six yoga systems
Posted by
spiritual4u
| Posted on
11:44 AM
- Hatha Yoga,
- Raja (ashtanga) yoga,
- Bhakti yoga,
- Jnana yoga,
- Kriya yoga,
- Karma yoga
Hatha Yoga
Ha and tha, the sun and moon, refer to the two opposite currents that regulate all processes in our body. There is nothing mysteries about it because any thing in our universe exists because of a positive and negative charge. Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Kriya Yoga are specifically dealing with the intention of gaining control over the flow of these life-currents. Hatha Yoga is known for the asanas or postures. The first effects felt are usually improved health and strengthened nervous system. Some Hatha Yogis may even demonstrate control over internal organs, blood flow, and breathing. The ability of some Yogis to even stop the breathing and heart beat completely for a period of time has been demonstrated under laboratory settings. There are many good books available on this subject and one is wise to have a copy handy that also include pictures of the various asanas and mudras.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga means royal and is sometimes called the crown of Hatha Yoga. Raja adds concentration after body and mind are cleaned and trained to stay calm and attentive.
The improvement in our power of concentration, as a result of Raja Yoga, moves all our attention towards the source of our Being in order to become that Being. Raja Yoga is also a complete system. It is also refered to as Ashtanga Yoga because of the eight limps the system rests on.
The eight limbs are:
Ha and tha, the sun and moon, refer to the two opposite currents that regulate all processes in our body. There is nothing mysteries about it because any thing in our universe exists because of a positive and negative charge. Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Kriya Yoga are specifically dealing with the intention of gaining control over the flow of these life-currents. Hatha Yoga is known for the asanas or postures. The first effects felt are usually improved health and strengthened nervous system. Some Hatha Yogis may even demonstrate control over internal organs, blood flow, and breathing. The ability of some Yogis to even stop the breathing and heart beat completely for a period of time has been demonstrated under laboratory settings. There are many good books available on this subject and one is wise to have a copy handy that also include pictures of the various asanas and mudras.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga means royal and is sometimes called the crown of Hatha Yoga. Raja adds concentration after body and mind are cleaned and trained to stay calm and attentive.
The improvement in our power of concentration, as a result of Raja Yoga, moves all our attention towards the source of our Being in order to become that Being. Raja Yoga is also a complete system. It is also refered to as Ashtanga Yoga because of the eight limps the system rests on.
The eight limbs are:
- Restraints (yamas: harmlessness, truthfulness, non-stealing, control of senses)
- Disciplines (niyamas: cleanliness, purification of body, mind and nervous system, study of metaphysical principles, contemplation on God.
- Postures (asanas)
- Control of breathing and life-currents (pranayama)
- Turning the attention within (pratyahara)
- Concentration (dharana)
- Meditation (dhyana: prolonged periods of perfect concentration and contemplation)
- Holy Trance (Samadhi)
Bhakti Yoga (Union through Devotion and Love)
Bhakti Yoga is nothing else than to follow the 'First Commandment' which says: "to love God with all your heart, mind and soul." This is the Yoga of selfless love, compassion, humility, purity and the desire and serious intention to merge with God.
Jnana Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge)
Jnana Yoga is practical Philosophy/Metaphysics. It is both theory and practice. Jnana Yoga uses the intellect as a tool to understand that our true Self is behind and beyond our mind. It is, however, a mistake to think the Source could be found with the intellect alone. For the purpose of Self-discovery, Jnana Yoga probes the nature of the Self through the question "Who am I?" Thus Jnana Yoga may be called the Quest for the Self or the Inquiry into "who we are."
Shankara and, more recently, Ramana Maharshi are the classic authorities concerning Jnana Yoga. Like Hatha- and Radja Yogis, Jnana Yogis also acknowledge the relationship between breathing and thinking. However, they found out that breathing slows automatically through the concentration on the "I-AM." Through persistent probing, fixing our attention on the source of our Being, we regain our real Self; we remember who we are. The inquiry, as the result of practising Jnana Yoga, leads us towards clear Awareness by removing our attention from that which we are not. Along with Bhakti Yoga (Devotion), Jnana is listed among the best approaches for becoming aware of the eternal Self (God).
Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga refers to actions designed to get rid of obstructions involving body and mind. Kriya Yoga is a complete system covering a wide range of techniques, including mantras and techniques of meditation for control of the life-force, bringing calmness and control of both body and mind. The goal is to unite with pure Awareness (God). Since pure Awareness is our original condition, it is also referred to as Self-awareness.
Karma Yoga
Self-less work for our fellow neighbour.
Bhakti Yoga is nothing else than to follow the 'First Commandment' which says: "to love God with all your heart, mind and soul." This is the Yoga of selfless love, compassion, humility, purity and the desire and serious intention to merge with God.
Jnana Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge)
Jnana Yoga is practical Philosophy/Metaphysics. It is both theory and practice. Jnana Yoga uses the intellect as a tool to understand that our true Self is behind and beyond our mind. It is, however, a mistake to think the Source could be found with the intellect alone. For the purpose of Self-discovery, Jnana Yoga probes the nature of the Self through the question "Who am I?" Thus Jnana Yoga may be called the Quest for the Self or the Inquiry into "who we are."
Shankara and, more recently, Ramana Maharshi are the classic authorities concerning Jnana Yoga. Like Hatha- and Radja Yogis, Jnana Yogis also acknowledge the relationship between breathing and thinking. However, they found out that breathing slows automatically through the concentration on the "I-AM." Through persistent probing, fixing our attention on the source of our Being, we regain our real Self; we remember who we are. The inquiry, as the result of practising Jnana Yoga, leads us towards clear Awareness by removing our attention from that which we are not. Along with Bhakti Yoga (Devotion), Jnana is listed among the best approaches for becoming aware of the eternal Self (God).
Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga refers to actions designed to get rid of obstructions involving body and mind. Kriya Yoga is a complete system covering a wide range of techniques, including mantras and techniques of meditation for control of the life-force, bringing calmness and control of both body and mind. The goal is to unite with pure Awareness (God). Since pure Awareness is our original condition, it is also referred to as Self-awareness.
Karma Yoga
Self-less work for our fellow neighbour.
Source: Spiritual4u.com
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