Yoga and its Relevance in the Modern Times

S chools of Y oga The basic goal of yoga is thus to attain bliss and also to provide true knowledge about human beings. In order to attain the above goals, various thoughts, ideas and opinions were given by seers which are known as the schools of yoga. These are— Karma Yoga (Path of Action) Karma Yoga is one of the main streams of yoga. Karma literally means action.

The aim of Karma Yoga is attaining union with the higher-self by harmonising the actions. Fig. . : Vedas Karma Yoga inspires the person to perform the work to the best of their abilities without any attachment or expectation of the results.

The concept of Karma Yoga and its practice are mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita . This stream of yoga emphasises the following. •• Karma as duty: Karma Yoga lays emphasis on doing karma or action as duty. When an act is performed dutifully with total involvement, it leads to joy and happiness.

•• Karma Sukaushalam : Karma Yoga states that yoga means a skilled action. Actions should be done efficiently. Actions performed with full concentration and detachment brings efficiency. •• Nishkama Karma : Nishkama Karma means action which is free from personal motives and is performed as a duty.

This attribute emphasises that actions should be performed without any expectations of the results. Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge) •• Jnana Yoga is related to the knowledge of ‘self’, the world and realisation of ultimate reality or truth. Jnana Yoga, thus is a path of philosophy that uses intellect and helps to gain knowledge and keeps the person away from avidya . •• Avidya (ignorance) is the main cause of pain, misery and sufferings in life.

A person because of avidya (ignorance) identifies himself with various names, and forms such as body, mind, race and nationality, etc., and remains in pursuit of worldly possessions. This knowledge develops discriminating knowledge ( Viveka ) that will help to remove the veil of avidya , enables the one to discriminate between reality and unreality (appearance) and guides towards the path of real happiness 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 .