The Four Paths of Yoga

The four paths are… Active path = Karma yoga Active path = Karma yoga philosophical path = Jnana Yoga philosophical path = Jnana Yoga Devotional path = Bhakti yoga Devotional path = Bhakti yoga scientific path = Raja yoga scientific path = Raja yoga

Karma Yoga Karma yoga involves the dedication of all work as on offering to something or someone with no thought of personal reward. Karma yoga involves the dedication of all work as on offering to something or someone with no thought of personal reward. Karma yoga can be practiced at all times, under all conditions, anywhere there is a desire to do a selfless service. Karma yoga can be practiced at all times, under all conditions, anywhere there is a desire to do a selfless service.

Jnana Yoga This is the intellectual approach to spiritual evolution. This is the intellectual approach to spiritual evolution. This is said to be the most difficult path as a sharp, keen intellect, unclouded by emotions, is necessary. This is said to be the most difficult path as a sharp, keen intellect, unclouded by emotions, is necessary.

Bhakti Yoga Bhakti yoga is the devotional approach to yoga, the approach of pure love. Bhakti yoga is the devotional approach to yoga, the approach of pure love. Bhakti yoga rids the yogi of egocentricity by developing humiltiy and self-surrender. Bhakti yoga rids the yogi of egocentricity by developing humiltiy and self-surrender.

Raja Yoga In the 14 th century, Pantanjali’s system of yoga was given the name Raja yoga, or “royal yoga’. This is often referred to as classical yoga with an emphasis on meditation and introspection. In the 14 th century, Pantanjali’s system of yoga was given the name Raja yoga, or “royal yoga’. This is often referred to as classical yoga with an emphasis on meditation and introspection. In an effort to control the mind and attain true freedom, he created an 8 limbed path of self-observation and analysis. In an effort to control the mind and attain true freedom, he created an 8 limbed path of self-observation and analysis.

8 steps of Raja yoga 1. Yamas 5. Pratyahara 2. niyamas 6. Dharana 3. Asanas 7. Dhyana 4. Pranayama 8. Samadhi

Yamas (abstensions) These main 5 are known as ethical disicplines or guidelines for living morally. Truth – (Satya) Truth – (Satya) Nonviolence – (Ahimsa) Nonviolence – (Ahimsa) Continence – (Brahmacharya) Continence – (Brahmacharya) Nonstealing – (Astheya) Nonstealing – (Astheya) Noncovetousness – (Aparigraha) Noncovetousness – (Aparigraha)

Niyamas (Observances) These are the observances and work in partnership with the Yamas as our ethical guidelines. Austerities – (tapas) Austerities – (tapas) Purity – (Saucha) Purity – (Saucha) Contentment – (Santosha) Contentment – (Santosha) Study – (Swadhyaya) Study – (Swadhyaya) Surrender of the ego – (Ishwara-Pranidhana) Surrender of the ego – (Ishwara-Pranidhana)

Asanas Steady pose Steady pose Asanas develop strong bodies – strong muscles and bones and alignment. Asanas develop strong bodies – strong muscles and bones and alignment. Prana flows best in a strong and aligned body which allows for greater discovery of self in meditation and spiritual growth. Prana flows best in a strong and aligned body which allows for greater discovery of self in meditation and spiritual growth.

Pranayama Control of vital energy Control of vital energy Pranayama cleanes and strengthens the physical body, but more importantly, it calms, steadies, and clears the mind. Pranayama cleanes and strengthens the physical body, but more importantly, it calms, steadies, and clears the mind.

Pratyahara Withdrawal of the senses Withdrawal of the senses This is the letting go stage, moving from cravings and desires. This is the letting go stage, moving from cravings and desires. What we need and what we perceive we need are polar opposites. This takes tremendous discipline. What we need and what we perceive we need are polar opposites. This takes tremendous discipline.

Dharana Concentration of the mind. Concentration of the mind. This is the practice of concentrating on either an external or internal object with the exclusion of all other thoughts. (like a candle or a chakra.) This is becoming fully in the moment. This is the practice of concentrating on either an external or internal object with the exclusion of all other thoughts. (like a candle or a chakra.) This is becoming fully in the moment.

Dhyana Meditation Meditation The unbroken stillness of the mind. When meditation is attained, the mind is empty of thoughts and one can see themselves. The unbroken stillness of the mind. When meditation is attained, the mind is empty of thoughts and one can see themselves. Brings about mental peace and physical peace as well. Brings about mental peace and physical peace as well.

Samadhi The superconscious state or enlightment. This is a state beyond description. The superconscious state or enlightment. This is a state beyond description. Samadhi is pure bliss. Samadhi is pure bliss.