existence. Raja Yoga therapy is truly a holistic treatment as it heals the principal mechanisms and the control of the whole person. Raja Yoga helps an individual to mitigate emotional and mental conflicts. Raja Yoga also brings lasting peace and satisfaction in one's life. All these virtues make Raja Yoga a way of living.