What are the Four Paths Towards Yoga? | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a Hindu spiritual practice integral to a Hindu’s journey toward enlightenment, fostering loving devotion to God and aiding in the quest for moksha, or liberation.

• In some regions, yoga is viewed as a recreational activity that involves stretching, physical movement, and meditation.
• More broadly, yoga encompasses a range of spiritual and physical disciplines designed to promote mental and physical well-being.
• Within Hinduism, yoga is not solely about the practice itself but also about the spiritual outcomes, emphasizing religious devotion.
• The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, references yoga, underscoring its significance in spiritual practice.
  • "And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me – he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion." (Bhagavad Gita 6.44–47)
• There are four distinct paths of yoga: Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Astanga Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga.

The Four Paths

Karma Yoga

• Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action, where individuals perform their daily duties and responsibilities according to their stage in life and caste, without seeking personal gain or reward.
• This path emphasizes using one’s talents and potential to serve society, contributing to the greater good.
• Mahatma Gandhi, who tirelessly worked for Indian independence and the upliftment of the marginalized, is considered an exemplary karma yogi.

Jnana Yoga

• Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom, attained through profound meditation and a sense of unity with the supreme spirit, Brahman.
• Practitioners of this path reflect on the impermanence of worldly life, focusing instead on eternal truths.
• Through this pursuit of understanding, jnana yogis seek true wisdom, knowledge, and lasting happiness.

Astanga / Raja Yoga

• Also known as royal yoga, Astanga or Raja Yoga is considered by many Hindus to be the highest form of yoga, as it integrates elements of the other three paths.
• This path emphasizes self-discipline, controlling both the senses and the mind.
• Through deep contemplation of Brahman, a successful raja yogi undergoes a transformation of personality, becoming free from negative emotions such as anger, greed, envy, and sadness.

Bhakti Yoga

• Bhakti Yoga is the path of loving devotion, where practitioners express their faith through a personal, loving relationship with their chosen deity.
• Yogis on this path engage in practices such as singing and chanting the name of God.
• By surrendering to their deity, bhakti yogis experience profound peace and divine love, believing this devotion will lead them to moksha and provide spiritual refuge.

The Differences Between the Four Paths

Hindus believe yoga enables them to connect with God, either as a personal deity (vaikuntha) or as the divine presence within (antaryami). The choice of yoga path depends on an individual’s stage of life, as different paths suit different needs at various times. Though distinct, all four paths share the same ultimate goal, with each engaging a specific aspect of the mind:

• In Karma Yoga, the active aspect of the mind is engaged.
• In Bhakti Yoga, the emotional aspect is involved.
• In Raja Yoga, the mystical aspect is emphasized.
• In Jnana Yoga, the intellectual aspect is focused upon.

Despite their differences, the four paths complement and enhance one another, blending seamlessly. Hindus may incorporate elements from multiple paths or shift between them based on what best aligns with their current stage of life.