Yoga Adhyaya

Yoga, being centuries old, several masters have added their own twists and techniques to it, resulting in a vast variety of terms and techniques. As a result, there are several branches of yoga, all with the same purpose. All roads in yoga lead to the same goal, self realization.

The emphasis of Jnana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge or wisdom) is on the knowledge and wisdom. A Jnana yogi is hungry for knowledge and spends most of his time studying scriptures  and other traditional yogic texts. Within the context of western religions Jesuit priests,  Benedictine scholars are Jnana yogis.

Raja yoga is the branch that focuses primarily on meditation. The goal of Raja yoga is to attain Samadhi, a state of divine awareness accessible to the still, contemplating practitioner. Patanjali, is recognized as the foremost exponent of this form of yoga. Thus the Asthanga Yoga sutras of Patanjali are the most direct methods used by practitioners of this branch.

Hatha yoga, is the yoga of physical processes. This is the most common form of yoga practiced today. Hatha yoga was primarily practiced by the yogis who lived in the himalayas, to strengthen the body to such a degree that they would free themselves from the cold and heat, pain and pleasure and even hunger and thirst.
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Karma yoga is the yoga of service. The main thrust of this practice is the renunciation of the fruits of action. In other words, an individual performs duties, services and other activities with no selfish intent of benefiting from these activities. These activities are assumed for the benefit of the greater good, without concern for personal benefits. The path of karma yoga is described in detail in the Bhagawad Gita.

Bhakthi yoga is the path of love and devotion. In this form the practitioner is free to establish a relationship with God in any form that appeals to him/her. A bhakthi yogi seeks divinity in everything around him. The path of Bhakthi presents opportunities to accept and tolerate everyone whom we come in contact with. Mother Teresa is one of the people who come to mind when you think about a Bhakthi yogi. Her selfless service to humanity makes her a classical example of a karma yogi as well.

Mantra yoga is the yoga of Potent sound aiming at the liberation through the recitation of empowered sounds such as Om.

Yoga can be regarded as a tree with roots, trunk, many branches, blossoms and fruit. Each one of these branches has its own unique characteristics and represents a different approach to life. Some people find a branch that appeals to them more than the others. It is important to note that practicing one branch or form does not preclude any activity from others. The wise aspirant will draw from different approaches that which suits his temperament and personal life situation. Every individual has unique needs related to diet, sleep and exercise as does each have a unique spiritual path that is for him alone.