One goal, various paths, and the four main paths:
It is helpful to have an overview of the main processes or "paths" in order to understand the spiritual activities discussed in this article. Some authorities identify three, while others include a fourth. Many theorists argue that all ways are equally valid and effective and that the choice is based on personal preference. Others argue that all four routes are stepping stones on a single spiritual road, with each one building gradually on the preceding, more basic disciplines. In any case, the various routes are not strictly segregated - each may incorporate aspects of the others. Furthermore, there may be better and lower understandings of each path, as we will discuss in this article.The four consecutive goals of Hinduism are dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Dharma promotes righteous and disciplined living in order to gain wealth, artha. With riches comes the ability to enjoy kama, sensual pleasure. When a person realises the folly of transient enjoyment, he or she wants moksha (liberation). Some traditions, particularly those of the bhakti school, recognise moksha but point out the selfishness in even wishing for emancipation. They mention a fifth objective known as prema (God's love) or nitya-lila (eternal loving service).
As a result, spiritual emancipation is regarded as the primary aim of life, with all other goals serving as necessary stepping stones toward it. Thus, Hinduism advocates a balanced existence with an ultimate spiritual objective. Liberation is typically associated with oneness with God, which is interpreted differently by different traditions. Yoga is the word for this procedure, from which we get the English word yoke, which means to unite.
Different types of Yogas:
To attain yoga, there are four basic paths/steps (union with God):
- karma-yoga – selfless action
- jnana-yoga – spiritual knowledge
- raja (astanga) yoga – meditation
- bhakti-yoga – (devotional service)
Karma-Yoga (the yoga of selfless action):
Karma-yoga starts with the realisation that selfish behaviour shackles the soul. Giving up the fruits of one's deeds relieves one of the reactions to self-centred activity. This does not imply abandoning the activity; rather, karma-yoga advocates that all activities be related to a bigger cause. Karma-yoga refers especially to sacrifices made to various deities in order to obtain material necessities in this life and the next without eliciting any reaction. At its most extreme, karma-yoga entails the unreserved dedication of all activities to the service of the Supreme Lord. Karma-yogis have a financially progressive outlook on the universe, and their goal is frequently the heavenly planets.
Jnana-Yoga (philosophical research and wisdom):
Whereas karma-yoga is typically associated with bhukti, or the enjoyment of worldly pleasures, jnana-yoga fosters knowledge through seclusion, study, and sense abnegation. Activities and requirements of life are reduced. Because the pursuit of wisdom and realisation is more than just an academic exercise, significant emphasis is focused on getting rid of sensuous impulses that deceive the soul. Jnana is sometimes seen to be the polar opposite of karma. Jnanayogis reject the world and typically seek emancipation (mukti or moksha).
Astanga/Raja-Yoga (physical exercises and meditation):
Anga means "portion" and Asta means "eight." Based on the Yoga Sutras of the philosopher Patanjali, Astanga-yoga is a practice separated into eight different and crucial stages. It is briefly discussed in the Bhagavad-gita. Many modern yoga practices are connected. However, Patanjali's philosophy necessitates the observance of norms that are impossible for most modern practitioners to meet. The sutras explain superstates of consciousness and how to gain eight different sorts of mystic power, such as the ability to become "smaller than the smallest." Tales of such achievements abound throughout India, and they are widely acknowledged as possible. Nonetheless, Patanjali cautions the yogi not to grow enamoured with such esoteric powers, but rather to keep the mind focused on abandoning the material universe. The highest level of perfection is to concentrate on God inside.
Bhakti-Yoga (the path of devotional service):
The way of Bhakti (devotion) appears to be the most advised in the Gita. Krishna claims that bhakti-yoga appears simple at first, but when it is mastered and the practitioner matures, it includes all sorts of yoga. Within modern Hinduism, bhakti-yoga is still the most popular path to spiritual fulfilment. It involves external and metaphorical murti worship, as well as other rituals like a pilgrimage and advanced interior development procedures. It has frequently been portrayed in a condescending manner as being appropriate for persons with emotional rather than cerebral tendencies, however, intellectuals like Ramanuja, Madhva, and Vallabha have challenged such claims.
Their theologies emphasise the importance of knowledge-based bhakti development. They also emphasise the necessity of grace in obtaining such spiritual understanding, which is frequently gained through the guru, God's mercy's intermediary. Although bhakti may involve contacting God for financial gain or liberation, these are officially karma-yoga and jnana-yoga. Bhakti-yoga is sometimes regarded as the culmination and ultimate objective of karma and jnana. Many bhakti schools seek pure, selfless worship of a personal God, rather than bhukti (enjoyment) or mukti (liberation).
Scriptural Verses:
- Karma-Yoga: "Therefore, without connection to the rewards of one's labour, one should act as a matter of duty, for working without attachment leads to the Supreme."
- Jnana-Yoga: "There is nothing more sublime and pure in this world than spiritual understanding, which is the ripe fruit of all mysticism. One who has mastered the practice of yoga will eventually enjoy this understanding within himself."
- Astanga Yoga: "To perform astanga-yoga, travel to a peaceful location and spread kusha grass on the ground, then cover it with a deerskin and a soft cloth. The seat should not be too high or too low, and it should be located in a sacred area. The yogi should then sit firmly on it and do yoga to purify his heart by controlling his mind, senses, and actions and focusing his mind on one point."
- Bhakti-Yoga: "I will accept a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water if it is offered to Me with love and devotion."
Conclusion:
There are differing views on the relative advantages of each. Some argue that all are equally valid, similar to parallel routes. Others advocate a specific method, saying that the numerous yogas are simply steps along the same path. Almost all Hindus who follow Sanatan Dharma (the eternal religion) agree that whatever technique is chosen, it must be done in accordance with scriptural injunctions rather than arbitrarily.
