|  The
union in Yoga, if considered at the gross physical level, is between the upper
brain and the lower brain, the conscious with the subconscious. At a subtle level
the union of yoga is between one's individual consciousness and cosmic consciousness.
Yoga presents a system that
creates a state of unification of mental processes and consciousness.
Yoga is based on particular disciplines and exercises through
which union of individual and cosmic consciousness may be
obtained by anyone who chooses to adhere to the prescribed
system. Yoga not only describes all mental states, aspects
and dimensions possible within the individual, but also advocates
practical games to be played with the mind to control its
functioning and to achieve peace. Meditation is only one aspect
of Yoga.
Essentially the yogi will choose according to
his temperament to follow one of the 3 yoga paths.
All three in combination or not, may lead the yogi to obtaining
the union between individual and cosmic consciousness:
| Bhakti
yoga |
The path of pure spiritual
devotion, love and surrender. |
| Jnana
yoga |
Also called Gyana, it is the
path of right knowledge, reaching the ultimate truth through
cessation of mental modifications by negation. |
| Karma
yoga |
The path of selfless action.
|
There are many yoga traditions and practices,
which in essence all have the same goal : the union with the
divine.
The overall
tradition :
Tantra
Yoga (Maha Y)
Ashtanga
Yoga
The four
main traditions :
Mantra
Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Laya Yoga (Kundalini
Y.)
Raja
Yoga
Other
traditions
Yoga and Indian psychology
All these traditions are based
on the unique Indian Psychology.
Also read the abstracts on "Mind,
Ego and Intellect" and on "The
five Koshas" by Wil Geraets.
|
