The Sanskit word ‘Yoga’ literally means ‘Union’. It is a science that can unite an Individual with God. A complete Yoga practice should develop every aspect of the individual – physical, intellectual, and spiritual. The following represent the five main yogic paths.

 

Raja Yoga is the eight-step path to Self-realization systematized by Patanjali. The eight steps that lead a seeker from ignorance to Truth are: Yamas (Restraints), Niyamas (Observances), Asanas (Physical Exercise), Pranayama (Breath Control), Pratayahara (Discipline of Senses), Dharana (Concentration), Dyana (Meditation), and Samadhi (Self-realization). Raja Yoga incorporates all aspects of the individual and represents the essence of all branches of Yoga.

 

Hatha Yoga aims to unite the body and mind by control and coordination of subtle forces in the body. It keeps the body free from disease and premature decay, allowing one to focus on control of the mind and senses needed to achieve Self-realization. The seven steps involved to unite the body and mind are: Shat Karams (Cleansings), Asanas (Physical Exercise), Mudras and Bandhs (Subtle Movements), Pranayamas (Breath Control), Pratyahara (Discipline of Senses), Dhayana (Meditation) and Samadhi (Self-realization).

 

Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion. This path can be practiced by anyone with loving faith in God. In Bhakti Yoga, everything is but a manifestation of the Divine and all else is meaningless, including the ego. Constant thought and service to God creates the emotion of devotion and allows one to surrender to God and attain Self-Realization. 

 

Karma Yoga is the path of action and selfless service, or serving without attachment to the results of the action. This yogic path teaches that we are just instruments and that God is working through us. Therefore, we should surrender our actions and their fruits to the Lord. The practice of Karma Yoga prepares one for the reception of knowledge of the Self.

Gyana Yoga is the path of wisdom. It is suitable for people of an intellectual nature. A Gyana Yogi acts with the feeling, "I am not the doer; Nature is doing everything. The body and mind are moving among the objects. I am the silent witness of all that is happening. The work does not bind me, I am free." All of creation is seen as the play of Maya, or illusion. The Gyana Yogi constantly discriminates between the unreal and the Real, the not-Self and the Self.

 

Seven Reasons to Do Yoga:

1. Yoga gives sufficient exercise to the internal organs of the body. Consequently, an individual can maintain good health and longevity of life.

2. Yoga is inexpensive. It requires no equipment and only a small space.

3. Yoga has a deep significant value in the development of the physical, mental, and spiritual personality, whereas pure exercises only have a physical effect.

4. Yoga improves flexibility. Life span, youth, and health depend upon the flexibility of the spinal cord.

5. The power of contraction and expansion of the lungs is increased by practicing asanas and pranayama. This results in the purification of the blood.

6. Yoga helps the mind to experience tranquility. There is a progressive intellectual development because of a calm mind.

7. Yoga requires the least possible use of physical energy, while producing a maximized result of physical, mental, and emotional energy. Instead of feeling tired after yoga, one feels energized and focused.