Usually when yoga comes to mind, many reenact the flamingo like stance while humming a tune to transition themselves into a peaceful state. This idea is almost true, but there’s more than meets the eye. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines yoga as a “Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation.” This mind relaxing activity also lowers stress and improves your mood, according to the Huffington Post.
There are four main paths of yoga which are Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Jnana yoga, all which are suited to taking a different approach on life and a deeper awareness on self consciousness.
Karma Yoga is the yoga of action and “purifies the heart by teaching one to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward,” said the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. This practice focuses more on finding the simple things in life luxurious, such as life itself.
For those who see the world through their hearts on an emotional level, Bhakti Yoga is the most appealing. “Through prayer, worship, and ritual, individuals surrender themselves to a higher being.”
To gain mental control, Raja yoga better known as the “royal road” is best suited to manage the body, energy, senses, and mind. Meditation comes naturally when engaged in Raja due to the eight limbs which are yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and Samadhi. Destroying the lower nature like violence, lying, and stealing is part of this ritual. It also helps to control breathing, concentration, and purity.
The last to be mentioned is Jnana, which is the yoga of knowledge and wisdom. This path requires intellect and strength of all things. It is preferred to have practiced other forms of yoga before performing this ritual. Vedanta, the philosophy related to this form, is broken down by “veda” meaning knowledge, and “anta” meaning end..
Rather than consuming alcohol or taking toxic drugs that can do nothing but provide temporary satisfaction and harm the body, place a mat in the middle of your living room floor and become one with yourself by practicing yoga and go throughout your day feeling mentally, physically, and spiritually clean.
Not sure where to start? Visit www.myyogaonline.com or yoga.gotop100.com to get more information on retreats, classes, and products to enhance your yoga experience.