“Yogas chitta vritti nirodha” (“Yoga is the neutralization of the vortices of feeling.”)
Yoga literally means “union”. This union can be understood on different levels: philosophically, as that of the relative, limited self with the absolute Self; religiously, as that of the individual soul with the Infinite Spirit; psychologically, as the integration of the personality – a state wherein a person no longer lives at cross-purposes with himself; emotionally, as the stilling of the waves of likes and dislikes, permitting one to remain in all circumstances complete in himself.
According to the ancient sage Patanjali, yoga is the neutralization of ego-directed feelings, because once these become stilled, the yogi realizes that he is, and that he has always been, one with the Infinite – that his awareness of this reality was limited only by his infatuation.
Most people in the Western world think of yoga as hatha yoga, but yoga is primarily a spiritual discipline and there are many types. Some of the most well-known are karma yoga, bhakti yoga, gyana yoga, and raja yoga.
Karma Yoga
The path of karma yoga is yoga through action. Fulfillment in karma yoga lies not so much in doing many things as in acting more and more, even in little things, with the consciousness that it is the Divine who, truly, is the Doer.
Everyone acts, but not many are real karma yogis. A karma yogi redirects all the wrong impulses of their heart into wholesome channels. More than that, he or she tries to become aware of the divine energy flowing through them as they act. For the karma yogi, the spirit in which they act is more important than the service itself. They must act without desire for reward. According to karma yogis, all other activity stirs up more waves of likes and dislikes in the heart.
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga is the yoga of devotion. However the result of bhakti yoga is not the restless excitement of ordinary romance, but a deep, inner calmness. The bhakti yogi thinks of the Divine first in personal, human terms: as Father, Mother, Friend, or Beloved. Such a personal view helps them to awaken and direct love towards the Divine.
However, they eventually see and love the Divine in all forms. According to Swami Kriyananda, it is not what we love, but how we love, that is important if our devotion is to lead us to enlightenment. Sectarian differences only create more waves of likes and dislikes; they do not result in yoga or union.
Gyana Yoga
Gyana yoga (also spelled jnana yoga), is the yoga of Self-study. It is not only a particular path to union, but also points out the direction all our thinking should take. It is based on the idea of “non-dualism”, in other words, that we already are the Divine or Higher Self, we just need to realize it.
Raja Yoga
Raja yoga, or “royal yoga” views human nature as a kingdom composed of many psychological tendencies and physical attributes, all of which require considerate attention. The raja yogi, therefore, is enjoined to rule their inner kingdom wisely and with moderation, developing all aspects of his nature in a balanced, integrated way. The main focus of Raja Yoga is meditation and similar techniques with the goal being yoga, or union. However a raja yogi often practices all the above yogas as well in order to remain balance.
What is Meditation :
Meditation is a technique for personal growth that has been practiced for thousands of years around the world with repeatable results. There is no aspect of your life that cannot be improved by meditation, whether it be in business, relationships, health, or developing any personal quality, such as willpower.The highest purpose of meditation, however, is to discover your Highest Self.
What is Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama. It is also a comprehensive spiritual path, which includes additional meditation practices and right living. Kriya Yoga is an instrument through which human evolution can be quickened. The ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is intimately linked with breath mastery. The life force, which is ordinarily absorbed in maintaining the heart-pump, must be freed for higher activities by a method of calming and stilling the ceaseless demands of the breath.
Prayer for All
We Would you like to feel God’s healing presence flowing to others through your hands and heart? We offers instruction, based on Meditation teachings, to those who wish to serve in this way. We supports a worldwide Healing Prayer Circle composed of members who wish to pray for others as part of their spiritual practice. Deepen your understanding of the subtle laws of spiritual healing, also prayers for lasting love, prosperity, spirituality in family life, and more.
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