Author :: Jess Marie, CVC, CAHC, INHC, RYT 🌻

Yoga is a spiritual, a time-honored disciplined practice that has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years. From a Vedic Counseling perspective, I’ve known Yoga in a broader, more spiritual & psychological light, focusing more on Yoga’s inner essence instead of the “outer” aspects (asana, physical practices, etc.). Yoga is a consciousness-based science of understanding & controlling the mind, and a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-Being, aimed at achieving a state of inner peace & oneness with the universe through the union of the mind | body | spirit.

Yoga is not just a form of exercise: it’s a holistic approach to health that encompasses all aspects of life. In essence, Yoga is a journey towards the attainment of a healthy & harmonious life. It focuses on the interconnectedness of everything and the importance of a harmonious relationship with one’s Self & the universe. Misinterpretations & misconceptions surrounding the Yoga often arise from the limited understanding of its true essence, and the tendency to generalize or equate Yoga to just physical movement. It’s important to recognize & respect the distinctiveness of each Yogic path & lineage while acknowledging their interconnectedness within the broader system of Yoga.

origin of yoga

The ancient text known as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali consists of 196 aphorisms/concise statements on Yoga philosophy. The Yoga Sutras form the prime text of the Yoga Darshana: one of the six schools of classical Vedic philosophy dating to a period of time shortly after Gautama Buddha existed. The Yoga Darshana provides us with a thorough history of Yoga heritage through the Mahabharata, Upanishads, Vedas and other teachings.

Yet Yoga in some form is part of all six Vedic schools, but can be regarded as complementary. The six Vedic schools accept the authority of the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita in which we find the origins of Yoga. Specifically, the Yoga school is coupled with the Samkhya system that elucidates the prime cosmic principles from gross matter to pure awareness, according to Upanishadic terminology.

fundamental principles of yoga

As Yoga has gained popularity worldwide, it has evolved to include a wide variety of styles & interpretations, but the fundamental principles of Yoga remain grounded in its ancient Indian roots.

• Ahimsa - non-violence, which teaches us to treat ourselves & others with kindness & compassion.

• Satya - truthfulness, which encourages us to be honest with ourselves & others.

• Asteya - non-stealing, which teaches us to have respect for others and not take what is not rightfully ours.

• Brahmacharya - self-control, which teaches us to exercise discipline & restraint in our lives.

• Aparigraha - non-greed, which teaches us to let go of material possessions & desires.

These principles are the foundation of a Yoga practice and help to create a sense of inner peace & balance in our lives.

The Paths of Yoga

According to the ancient Indian scriptures, there are four main paths of Yoga, each of which leads to the same ultimate goal of Self-realization ::

• Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge & wisdom, requiring intense study & contemplation.

• Karma Yoga is the path of action, emphasizing selfless service to others.

• Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion, involving the practice of prayer, chanting, and devotional worship.

• Raja Yoga is the path of meditation, involving the practice of mental concentration, breath control, and physical postures.

All paths of Yoga are relevant, for one can benefit from proficiency of each. Karma Yoga acts as a foundation of service, Raja Yoga guides one through practice, Jnana Yoga guides one to attain a deeper understanding of one’s Self & reality, and Bhakti Yoga guides one to gain awareness of wisdom of love.

Jnana Yoga - The Intellectual Path

Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge & wisdom, and it involves the intellectual & philosophical inquiry into the nature of the Self & reality.

The goal of the Jnana Yoga path is to attain liberation (moksha) through the realization of the true nature of the Self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). This realization is said to bring about a state of inner peace & freedom from suffering.

The practice of Jnana Yoga involves the study of sacred texts, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, as well as contemplation & reflection on the teachings. This process of inquiry is known as Self-inquiry (Atma-vichara), and it involves questioning one's own assumptions & beliefs about the Self & reality.

One of the key teachings of Jnana Yoga is the concept of Advaita, which means non-dualism. This philosophy holds that the ultimate reality is not dualistic, but rather a single, unified consciousness that pervades all of existence. According to this view, the separation between one’s Self & the world is an illusion created by one’s mind, and the goal of Jnana Yoga is to see through this illusion & realize the unity of all things.

The practice of Jnana Yoga is not limited to scholars or intellectuals. Anyone can engage in Self-inquiry and seek to understand the true nature of the Self & reality. However, it is important to note that the practice of Jnana Yoga requires a certain level of intellectual maturity & discipline, as well as a willingness to question one's own assumptions & beliefs.

Some of the benefits of practicing Jnana Yoga include a greater sense of inner peace and freedom from suffering, a deeper understanding of the nature of the Self & reality, and an increased capacity for compassion & empathy towards others.

In conclusion, Jnana Yoga is a path of wisdom & knowledge that involves the intellectual & philosophical inquiry into the nature of the Self & reality. Through the practice of Self-inquiry & contemplation, one can attain liberation and a greater sense of inner peace & freedom from suffering.

Karma Yoga - The Selfless Path

Karma Yoga is a path of Selfless action & service, which can help individuals achieve liberation (Moksha).

The word "karma" comes from the Sanskrit word for action or deed. Karma Yoga teaches that actions, thoughts, and intentions have consequences, which can affect not only the individual but also the world at large. Karma Yoga emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties without attachment to the results or fruits of those actions. This means that individuals should act without seeking personal gain or reward.

Karma Yoga is often associated with seva, which means Selfless service. Seva is a way to help others and serve the greater good without expecting anything in return. Karma Yoga teaches that when individuals serve others, they are serving a higher power, such as the Divine, Source, God, or Universe.

The practice of Karma Yoga involves several key principles ::

• Detachment - letting go of attachment to the results of one's actions.

• Selflessness - acting without the desire for personal gain.

• Dedication - dedicating one's actions to a higher power.

Karma Yoga can be practiced in various ways, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or helping others in need. It can also be practiced in daily life, by performing one's duties & responsibilities with a Selfless attitude.

One of the benefits of practicing Karma Yoga is the development of inner peace & contentment. When individuals perform actions without seeking personal gain, they can experience a sense of detachment & freedom from the stresses of everyday life. Karma Yoga can also help individuals develop compassion & empathy towards others, as well as a deeper sense of connection to the world at large.

In conclusion, Karma Yoga is a path of Selfless action & service that can help individuals achieve spiritual growth & liberation. By practicing detachment, Selflessness, and dedication, individuals can develop inner peace, contentment, and compassion towards others. Karma Yoga can be practiced in various ways, such as volunteering or helping others in daily life, and can be a powerful tool for personal & spiritual development.

Bhakti Yoga - The Devotional Path

Bhakti Yoga is considered the path of devotion, where the practitioner aims to cultivate a loving relationship with the Divine, Source, God, or Universe through various practices such as chanting, prayer, and worship.

The word "bhakti" is derived from the Sanskrit root "bhaj", which means "to adore, worship, or serve." Bhakti Yoga emphasizes the importance of surrendering to a higher power and cultivating a pure, Selfless love for God, which is believed to lead to ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth & death.

Bhakti Yoga is often associated with the devotional traditions of Hinduism, such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism, which worship different aspects of the Divine. However, it is important to note that the path of bhakti is not limited to any particular religious or cultural tradition, and can be practiced by anyone regardless of their beliefs.

Some of the key practices of Bhakti Yoga include:

• Kirtan (Chanting) - Bhakti yogis, those on the Bhakti Yoga path, often engage in kirtan, which involves singing or chanting the names of the Divine. This is believed to purify the mind and cultivate a sense of devotion & connection with God.

• Puja (Worship) - Bhakti yogis also engage in puja, which involves offering prayers, flowers, and other offerings to the Divine. This is believed to express gratitude & devotion to God.

• Seva (Selfless Service) - Bhakti yogis also engage in seva, which involves serving others without any expectation of reward or recognition. This is believed to cultivate a Selfless attitude and a sense of oneness with all Beings.

• Reading & Studying Sacred Texts - Bhakti yogis often read & study sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana, which contain teachings & stories about the Divine.

The benefits of practicing Bhakti Yoga include a sense of inner peace, contentment, and joy. It is believed that by cultivating a loving relationship with the Divine, one can overcome the ego and the illusion of separateness, and experience the true nature of reality.

In summary, Bhakti Yoga is a path of devotion that emphasizes cultivating a loving relationship with the Divine through practices such as chanting, worship, Selfless service, and studying sacred texts. By surrendering to a higher power and cultivating a Selfless attitude, one can experience inner peace, contentment, and a deeper connection with the Divine.

Raja Yoga - The Royal Path

Raja Yoga, also known as the "Royal Path," considered the highest path of Yoga as it deals with the control of the mind, leading to spiritual enlightenment.

The Sanskrit word "Raja" means "royal" or "kingly," which reflects the aim of this path to establish control over the mind & senses. Raja Yoga is the Yoga of the mind that is complementary to Hatha Yoga that is more physical & prana oriented. Both Hatha & Raja Yoga form the ways of a Yogic practice, including the application of physical techniques.

Notes ::

• Raja Yoga emphasizes meditation & the mastery of the mind, while Hatha Yoga focuses on physical postures & energy management.

• Hatha Yoga practices are primarily emphasized & taught in modern ‘Yoga’ classes, not so much the traditional Raja Yoga. Most of Hatha Yoga practices focuses on asana, pranayama and mantra, and techniques aiming at the arousing of the Kundalini & opening the chakras.

• Hatha Yoga, is a physical & energetic path of Yoga that emphasizes the harmonization of the body & mind through asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), and energy channeling techniques. Hatha Yoga aims to prepare the body & mind for meditation and higher states of consciousness that includes purification techniques, energy balancing, and Self-discipline.

The goal of Raja Yoga is to achieve a state of mental stillness and clarity, known as "samadhi." This is achieved through the practice of the eight limbs of Yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga. These eight limbs are:

• Yama - ethical principles, including non-violence, truthfulness, and non-possessiveness.

• Niyama - personal disciplines, including cleanliness, contentment, and Self-study.

• Āsana - physical postures, which help to cultivate strength, flexibility, and balance.

• Prāņāyāma - breath control, which helps to cultivate energy and focus the mind.

• Pratyāhāra - sense withdrawal, which involves turning the senses inward and detaching from external distractions.

• Dhāraṇā - concentration, which involves focusing the mind on a single object or point of focus.

• Dhyāna - meditation, which involves expanding the state of concentration into a deeper state of awareness.

• Samādhi - the ultimate state of union, where the individual consciousness merges with the universal consciousness.

The practice of Raja Yoga involves both physical & mental exercises, with the ultimate goal of achieving control over the mind & senses. It is a gradual process that requires dedication & persistence.

Benefits of practicing Raja Yoga include increased mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth. It also helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by providing tools for managing the mind & emotions.

Raja Yoga is suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities, as it can be adapted to suit individual needs & preferences. However, it is recommended to practice under the guidance of an experienced teacher to ensure proper alignment & technique.

In conclusion, Raja Yoga is a powerful path of Yoga that aims to establish control over the mind & senses, leading to spiritual enlightenment. By practicing the eight limbs of Yoga, individuals can cultivate mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth, while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Integral Path of Yoga

The integral path of Yoga is the combination of all paths. While each path is distinct, they are all interconnected and can be practiced simultaneously to achieve a deeper understanding of the Self & the universe. All Yoga paths are interrelated and work best in an integral manner, for one's primary path does not exclude the other path but becomes their primary focus.

It’s important for one to discover the appropriate Yoga path with respect of all paths. Yet even within one greater Yoga path, several subpaths exist! It’s of course possible to align with a different path over time as one’s consciousness elevates. One must follow the Yogic path that resonates with one’s inner Being the most. It’s also important to approach these paths with proper guidance from experienced teachers (like me! 🌻) who can provide in-depth understanding & instruction. By exploring each path separately, one can gain a deeper understanding of their unique aspects & potential benefits for one’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-Being.

My commitment to Self Work has been deeply impacted by the transformative practices of The Eight Limbs of Yoga. Through ethical principles, Self-discipline, physical practice, breathwork, inner awareness, concentration, meditation, and union with Source | The Divine | The Universe, Yoga has opened up doors & windows to profound personal & spiritual growth. The Eight Limbs of Yoga provide a comprehensive framework for Self-exploration & Self-realization, guiding me towards greater harmony, balance, and alignment with my true essence. Whether practicing Āsana to cultivate strength & flexibility or engaging in Dhyāna to quiet the mind and experience inner stillness, Yoga offers endless opportunities for Self-discovery & evolution, empowering me to navigate life's challenges with grace & resilience.

The sacredness of Yoga lies in its ability to connect with one’s inner Self, creating a sense of harmony, peace, and well-being.

The sacredness of Yoga lies not only in its physical postures or asanas but also in its ability to create harmony between these different aspects of our Being. By practicing Yoga & committing to at least one of the four paths, we can develop awareness of our breath, movements, and thoughts, which can help us to tune into one’s inner Self and access a sense of inner peace & well-Being. Yoga promotes overall physical & emotional health, leading to a more balanced & fulfilling life. Ultimately, through Yoga, we can discover a more profound sense of connection to ourselves, others, and the world around us.

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If you're interested in exploring Yoga for mental health & Vedic Counseling, be sure to seek care from a qualified Vedic Counselor (like me! 🌻) for in-depth understanding & instruction, as well as to learn more about this ancient & effective approach to healing.

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