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The 4 Paths Of Yoga
By Lorna O'Malley
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 - (Royal Yoga) - The 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 is the physical branch of Raja - which teaches control of the body. The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha 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 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 Sutras, the following 8 Limbs of Raja 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.

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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 Postures.

*Pranayama - control of the breath.

(Asanas & Pranayama form the part of Raja 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 - (action) - is the path of service, and none of us can escape this pathway. The principle of Karma 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 - (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 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 - (wisdom) - the 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.

Here are some more yoga articles...

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Yoga has been practiced by people the world over for many centuries, and it is still very popular today. Many people use it to strengthen the mind, body and spirit connection. There are actually Read more...

A Comfortable State Of Mind And Body
Yoga Guru Patanjali has defined Yoga as a ‘steady and comfortable state of Mind and Body’. And, a comfortable and steady state of body and mind is precisely what practising yoga delivers. Other forms Read more...

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Tantra Yoga

This name comes from a Hindu philosophy used to attain spiritual insight and harmony, but generally refers in common use to a system of exercises that is practiced as part of this discipline. The word itself is derived from the Sanskrit "yeung", meaning to join. A yoke as used on oxen is closely related, but also the same root gives us "join", "junction", "junta", "adjust", "joust", and "juxapose" to name a few. The Mueller Center offers classes for both beginners and those more advanced. ...