Four Yoga
As we have seen
earlier that the core principle of Vedic knowledge is to transcend to the
Awareness state and identify that is the real nature of our being.
This realization or Union in Sanskrit is known as "Yog". This is
the root word for Yoga, which means to be in the Awareness state. As we have
discussed earlier that Ego prevents the Transcendence to this Awareness
state. There are four main means to transcend the ego. They are - Karma
Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. Each is suited to a different
temperament of the individual or approach to life. All the paths lead
ultimately to the same destination - to union with Brahman or Consciousness.
Karma Yoga, The Yoga of Action
Everyone are engaged in action always. But the
Ego which is a single "I" thought takes the credit for all actions. Being
aware of this Ego thought, one attributes the results of all actions to the
awareness. This is the easiest means to sublimate the Ego and transcend to
the Awareness state. This is the path chosen primarily by those of an
outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching one to act selflessly,
which means not for the Ego. To achieve this, it is helpful to keep the mind
focused by repeating a mantra while engaged in any activity.
. .
Bhakti Yoga, The Path of Devotion or Divine Love
The Karma Yoga is for mankind involved in action.
When an individual has matured in that Karma Yoga, he slowly gets
into the next state of maturing his mind, called Bhakthi Yoga.
This path appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. The Bhakti Yogi is motivated chiefly by the power of
of
Love and sees God
(Awareness)
as the embodiment of love. Love is the nature of Awareness means to
be united in Awareness.
Through prayer, worship and rituals an individual surrenders the emotions
into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises
of God form (Awareness) a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga. In
one examines the praises of God, it is basically honoring the
qualities of Awareness.
Jnana Yoga, The Yoga of Knowledge or Wisdom
This is the most difficult path, requiring tremendous strength of
will and intellect. This occurs only when the individual has matured
his or her mind and strengthens the 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 (Awareness) 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.
Raja Yoga, The Science of Physical and Mental Control
Often called the "royal road" it is the integration of the
faculties of body, mind, intellect and Awareness. This method offers a comprehensive method for
turning our mental and physical
energy into spiritual energy (Awareness). Raja Yoga is also called
Ashtanga Yoga
