Yog and It's Paths

What is Yog?

The word 'Yog' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to unite'. As per Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yog leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body.

"Yogah karmasu kaushalam" - Yog is the skill in action.

The 8 Stages of Yog

All these eight stages can be realized and adopted in any work we do where we seek perfection.

YAM – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows:

• Ahinsa: Not causing pain to anyone by thought, speech or action.
• Satya: Truth.
• Astay: To not steal in thought, speech, or action.
• Bhramacharya: Practicing knowledge, truth, and good behavior.
• Aparighrah: Not wanting more than your need.

NIYAM – Positive duties or observances:

• Shoch: Cleansing body and mind by truth, perseverance, and knowledge.
• Santosh: Working hard happily, unaffected by success or failure.
• Tap: Pursuing goals with determination despite difficulties.
• Swadhyay: Study of scriptures and self-reflection.
• Ishwar-Pranidhan: Devotion to God through surrendering the soul.

ASAN – Posture.

PRANAYAM – Breathing Techniques.

PRATYAHAR – Sense withdrawal.

DHARANA – Focused Concentration.

DHYAN – Meditative Absorption.

SAMADHI – Bliss or Enlightenment.

The Four Types of Yog

Yog manifests itself as four major paths, namely Karma Yog, Bhakti Yog, Rāja Yog, and Jyan Yog. They all have the same source and resting place.

Karma Yog

"Karam hi Pooja hai" (Work is Worship)

Karma Yog is the path to spiritual liberation through rightful action. It is action without attachment to the outcome, doing one's duty with dedication, and staying neutral to success or failure.

Three Levels of Karma:

• Thinking (Mind)
• Saying (Speech)
• Doing (Hands)

Bhakti Yog

Bhakti Yog is the path of devotion, the method of attaining God through love and devotion.

Types of Bhakti Yog:

• Atma-Bhakti: Devotion to one's own Supreme Self.
• Ishvara-Bhakti: Devotion to a formless God.
• Ishta Devata-Bhakti: Devotion to a personal deity.
• Guru-Bhakti: Devotion to Guru.

Six Pillars of Bhakti:

• Do not criticize.
• Be tolerant.
• Take no offense.
• Be quick to apologize.
• See the good in others.
• Be grateful and keep a tally of blessings.

Raja Yog

Raja Yog is the path intended to achieve control over the mind and emotions. It is closely linked to Patanjali's Eightfold Path of Yog.

Raja Yog aims to control thoughts through meditation, helping one experience the bliss of inner peace and contentment.

Jyan Yog

Jyan Yog is the path of knowledge, focusing on self-inquiry and meditation to understand the true nature of reality.

The Four Pillars of Knowledge:

• Viveka: Discernment between what is real and what is not.
• Vairagya: Detachment from worldly things.
• Shat-sampat: Mental training to develop discipline and control.
• Mumukshutva: Desire to attain moksha (spiritual liberation).