Yoga
yogaAny form of religious practice. Often used to mean meditation or adopting various forms of posture for the purpose of spiritual development. is a Hindu discipline and is part of a Hindu鈥檚 spiritual journey. It allows for loving service to God and unites Hindus in their pursuit of mokshaEscape from the cycle of reincarnation. Term used in the Hindu religion. .
One form of yoga consists of stretching, movement and meditation. However, more broadly, yoga includes a variety of spiritual and physical practices intended to encourage mental and bodily wellbeing. Within Hinduism, yoga is not just concerned with the action of yoga itself but also with the outcome of the practice in terms of religious devotion.
Karma yoga
karma yogaA type of Hindu religious practice that involves selfless service to others. is the yoga of action. It is one of the oldest forms of selfless action, and it is taught that this is one of the main ways that a Hindu can grow spiritually. An example of Karma yoga is volunteering in a selfless way. This means helping another person without expecting a reward. An example is teaching others how to practise yoga or fundraising for charity in the local community.
Jnana yoga
jnana yogaA type of Hindu meditation; the path of knowledge, that aims at liberation. is practised by Hindus who have spent many years perfecting the art of yoga. It is known as the 鈥榩ath of knowledge鈥, and Hindus use it as a way to increase their knowledge. However, this is not knowledge in the traditional sense. Instead, this form of yoga is focused on the spiritual knowledge of a deity / deitiesOne god or goddess. In Hinduism, the word for gods and goddesses that many Hindus believe are different aspects of the one Supreme Spirit (Brahman). and the oneness of BrahmanIn Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God. and the atmanThe essence of a being. Can refer to body, mind or soul, depending on context, but usually indicates the soul that is reborn.. In simple terms, Jnana yoga allows Hindus to become spiritually knowledgeable about God and the soul.
This may be undertaken as part of meditative practice and may focus on the ultimate question 鈥 鈥淲ho am I?鈥.
Raja or Ashtanga yoga
Raja yoga is often referred to as astanga yogaA type of Hindu meditation that uses traditional yoga positions to exercise the body while calming the mind. because of the eight (ashta) limbs (anga) upon which it rests. The Eight Limbs are:
- restraints
- disciplines
- postures
- control of breathing and life currents
- turning the attention within
- concentration
- meditation
- holy trance
The practice of raja yoga is focused on meditation, which is time taken for silence and reflection. Meditation helps to create inner self-awareness and rediscovery, and also improves concentration. It should be undertaken away from the busy nature of daily life.
Bhakti yoga
Many Hindus practise bhakti yogaThe path of loving devotion, aimed at developing pure love of God. as a means of achieving self-realisation and understanding. It is known as the yoga of devotion, and some people call it their personal relationship with God. Many Hindus interpret this as surrendering themselves to God and the divine. The motivation for Bhakti yoga is love. Hindus may express this through meditation or chanting, and some people even enter a trance-like state.
Importance of different types of yoga
The Bhagavad Gita mentions yoga. As this is a holy scripture, it adds importance to the practice of yoga. For example:
And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me 鈥 he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion.
This means that yoga should be part of Hindus鈥 faith and daily practice. Yoga helps Hindus to show loving service to God. It also unites Hindus in their pursuit of moksha, in which the atman becomes one with Brahman.