It involves serious study and will appeal to those who are more intellectually inclined. The jnana yoga approach is considered the most difficult and at the same time the most direct. This path requires development of the intellect through the study of the scriptures and texts of the yogic tradition. If we consider bhakti to be the yoga of the heart, then jnana yoga is the yoga of the mind, of wisdom, the path of the sage or scholar. The life and work of Mother Teresa epitomize the combination of the karma and bhakti yoga paths with devotional aspects of bhakti and the selfless service of karma yoga. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., are prime examples of bhakti yogis. The path of bhakti provides us with an opportunity to cultivate acceptance and tolerance for everyone we come into contact with.īhakti yogis express the devotional nature of their path in their every thought, word, and deed-whether they are taking out the trash or calming the anger of a loved one. Seeing the divine in all of creation, bhakti yoga is a positive way to channel the emotions. Bhakti Yogaīhakti yoga describes the path of devotion. Volunteering to serve meals in a soup kitchen or signing up for a stint with the Peace Corps or Habitat for Humanity are prime examples of selfless service associated with the karma yoga path. We practice karma yoga whenever we perform our work and live our lives in a selfless fashion and as a way to serve others. Karma is the path of self-transcending action. Being aware of this, all of our present efforts become a way to consciously create a future that frees us from being bound by negativity and selfishness. The principle of karma yoga is that what we experience today is created by our actions in the past. The next branch is that of karma yoga or the path of service, and none of us can escape this pathway. However, even though this path suggests a monastic or contemplative lifestyle, entering an ashram or monastery is not a prerequisite to practicing raja yoga. Members of religious orders and spiritual communities devote themselves to this branch of yoga. Raja yoga attracts individuals who are introspective and drawn to meditation. Also found in many other branches of yoga, these limbs, or stages, follow this order: ethical standards, yama self-discipline, niyama posture, asana breath extension or control, Pranayama sensory withdrawl, pratyahara concentration, dharana meditation, dhyana and ecstasy or final liberation, samadhi. This approach involves strict adherence to the eight “limbs” of yoga as outlined by Patanajli in the Yoga Sutra. Raja means “royal,” and meditation is the focal point of this branch of yoga. However, it is important to note that involvement in one of these paths does not preclude activity in any of the others, and in fact you’ll find many paths naturally overlapping. Some people may find one particular branch more inviting than another. Each branch with its unique characteristics and function represents a particular approach to life. Hatha yoga is one of six branches the others include raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, and tantra yoga. In ancient times yoga was often referred to as a tree, a living entity with roots, a trunk, branches, blossoms, and fruit. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
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