Continued from Introduction to Hatha Yoga & Vocabulary

As presented previously, there are 4 main paths of yoga:

Karma Yoga: yoga of action, spiritual path of selfless service

Bhakti Yoga: The yogic path of devotion

Jnana Yoga: the yogic path of knowledge, study of Vedanta philosophy and yogic scriptures

Raja Yoga: the scientific approach of yoga, the yogic path of meditation

Hatha Yoga (which we learn and practice here) is included in Raja Yoga

All the paths of yoga ultimately lead to the same destination - Union with the Truth, Self, Knowledge of Self, Inner Peace

Raja Yoga is the science of physical and mental control. Often called the Royal Path, it offers a comprehensive method of controlling the waves of thought by turning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy.

Raja Yoga is composed of 8 limbs. Compiled by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, the 8 Limbs are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the yogi to enlightenment. The Eight Limbs are as follow:

1. Yamas (or restraints), divided in 5 moral injunctions:

• Non-violence (Ahimsa)

• Truthfulness in word, thought and deed (Satya)

• Non-stealing (Asteya)

• Moderation in all things (Bramacharya)

• Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha)

2. Niyamas (or observances), also divided into five:

• Purity (external and internal) (Saucha)

• Contentment (Santosha)

• Austerity (Tapas)

• Study of sacred texts (Swadhyaya)

• Living with an awareness of a Divine Presence (Ishawara-Pranidhana)

3. Asanas: the yoga postures that we practice to keep the body healthy

4. Pranayama: the breathing exercises that regulate the breath and purify the physical and astral nerves (nadis)

5. Pratyahara: means drawing the senses inward in order to still the mind

6. Dharana: Concentration

7. Dhyana: Meditation

8. Samadhi: the aim of all yoga practices; it is the attainment of super consciousness.

Extracts from “The new Book of Yoga”, The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

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