and bliss. •• The main aim of the Jnana Yoga, thus is to overcome the avidya (ignorance) so that one can understand and distinguish between the real and unreal. The three important stages of Jnana Yoga are shravan (adequate hearing), Manana (constant remembrance) and Nidhidhyasana (contemplation or meditation). Raja Yoga (Path of Psychic Control) •• The science of Raja Yoga proposes a practical and scientific method of reaching the truth.
Raja Yoga, the path of psychic control is a systematic process of culturing the mind. Fig. . : Swami Vivekanand •• It is aimed to develop dormant potential of the personality.
•• Raja Yoga discusses the way of controlling and modification of mind ( chittavrittis ). •• Abhyasa (continuous practice) and viaragya (detachment) are also emphasised in Raja Yoga for the control of chittavrittis and spiritual practices. •• Raja Yoga is based on Ashtanga Yoga (eight limbed Yoga) as propounded by Maharishi Patanjali. •• All the eight limbs of yoga work on various levels of human personality.
Bhakti yoga (Path of Devotion) •• Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion) is a systematic method of engaging the mind in the practice of divine love. Bhakti means selfless and unconditional love to god. This mode of worship consists of unending and loving remembrance of God. The person merges himself/ herself with the God.
•• The attitude of love and devotion has the softening effect on emotions and calms down the mind. There are nine forms of Bhakti Yoga mentioned in ancient text. These are Shravan, Kirtan, Smaran, Padsevan, Archana, Vandana, Dasya, Sakhya, Atmanivedan .