Know The Methods of Yoga | Surf Nxt Blog | Yoga Retreats | Yoga

Yoga is a science of right living. It works in all aspects of a person’s physical, mental, emotional,social and spiritual levels. The word Yoga means “Unity”and it is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” which in spiritual meaning is that union of the individual consciousness with the universal communication. Yoga that carries varies methods such as

i)                    Jnana Yoga – Path of Analysis

ii)                  Raja Yoga – Path of physic control

iii)                Bhakti Yoga – Path of Devotion

iv)                Karma Yoga – Path of work

i)                    Jnana Yoga:

Jnana Yoga means Wisdom or Knowledge and is also called as Jnanamarga  is one of the spiritual paths in Hinduism that emphasizes the “path of knowledge “ which also called as path of self realization.

In jnana Yoga, the mind is used to inquire into its own nature and the mind’s identification with its thought and ego. The fundamental goal of the jnana yoga is to become liberate from the world of maya that its thought and perception and to achieve the innerself with all life. 

This can be achieved by mental techniques of reflection and conscious that are defined in the four pillars of knowledge. The four pillars of knowledge are also called as “SadhanaChatushtaya” are stepping stones towards to achieve the goal of jnana Yoga, which can be the liberation from our thoughts.

It is best to best to practice the four methods in sequential order and this practice will lead to cultivate spiritual and understanding to one’s suffering from dissatisfaction of life.

·      Viveka is a process of deliberate, continuous intellectual effort to differentiate between the real and unreal, permanent and temporary and the self and the not-self.

·      Vairagya is a process of dispassion  and detachment from the possessions and Ego mind and in the words of Swami Sivananda “It is only when the mind is absolutely free from the attachment of all sorts that true knowledge begins to dawn”.

·     Shatsampat is a process in which it consists of six methods that helps to stabilize mind and emotions and train to see beyond the illusion of the world.

-First is shama or keeps calm it is the ability to keep the mind peaceful, through moderating its reaction to external stimuli.

-Dama which keeps away it is the strengthening of the mind to be able to control of the senses and the training of senses is used only as instruments of the mind.

-Uparati is the abandonment of all activities that are one’s duty. A simple lifestyle is followed that contains no distractions from the spiritual life.

-Titiksha is the tolerance of external non-conductive situations that are consider like suffering. Especially in extreme opposite states (success and failure, hot and cold, pleasure and pain).

-Shraddha is believed and have faith in a teacher, the scriptures and the Yogic path.

-Samadhana is focussing single-mindedly.

·         Mumukshutva is an intense and passionate for achieving the liberation from suffering .In order to achieve liberation one must be completely committed to the path.

ii)                    Raja Yoga:

Raja Yoga is also known as the Asthanga Yoga because it is organised in eight different part they are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.In Sanskrit words it can be described as Raja Yoga is the ultimate goal of Yoga practice rather than the physical and mental exercise.That means that is considered by yoga practice that can be achieved through state of peace and meditation.

The eight different parts of Raja Yoga can be described as:

·       Yama – Non-violence, Non-stealing and the detachment to pleasures.

·       Niyama – Purity, self-study.

·       Asana – Yoga postures.

·       Pranayama – Breathing techniques.

·       Pratyahara – Withdrawl of the senses.

·       Dharana – Meditation.

·       Samadhi – Super conscious state.

Raja Yoga sometimes also called as “Royal Yoga” .Raja Yoga emphasises the benefits of meditation for spiritual self-realization and the purposeful evolution of consciousness.

The spiritual focus of Raja Yoga can also described by the spiritual master Walt Baptiste ”Raja Yoga is a science , art and path in life to enhance ,enrich and strengthen our spiritual focus”.

In the words of Michele Hebert and Mehred Nazari “With Raja Yoga , benefits are experienced both immediately and long-term, not just on a physical level but in all aspects of our lives. We experienced positive changes in our lives that include not just improved health, but greater awareness, mental clarity, self-confidence and spiritual Atonement within ourselves and in relationship to the world around us”.

iii)                    Bhakti Yoga:

The Sanskrit word Bhakti comes from root bhaj, which means to adore or worship God.”Bhakti Yoga” is like any other forms of Yoga and which is path to self –realization to have an experience of oneness with everything. Sometimes Bhakti Yoga also called as the Bhakti Marga which is the literally path of Bhakti is a spiritual path within Hinduism focused on loving devotion towards the personal god.The personal god varies with the devotee .It may include the god or goddess such as Ganesha, Krishna, Radha, Rama, Sita, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Shiva, Parvatiamong others.

There are nine main practices of Bhakti Yoga to that can be that can be practiced together.Each of these limbs creates a specific feeling or bhava that appeals to different inner constitutions. The Nine Limbs of Devotion they are:

     1)      Shravana – “listening” to the ancient scriptures,Specially if its told by the saint or genuine bhakta. 

       2)      Kirtana – “Singing” devotional songs.

       3)      Smarana – “remembering” the divine by constantly meditating upon its name and form.

       4)      Padasevana – “Service at the feet” of the Divine which incorporates practice of karma yoga           (Selfless service) with bhakti(devotion).

       5)      Vandana – “prostration” or the representation of the Divine.

      6)      Dasya – The “unquestioning”devotion of the Divine involving the cultivation of serving the will of God instead of one’s own ego.

      7)      Archana – The “ritual worship” of the Divine through the practices such as pooja and homa.

      8)      Sakhya – The relationship established between the Divine and the devotee.

      9)      Atmanivedana–The Complete surrender of the self of the Divine.

The most popular limb of Bhakti Yoga in the West is Kirtana are usually called as Kirtana. Bhati Yoga can also practice by itself or through spiritual practices.

The benefits of Bhakti Yoga in words of Swami Sivananada writes ”Bhakti softens the heart and removes jealousy, hatred ,anger ,egoism, pride and arrogance. It infuses joy, dine ecstasy, bliss, peace and knowledge .All cares, worries and anxieties, fears, mental torments and tribulations entirely vanish. The devotee if freed from the Samsaric wheel of birth and deaths. He attains the immortal abode of everlasting peace, bliss and knowledge”.

The ultimate goal of Bhakti Yoga is to reach the state essence and also a feeling of pure bliss achieved in the devotional surrender to the Divine.

iv)                    Karma Yoga:

Karma Yoga are also called as karma marga, that is one of the spiritual paths in Hinduism based on the action of Yoga.To a Karma Yogi, right work is done well is a form of prayer and it is one of the paths to the spiritual liberatin in Hinduism and this karma Yoga is the path of unselfish action.It teaches that a spiritual seeker should act according to dharma, without beiong attached to the personal consequences.

According to Bhagavad Gita the karma Yoga it describes the various form of Yoga relating to the Spirituality and this spirituality is associated with the mental health , managing substance abuse, marital functioning, parenting and copying and in Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says:

“tasmadasaktahsatatamkaryam karma samacaraasaktohyacaran karma paramapnotipurushaha” Therefore, without being attached to the results of activities , one should act as a matter of duty, or by working without attachment one attains the Supreme”

According to Swami Vivekananda“The help which tends to make us spiritually strong is the highest help, next it comes intellectual help and after that comes physical help”

The karma yoga is the pathway for Self –purification and self-development.

Individual as well as collective growth and welfare.

Minimum play of passion,jealousy,greed,hatred,anger,arrogance.

Team spirit & team work.

Autonomous management,minimum control and supervision.

Manager acts as mentor and facilitator.

Self –motivation.

Perfection or excellence in products and services.