The Branches of the Yoga Tree | Yoga Philosophy | Yoga for Beginners The Branches of the Yoga Tree Google Plus In ancient times yoga was often referred to as a tree, a living entity with roots, a trunk, branches, blossoms, and fruit. Hatha yoga is one of six branches; the others include raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, and tantra yoga. Each branch with its unique characteristics and function represents a particular approach to life. Some people may find one particular branch more inviting than another. 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. Raja Yoga Raja means “royal,” and meditation is the focal point of this branch of yoga. This approach involves strict adherence to the eight “limbs” of yoga as outlined by Patanajli in the Yoga Sutra.

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 . Raja yoga attracts individuals who are introspective and drawn to meditation. Members of religious orders and spiritual communities devote themselves to this branch of yoga. However, even though this path suggests a monastic or contemplative lifestyle, entering an ashram or monastery is not a prerequisite to practicing raja yoga. Karma Yoga The next branch is that of karma yoga or the path of service, and none of us can escape this pathway. The principle of karma yoga is that what we experience today is created by our actions in the past. 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. Karma is the path of self-transcending action. We practice karma yoga whenever we perform our work and live our lives in a selfless fashion and as a way to serve others.

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. Bhakti Yoga Bhakti yoga describes the path of devotion. Seeing the divine in all of creation, bhakti yoga is a positive way to channel the emotions. The path of bhakti provides us with an opportunity to cultivate acceptance and tolerance for everyone we come into contact with. Bhakti 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. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., are prime examples of bhakti yogis. 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. Jnana Yoga 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.

This path requires development of the intellect through the study of the scriptures and texts of the yogic tradition. The jnana yoga approach is considered the most difficult and at the same time the most direct. It involves serious study and will appeal to those who are more intellectually inclined. Within the context of our Western religious traditions, Kabalistic scholars, Jesuit priests, and Benedictine monks epitomize jnana yogis. Tantra Yoga Probably the most misunderstood or misinterpreted of all the yogas, tantra, the sixth branch, is the pathway of ritual, which includes consecrated sexuality. The key word here is “consecrated,” which means to make sacred, to set apart as something holy or hallowed. In tantric practice we experience the Divine in everything we do. A reverential attitude is therefore cultivated, encouraging a ritualistic approach to life. It is amusing to note that, although tantra has become associated exclusively with sexual ritual, most tantric schools actually recommend a celibate lifestyle. In essence, tantra is the most esoteric of the six major branches. It will appeal to those yogis who enjoy ceremony and relate to the feminine principle of the cosmos, which yogis call shakti.

If you see—and are deeply moved by—the significance behind celebration and ritual (holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other rites of passage), tantra yoga may be for you. Many tantric yogis find magic in all types of ceremony, whether it be a Japanese tea ceremony, the consecration of the Eucharist in a Catholic mass, or the consummation of a relationship. Combining the Paths You may already be involved in one or more of these branches. For example, you may already be a hatha yogi or yogini practicing the postures with a teacher or by yourself. If you are a hospice volunteer for AIDS patients, or a participant in a Big Brother/Big Sister program, you are actively practicing karma yoga. Perhaps reading this book will spark an in-depth study of yoga philosophy , setting you on the path of jnana yoga. Remember you need not be limited to one expression—you may practice hatha yoga, taking care of your physical body, while simultaneously cultivating the lifestyle of a bhakti yogi, expressing your compassion for everyone you meet. Trust that whichever avenue of yogic expression draws your interest, it will probably be the right yoga path for you.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres | 4 Paths of Yoga 4 Paths Of Yoga Vegetarian Recipes The Four Paths of Yoga There are four main paths of Yoga - Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga. Each is suited to a different temperament or approach to life. All the paths lead ultimately to the same destination - to union with Brahman or God - and the lessons of each of them need to be integrated if true wisdom is to be attained. Swami Sivananda recognised that every Yogi, or human being for that matter, possesses and identifies with each of these elements: Intellect, heart, body and mind. He therefore advocated everyone to practice certain techniques from each path. This came to be known as the Yoga of Synthesis. He also taught that in accordance with individual temperament and taste one can emphasize the practice of certain Yogas over others. Jnana Yoga Karma Yoga - The yoga of Action Karma Yoga is the Yoga of Action. It is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward.

By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up to God, you learn to sublimate the ego. To achieve this, it is helpful to keep your mind focused by repeating a mantra while engaged in any activity. Principles of Karma Yoga Karma Yoga is one of the four paths of Yoga . In this page are the key components that determine that any action will qualify as being Karma Yoga "Karma Yoga is the selfless devotion of all inner as well as the outer activities as a Sacrifice to the Lord of all works, offered to the eternal as Master of all the soul's energies and austerities." Bhagavad Gita Right Attitude It's not what you do that counts, it's the attitude while doing it that determines if a job is a karma yoga job, i.e. a liberating job, or a binding job. Work is worship. Swami Sivananda advises us to "give your hands to work, and keep your mind fixed at the lotus feet of the Lord." Right Motive Same as attitude. It is not what you do that counts but your real motive behind it. Your motive must be pure.

Swami Sivananda says: "Man generally plans to get the fruits of his works before he starts any kind of work. The mind is so framed that it cannot think of any kind of work without remuneration or reward. A selfish man cannot do any service. He will weigh the work and the money in a balance. Selfless Service is unknown to him." Do Your Duty Often "duty" is referred to as "righteousness". You will incur demerit if you shun your duty. Your duty is towards God, or Self, or the Inner Teacher who teaches you through all the specific circumstances of your life as they appear. Do Your Best Whatever you have to do, do your best. If you know of a better way to serve, you must use it. Do not hold back because of fear of effort or because of fear of criticism. Do not work in a sloppy manner just because no one is watching or because you feel the work is not for you. Give your best. Try to do such actions that can bring maximum good and minimum evil. Do Karma Yoga increasingly. Give up Results God is the doer. You are not the doer. You are only the instrument.

You do not know God's intentions or God's plans. God is the actor. The Self never acts, changes. It is only the 3 Gunas or qualities of nature which are playing. The way to realize this truth is to constantly work for work's sake and let go of the results, good or bad. It is the desire for action that binds the individual. It is the detachment from action that will dissolve the karmic seeds. Detachment from results also means detachment from the type of job itself. There is no job that is inferior or superior to a different job. Don't be attached to your job. Be ready to give up your job if necessary. Serve God or the Self in All Do to others what you would like to be done to yourself. Love thy neighbor as thyself. Adapt, adjust, accommodate. Bear insult, bear injury. Unity in Diversity. We are parts of the same body. Practice humility in action. Beware of power, fame, name, praise, censure. Follow the Discipline of the Job Each job is a teacher of some sort. You can learn different skills by doing different jobs.

Each job has different requirements in terms of time, degree of concentration, skills or experience, emotional input, physical energy, will. Try to do whatever job you are doing, well. Bhakti Yoga - The Path of Devotion or Divine Love This path appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. The Bhakti Yogi is motivated chiefly by the power of love and sees God as the embodiment of love. Through prayer, worship and ritual he surrenders himself to God, channelling and transmuting his emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises of God form a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga. Raja Yoga - The Science of Physical and Mental Control Often called the "royal road" it offers a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by turning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy. Raja Yoga is also called Ahtanga Yoga referring to the eight limbs leading to absolute mental control. The chief practice of Raja Yoga is meditation . It also includes all other methods which helps one to control body, energy, senses and mind. The Hatha-Yogi u ses Relaxation and other practices such as Yamas, Niyamas, Mudras, Bandhas etc..

to gain control of the physical body and the subtle life force called Prana. When body and energy are under control meditation comes naturally. Ashtanga - The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga Compiled by the Sage Patanjali Maharishi in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the yogi to enlightenment. These 8 limbs are: Yamas - The Yamas or restraints (Don'ts) are divided into five moral injuctions, aimed at destroying the lower nature. They should all be practiced and developped by the letter but also more importantly in the spirit. They should all be practiced in word, thought and deed. Ahimsa or non-violence Brahmacharya or moderation in all things (control of all senses). Also refers to celibacy Asteya or non-stealing Aparigraha or non-covetousness Niyamas - The Niyamas or observances (Do's) are also divided into five and complete the ethical precepts started with the Yama.. These qualities 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 (surrender to God's Will) The Branches of Yoga The Branches of Yoga The Branches of Yoga Yoga is more than a way to stretch your body and reduce stress. It’s also a 5,000-year-old system of mental and physical practices, including philosophy, meditation, breath work, lifestyle and behavior principles, and physical exercise. The history of yoga is vast and complex, as its texts, teachers, and traditions have been known to both support and contradict one another. Multiple Trees, Many Branches Although much of what we call "yoga" today was developed in India, there is no singular fixed path or yoga tradition. The practices we recognize today are the result of the creative merge and development of philosophies over thousands of years, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. There are many different branches of yoga that spring from these philosophies.

Six of the most well-known, major variations are: Raja Tantra Hatha The physical practice — hatha yoga — is the most predominant form in the West today, but it’s only a small part of the vast yoga world. Though the ultimate goals of each branch may vary, they all require self-inquiry and discipline to reach the desired state. One translation of the word "yoga" is "union." Each branch of yoga seeks to achieve union in some form or another: Body, mind, and spirit; earthly and divine; even oneness with all. It is not necessary to choose just one path, as many of the practices and benefits overlap! Raja Yoga Literally meaning, "royal yoga," raja yoga is the devotion to the eightfold path of yoga, as laid out by the ancient sage Patanjali in the classical yoga text, the Yoga Sutras.

The eight limbs of yoga include: "Yamas" — Sanskrit for "ethical standards" "Niyamas" — Sanskrit for "self-discipline" "Asana" — Sanskrit for "physical postures" "Pranayama" — Sanskrit for "breathing exercises" "Pratyahra" — Sanskrit for "sensory withdrawal" "Dharana" — Sanskrit for "concentration" "Dyana"— Sanskrit for "meditation" "Samadhi" — Sanskrit for "the supreme state of bliss" Raja yoga is a precise and contemplative path. It emphasizes control of the intellect and cultivation of the mind through meditation to gain enlightenment. Practicing raja yoga teaches you to control your thoughts through meditation, eventually mastering your earthly, ego-based self and uniting with your higher, spiritual self. For more information on the eightfold path of yoga, see the guide, The Eight Limbs of Yoga . Karma Yoga "Karma" literally means "action" or "deed." In Hinduism, it refers to the total effect of your actions — bringing upon yourself the inevitable results of your words, thoughts, and deeds.

Karma yoga is often referred to as "the yoga of action." This branch aims to achieve union with the divine through selfless service and the offering of actions as a form of worship. Practicing karma yoga shifts your attitude from one of ego-based self-service to one of pure altruism. Yogis who practice karma yoga believe this type of service leads to a peaceful future. By practicing selfless service and acting on good thoughts now, you are preparing your future to be free of selfishness and full of positivity. Whenever you perform work as a way to selflessly serve others, you are practicing karma yoga! This includes volunteering, coaching, even offering to cook dinner for a stressed-out friend. The attitude is what counts — if you’re doing it out of love and service, that’s what matters most! Bhakti Yoga Bhakti yoga is the yoga of devotion. This method of yoga centers around love and dedication to the divine, with the aim of connecting with one’s "personal God." The practice may include devotional disciplines, worship, prayer, chanting, and singing. Yogis who practice bhakti yoga see the divine in everything — a belief and attitude that leads to tolerance, acceptance, and peace in everyday life.

Many yogis refer to the work of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa as ultimate examples of bhakti yoga. Jnana Yoga Literally meaning "knowledge," jnana yoga uses self-inquiry, questioning, meditation, and contemplation to gain enlightenment through knowledge of the body and soul. This path emphasizes serious study of yogic scriptures and texts to develop intellect and wisdom. It is a direct means to insight, but is also considered the most difficult of the yogic paths. Scholars, priests, and monks are often examples of jnana yogis. The jnana yogi seeks understanding of the spirit or true self by remaining open to various philosophies and applying the knowledge and insight to life. Jnana yoga often appeals to those drawn to rational thought and open-minded discourse. Tantra Yoga One of the most commonly misrepresented paths, "tantra" — literally meaning "weave" — uses ritual to expand awareness. The philosophy of tantra yoga is based on the worship of Shakti, the divine feminine energy. Tantra views life and all existence as the creative dance between Shakti and her lover, Shiva, the male expression of the divine.

Balancing the masculine and feminine energies in one’s life and yoga practice leads to the awakening of "kundalini" — the divine cosmic energy that brings forth self-realization. Tantra yoga emphasizes on expanding your awareness to discover the presence of the sacred within any experience. Unlike the ascetic yoga practices that seek to transcend the earthly body, tantra recognizes the body and its desires as manifestations of the divine. Through ritual and ceremony, tantric yogis express their reverence for what is sacred. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive. Hatha Yoga The most well-known branch of yoga in the West, "hatha" literally means "sun and moon." This practice, developed around the 15th century, focuses on physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, purification rituals, and the subtle body (the body’s aura and energetic pathways). The goal of hatha yoga is to purify and strengthen the body, calm the mind, and achieve health. Today, the term broadly refers to all physical yoga practice and commonly means a gentle yoga practice that includes stretching and stress-reduction techniques.

Ashtanga , Iyengar, Sivananda, and Vinyasa are all examples of modern hatha yoga. Many Paths for One Yogi Even if you’ve never set foot in a yoga studio, it’s possible that you’ve already practiced one or more of these branches of yoga. Volunteering at a soup kitchen is an example of karma yoga. Studying various philosophies and applying them with common sense and insight is an example of jnana yoga. Even celebrating your birthday with ritual and gratitude combines tantra and bhakti yoga. Whatever your path, remember that you don’t need to limit yourself to one branch or belief. Yoga is available to all! Email Address Invalid. Please enter an email address in the format: xx@yy.zz The Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced yoga classes take you systematically through the branches of yoga. Hatha Hatha Yoga is a catalyst to awaken and balance the two energies, the vital force (Pranic) and mental force (Chitta) that govern our lives. The techniques of Hatha yoga harmonize and purify the body systems and focus the mind in preparation for the more advanced practices of Raj yoga and chakra and kundalini practices.

Hatha yoga asana (poses), shatkarmas (physical and mental detox techniques), Mudras and Bandhas (Psycho - physiological energy release technuiques) pranic awakening practices. Preparation practices. Raj (Yoga Psychology) Preparation of the mind is dealt with in Raj yoga. It is the system of the Yoga Sutras Sage Patanjali which describes the 8 limbs of yoga. Human behavior and personality can be refined with the yamas (restraint) and niyamas (disciplines), asanas (poses), pranayama (expansion of life force), management of mental and emotional conflict, development of awareness and concentration, techniques, pratyahara (reducing mental impressions), dharana (concentration techniques), dhyana (meditation techniques) for the development of the creative aspect of consciousness and for transcendental awareness, samadhi (absorption in the universal identity). Jnana Yoga *"Jnana Yoga is the process of converting intellectual knowledge into practical wisdom. Jnana Yoga is described by tradition as a means to obtain the highest meditative state and inner knowledge.

Jnana literally means ‘knowledge’, but in the context of yoga it means the process of meditative awareness which leads to illuminative wisdom. It is not a method by which we try to find rational answers to eternal questions, rather it is a part of meditation leading to self-enquiry and self-realization. Some of the components of Jnana Yoga are:(1) not believing but realizing, (2) self-awareness leading to self-analysis, (3) experiencing knowledge, (4) realizing the personal nature, (5) developing intuitive wisdom, (6) experiencing inner unity." Karma Yoga When we perform an action, we become attached to that action via the ego, to the result of that action, the fruit of the action. Negative emotions thus tend to take over. This affects us negatively. The outcome, if it is not as we intended it to be also affects us negatively. There is depression, sour grapes attitude, anger, irritability, frustration. Keeping ourselves detached from the desired outcome, yet doing our best, staying focused in the here and now, managing ourselves and our mind positively, efficiently towards the goal is where Karma Yoga helps. *"With Karma Yoga, a system which develops immunity to the reactive and negative components of an action.

This awareness of action leads to a greater ability to manage mental associations in the form of desires, ambitions, ego and other personality complexes. The aim of Karma Yoga is to gain freedom from the bondage of karma which restricts and inhibits dynamic, creative and constructive expression in life. Karma Yoga is a sadhana and not a practice. The state of Karma Yoga can be attained through seva (selfless involvement in all activities), the spirit of which can be imbibed under the guidance of a competent master." *In the Bhagvad Geeta Lord Krishna explains this to Arjuna. Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati has written a discourse on the Bhagvad Gita in modern language. Bhakti Yoga *"Bhakti Yoga is the path of channelling the emotions and feelings to realize the transcendental and divine nature inherent in every human being. Many people describe this as the yoga of devotion and give it a religious bent, however, it is through Bhakti Yoga that it becomes possible to experience the unity of all life. Negative emotions and ego tend to take over when living in the empirical world. The mind limits us, keeps us down, like gravity.

Bhakti Yoga helps to pull us out of this towards the higher, positive emotions. Constant awareness is required and necessary to know when the negative emotions spring up within us, so that we can change to the opposite positive emotion. Kindness is a good place to start. Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati emphasizes 'Pratipaksha Bhaav', 'opposite', changing the negative emotion to its positive counterpart. The stages of Bhakti Yoga can be classified as follows: (1) meditation, to realise and channel emotional energy, (2) mantras and kirtans, to open the heart, (3) identification with the source of inspiration and life, God, Cosmic Consciousness (4) experiencing transcendental human qualities in daily life. The validity and depth of Bhakti Yoga can only be understood by realizing the experiences of union that masters have had over the course of their lives. The Bhakti Yoga Sagar series describes this process of the human journey towards divinity in a clear and concise form." Kundalini Yoga The 6 Branches of Yoga The 6 Branches of Yoga 0 In Western society, yoga has become synonymous with taking classes, doing poses, and sweating.

The physical practice of yoga postures, however, which is known as hatha yoga, is just a small window into the larger world of yoga—it just happens to be the window through which most of us were introduced to it. But what if you aren’t that into physical exercise? You can still love yoga. In fact, some of the most devoted yogis I know don’t have a hatha yoga practice. In the same way, you don’t have to be devotedly spiritual to enjoy yoga and its benefits. Yoga can really be customized to your wants, needs and lifestyle, and there’s an entire vast and comprehensive tradition to choose from (not to mention a plethora of styles and classes). Aside from hatha yoga, there are five other main practices in the yoga tradition—together they are the six branches of yoga. Taken separately or apart (you’ll notice some even overlap), they are considered paths of personal and spiritual development within yoga. 1. Raja Yoga Raja yoga focuses on meditation and contemplation in order to fully realize the self.

Known as the royal (Raja) or king path of yoga, it is based on the eight-limbed path toward self-realization outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, and tends to attract the more spiritually devoted practitioners. 2. Bhakti Yoga Bhakti yoga is the path of devotion, emphasizing devotional love for and surrender to God. By seeing the Divine in everyone and everywhere, Bhakti yoga cultivates acceptance, tolerance, and love for all beings. Bhakti yoga also involves a lot of chanting and kirtan (call and response) that evokes feelings of love, connection, and bliss. 3. Jnana Yoga Jnana yoga is the path of wisdom and knowledge (Jnana), involving disciplined study of scriptures and constant inquiry into the nature of self. Often called the yoga of the mind, Jnana yoga is well suited for the more intellectually inclined. 4. Karma Yoga Karma yoga is the path of selfless action, the yoga of doing. Selfless service is the heart of karma yoga. Remaining completely detached from the outcome of their actions, Karma yogis are in continual service to the betterment of all beings with no intention of physical gain. 5.

Mantra Yoga Mantra yoga is the yoga of sound. Considered sacred utterances, mantras are syllables, words, or phrases representing a particular attribute of the Divine. Mantra yoga is the practice of becoming centered through the repetition of mantras. 6. Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga is the practice of yoga postures, or asana, using the body as a vehicle for self-transformation. MORE YOGA LOVIN' HERE Jnana and the Importance of Self-Knowledge and Awareness Now that you’ve been introduced to all of the branches of yoga, are there any that resonated with you that you’d love to explore more? Let us know! Meagan McCrary Meagan McCrary is an experienced yoga teacher and writer with a passion for helping people find more comfort, clarity, compassion and joy on the mat and in their lives. She is the author of "Pick Your Yoga Practice: Exploring and Understanding Different Styles of Yoga", a comprehensive encyclopedia of prominent yoga styles and practical wisdom. Knowledgeable, passionate and playful, her teaching style is incredibly inclusive and empowering, and her retreats are transformative. Check out her blog and latest offerings at and play along with Meagan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The 6 Branches of Yoga at Yoga Insight The 6 Branches of Yoga The 6 celebrities of a yoga education Yoga was likened to as a tree with a living trunk, roots, branches, flowers and fruit in ancient times. In addition to its most famous branch - Hatha yoga - yoga consists of six major branches including Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, Raja and Tantra forms of yoga. Hatha Yoga, the most well-known branch of yoga, is known as the yoga of physical processes. It incorporates breathing techniques, physical poses and meditation. It is used for bringing the spiritual elements of the mind into the body in order to achieve perfect health. Hatha Yoga attempts to purify the nervous system and strengthen the body. Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion and heart. Yogis who practice this branch of yoga express and develop tolerance, acceptance and love for all living things. The life and work of the famous saint Mother Teresa symbolizes the combination of the Bhakti and Karma Yoga paths with their devotional aspects and selfless service. Jnana Yoga is considered the yoga of the mind, because it deals with wisdom and knowledge.

Jnana yoga's path teaches the "knowledge of true self," in other words it teaches one to obtain intuitive knowledge from their soul. The Jnana Yoga approach is thought to be the most difficult and the most direct at the same time, because it involves serious study and will appeal to those who are more rationally inclined. Jnana yogis try to exceed limitations by bonding intellect and sapience (which is the ability to apply knowledge, common sense and insight). Ramana Maharshi and Shankara are two of the best known exponents of this yoga branch. Karma Yoga teaches that your present experience is directly affected by your past actions. It's the path of self-transcending achievement and the path of service. Performing a selfless service is the gist of Karma Yoga. Its practices are meant to change your actions, for example acting on good thoughts, good expressions and good manners will transform you into a selfless soul. Raja Yoga teaches natural meditation. Raja consists of a very precise system that attempts to gain control of the physical body, energy, senses and mind. This yoga teaches students to control their thought waves by turning their mental and physical energy into spiritual energy by uniting with the Ego (or their higher self).

This is done through exercise, breathing and meditation. Tantra Yoga is perhaps the most misinterpreted path of all the yoga branches. Its rituals teach students to expand their awareness in everything they do, not only sexuality. A Tantra yoga practitioner's character must consist of humility, purity, courage, devotion, dispassion, faithfulness, truthfulness, non-covetousness, cosmic love and dedication to his guru. Styles of Yoga Styles of Yoga Styles of Yoga In ancient times yoga was often referred to as a tree, a living entity with roots, a trunk, branches, blossoms, and fruit. Hatha yoga is one of six branches; the others include raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, and tantra yoga. Each branch with its unique characteristics and function represents a particular approach to life. Some people may find one particular branch more inviting than another. 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. Raja Yoga Raja means "royal," and meditation is the focal point of this branch of yoga.

This approach involves strict adherence to the eight "limbs" of yoga as outlined by Patanajli in the Yoga Sutras. 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. Raja yoga attracts individuals who are introspective and drawn to meditation. Members of religious orders and spiritual communities devote themselves to this branch of yoga. However, even though this path suggests a monastic or contemplative lifestyle, entering an ashram or monastery is not a prerequisite to practicing raja yoga. Karma Yoga The next branch is that of karma yoga or the path of service, and none of us can escape this pathway. The principle of karma yoga is that what we experience today is created by our actions in the past. 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. Karma is the path of self-transcending action.

We practice karma yoga whenever we perform our work and live our lives in a selfless fashion and as a way to serve others. 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. Bhakti Yoga Bhakti yoga describes the path of devotion. Seeing the divine in all of creation, bhakti yoga is a positive way to channel the emotions. The path of bhakti provides us with an opportunity to cultivate acceptance and tolerance for everyone we come into contact with. Bhakti yogis express the devotional nature of their path in their every thought, word, and deedï¿½whether they are taking out the trash or calming the anger of a loved one. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., are prime examples of bhakti yogis. 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.

Jnana Yoga 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. This path requires development of the intellect through the study of the scriptures and texts of the yogic tradition. The jnana yoga approach is considered the most difficult and at the same time the most direct. It involves serious study and will appeal to those who are more intellectually inclined. Within the context of our Western religious traditions, Kabalistic scholars, Jesuit priests, and Benedictine monks epitomize jnana yogis. Tantra Yoga Probably the most misunderstood or misinterpreted of all the yogas, tantra, the sixth branch, is the pathway of ritual, which includes consecrated sexuality. The key word here is "consecrated," which means to make sacred, to set apart as something holy or hallowed. In tantric practice we experience the Divine in everything we do. A reverential attitude is therefore cultivated, encouraging a ritualistic approach to life. It is amusing to note that, although tantra has become associated exclusively with sexual ritual, most tantric schools actually recommend a celibate lifestyle.

In essence, tantra is the most esoteric of the six major branches. It will appeal to those yogis who enjoy ceremony and relate to the feminine principle of the cosmos, which yogis call shakti. If you seeï¿½and are deeply moved byï¿½the significance behind celebration and ritual (holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other rites of passage), tantra yoga may be for you. Many tantric yogis find magic in all types of ceremony, whether it be a Japanese tea ceremony, the consecration of the Eucharist in a Catholic mass, or the consummation of a relationship. Easy Pose Begin with the easy pose. Easy pose is a comfortable seated position for meditation. This pose opens the hips, lengthens the spine and promotes grounding and inner calm. Read More About Integral Yoga – Integral Yoga San Francisco About Integral Yoga integralyogasf 2016-10-15T01:44:19+00:00 What is Integral Yoga?

Integral Yoga, as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda, offers a synthesis of six branches of classical Yoga: Hatha, Raja, Japa, Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana Yoga. Its aim is to purify and calm the body and mind in order to experience the peace and joy that is our true nature. Integral Yoga practitioners bring that peace into the world by fostering interfaith dialogue and leading service-oriented lives. Founded in 1966, there are currently 30 Integral Yoga centers on six of the seven continents and 5,000 teachers worldwide. About Integral Yoga Swami Satchidananda explains: “The complete definition of Yoga is serenity of mind. That’s all, in a few simple words. Equanimity of mind is Yoga – Samatvam Yoga ucchyate, says the Bhagavad Gita. That means equanimity is called Yoga. And there is also another scripture which talks more about Yoga: the Yoga Sutra. It begins with this definition: Yoga chitta vritti nirodhah. That means to control the modifications, the restlessness, of the mind and to keep it serene.

That is Yoga.” The Six Branches of Integral Yoga Integral Yoga emphasizes engaging every aspect of ourselves in the pursuit of peace, and the importance of finding the combination of practices that suits our individual nature. Swami Satchidananda has always offered a practical and open-minded approach to Yoga. He says, “There is no ‘only way’ as such. There are many ways to reach the same goal. Whatever you call it, it is called Yoga. That is why there are many, many Yogas: Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Japa Yoga. As long as your aim is to achieve Yoga, unity, it doesn’t matter which you choose. That is why it is called Integral Yoga. Truth is one; paths are many. So, choose your own way.” Raja Yoga Raja Yoga is the underlying Yoga philosophy as taught in the Yoga scriptures. Raja Yoga focuses on gaining mastery of the mind through ethical perfection and regular practice of concentration and meditation. Raja Yoga forms the foundation for all the other branches of Integral Yoga. As complex human beings, Integral Yoga offers practices for every aspect of our being – heart, hand, and head.

Hatha Yoga To keep the body healthy and strong, and to prepare for meditation, we practice Hatha Yoga. This consists of asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), yoga nidra (guided deep relaxation), mudras (energy seals), bandhas (energy locks), kriya (cleansing practices), and diet. Bhakti Yoga To turn emotions into devotion we have the practices of Bhakti Yoga; kirtan (chanting), puja (worship services), prayers and prostrations. By constant love, thought, and service of the Divine (either as God, a divine incarnation, or a spiritual teacher) we can transcend our limited personality and connect with our true self through the image of our beloved. Karma Yoga Selfless service is Karma Yoga, the path of action. We perform our duty without attachment to the results of the action. In Karma Yoga we are dedicating the results of our actions to the divine or to the service of humanity. Jnana Yoga Jnana Yoga is the practice of reflection and self-inquiry — developing the witnessing mind. It offers an intellectual approach where we access our inner wisdom.

Through the knowledge of what really exists, what is not changeable, Jnana Yoga allows us to realize our essential oneness with the entire universe. Japa Yoga Sri Swami Satchidananda also emphasizes the importance of mantra repetition, Japa Yoga, by making it a branch of Integral Yoga. He explains that mantra repetition is a particularly helpful practice in the busy age that we live in. This is because mantra repetition is a little easier than other forms of meditation when there are so many distractions. Concentrated mental repetition of the mantra produces vibrations within our entire system which are in tune with the divine vibration, connecting us with our true nature. U.S. Institutes & Centers: Four Paths of Yoga - Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Raja Four Paths of Yoga: Home The four paths of Yoga are Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga. These four paths of Yoga are aspects of a whole that is called Yoga. The four paths of Yoga work together, like fingers on a hand. Yoga is the preexisting union: Yoga means the realization in direct experience of the preexisting union between the individual consciousness and the universal consciousness.

There are different ways of expressing this, including that Atman is one with Brahman, Jivatman is one with Paramatman, or Shiva and Shakti are one and the same. Each of these ways of saying it come from a different viewing point, while they are not essentially different points of view. They all point in the same general direction of union or Yoga. Not merely union of body and mind: It has become common to say that this union is merely the union of the physical body and the mind. This allows both teachers and practitioners to dodge the true meaning of Yoga so as to present it as being something other than a spiritual path such as only physical health or fitness. It also allows people to avoid any sense of conflict with limited religious views that have no place for such high direct experience. The four paths of Yoga: There are four traditional schools of Yoga, and these are: Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga. While a Yogi or Yogini may focus exclusively on one of these approaches to Yoga, that is quite uncommon. For the vast majority of practitioners of Yoga, a blending of the four traditional types of Yoga is most appropriate.

One follows his or her own predisposition in balancing these different forms of Yoga. Jnana Yoga: Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge, wisdom, introspection and contemplation. It involves deep exploration of the nature our being by systematically exploring and setting aside false identities. Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion, emotion, love, compassion, and service to God and others. All actions are done in the context of remembering the Divine. Karma Yoga: Karma Yoga is the path of action, service to others, mindfulness, and remembering the levels of our being while fulfilling our actions or karma in the world. Raja Yoga: Raja Yoga is a comprehensive method that emphasizes meditation, while encompassing the whole of Yoga. It directly deals with the encountering and transcending thoughts of the mind. Integration: It is popular these days for a teacher or institution to develop some approach to Yoga that "synthesizes" or "integrates" these four paths of Yoga (along with other component aspects of Yoga). However, that is misleading in that they were never really divided in the first place. It is not a matter of pasting together separate units.

Rather, they are all a part of the whole which is called Yoga. Virtually all people have a predisposition towards one or the other, and will naturally want to emphasize those practices. Other paths of Yoga: Yoga is traditionally taught orally, rather than organized in books, which naturally are linear in nature, and are clustered into chapters. In oral teachings, there is a natural movement from one to another of the aspects of Yoga, including between the four paths of Yoga. Books and organization are useful, but we need to remember that Yoga is, in fact, a whole which has different aspects. For example, in the text Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Hatha Yoga (often called "physical yoga") is described as also related to Kundalini Yoga. It also explains that the purpose of Hatha Yoga is Raja Yoga. Thus, we can easily see the relationship of Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga as being parts or aspects of Raja Yoga, which is one of the traditional four paths of Yoga. We can't abandon the others: While it is definitely true that we each have predispositions towards one or another of the four paths of Yoga, we cannot really avoid or abandon the others.

Jnana Yoga: While Jnana Yoga deals with knowledge, wisdom, introspection and contemplation, everybody has a mind and at some point will need to examine it, wherein quiet reflection naturally comes. Bhakti Yoga: All people will experience emotions such as love, compassion, and devotion at points along the journey, regardless of which of the four paths of Yoga is predominant. Karma Yoga: Nobody can live in a body and the world without doing actions. Even a renunciate living in a Himalayan cave has to do some form of actions, and thus, some degree of Karma Yoga is essential. Raja Yoga: Everybody will become still and quite from sadhana or spiritual practices, will naturally encounter and deal with attractions and aversion, and will meditate, thus touching on Raja Yoga. Yoga classes: One thing that can lead to some confusion about the four paths of Yoga is the modern "yoga class" which often focuses mostly (if not completely) on physical postures.

By referring to postures classes as "yoga classes" one is left with the false impression that this, unto itself, is the meaning of "Yoga." It is important to understand that asanas (postures) are a small, though surely useful, part of Yoga. It would be far better that such classes be called "postures classes" though that seems now unlikely to happen. In any case, the seeker of the authentic goals of Yoga will need to discern amongst usages of the word "Yoga" so as to follow the four paths of Yoga. Choosing a path: Although the four paths of Yoga work together, along with the companion aspects of Yoga, it is extremely useful to be mindful of which of the four paths of Yoga is most in alignment with your own predispositions. By identifying that path, it can be emphasized in life, and the others can be wisely, lovingly used to enhance the chosen path of Yoga. ------- This site is devoted to presenting the ancient Self-Realization path of the Tradition of the Himalayan masters in simple, understandable and beneficial ways, while not compromising quality or depth.

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality. This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand. We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga. Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called bindu, leading to the Absolute.

Question: Hatha, Jnana, Bhakti and Karma are all branches of which activity?
Answer: Yoga