The 4 Paths of Yoga

Here is written a brief explanation of each of the 4 paths of yoga. All the paths lead ultimately to the same destination - to union with Brahman or God (Yoga) - and the lessons in each path need to be integrated if true wisdom is to be attained.

Yoga will develop man as a whole - his heart, intelligence and hand. All these 4 paths can be combined into a single spiritual process (ensuring balance is always present), because the ultimate objective of all of them is the same.

Raja Yoga - (Royal Yoga) - The Yoga of physical and mental control - Meditation is the focal point of this branch of yoga. It focuses on controlling the mind in order to attain enlightenment. Hatha Yoga is the physical branch of Raja Yoga - which teaches control of the body. The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha Yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asana’s or postures), designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed so that energy can flow freely. Hatha is also translated as ha meaning “sun” and tha meaning “moon.” Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Compiled by the Sage - Patanjali - in the Yoga Sutras, the following 8 Limbs of Raja Yoga are a progressive series of steps which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the yogi to enlightenment.

Yamas - or restraints (Don’ts) are divided into five moral injuctions, aimed at destroying the lower nature. They are - Ahimsa or non-violence , Satyam or truthfulness , Brahmacharya or moderation in all things (control of all senses), Asteya or non-stealing , Aparigraha or non-covetousness.
Niyamas - or observances (Do’s) are also divided into five and complete the ethical precepts. They are - Saucha or purity - this internal and external cleanliness, Santosha or contentment , Tapas or austerity , Swadhyaya or study of the sacred texts , Ishwara Pranidhana which is constantly living with an awareness of the divine Presence.
Asanas - Physical yoga Postures.
Pranayama - control of the breath.
(Asanas & Pranayama form the part of Raja Yoga known as Hatha Yoga)
Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses in order to still the mind.
Dharana - concentration. When Dharana is achieved, it leads to the next step:
Dhyana - meditation. When mastered Dhyana leads to the last step:
Samadhi - the superconscious state. In Samadhi - oneness is experienced. This is the deepest and highest state of consciousness where body and mind have been transcended.

Karma Yoga - (action) - is the path of service, and none of us can escape this pathway. The principle of Karma Yoga is that what we experience today is created by our actions in the past. So if what goes around comes around - we will be inclined to live a less selfish life. It teaches us to detach ourselves from the results of our actions, lets us let go of the ego, and purify the heart.

Bhakti yoga - (devotion) - the path of worship. Seeing the divine in all of creation - it provides us with an opportunity to cultivate acceptance and tolerance for everyone we come into contact with. It is the yoga of the heart. This is the most popular path in India, and it involves surrendering yourself to the devine through prayer, worship and ritual.

Jnana Yoga - (wisdom) - the yoga of the mind, the path of inner enquiry. This path requires development of the intellect through the study of the scriptures and texts of the yogic tradition. It involves serious study and will appeal to those who are more intellectually inclined.

Lorna Littlewing is the Webmaster of http://www.yogabhoga.co.uk, http://www.ompixels.com, and http://www.rawfoodhomepage.com