Posts Tagged ‘Tantra’
Yoga: The Six Branches
If Yoga is being compared to the image of a tree rooted in ancient tradition, then the eight limbs of the Yoga Sutra support the six branches of yogic practices which include the, Bhakti, Hatha, Jnana, Karma, Raja and Tantra aspects of yoga.
All of the branches of yoga incorporate the general principles of yoga including the use of asana, pranayama and meditation. Some focus more strictly on a moral code of behavior, while others have a more intellectual orientation.
In ancient days, yoga was passed down in the oral tradition with an unbroken line of yogis and gurus who took on disciples and taught them the sacred practices and teachings so that they could pass them on to their followers and so on.
With the ulitmate goal of attaining freedom (Kaivalya), or enlightenment for the soul, participants dutifully follow the yogic path ultimately becoming free.
Here is a brief description of the six branches of yoga:
Hatha yoga
This branch of yoga consists of asana practice (poses), pranayama (controlled breath) and meditation. Ha means sun and tha refers to the moon in the ancient Sanskrit. These references to the sun and moon speak to the energy channels in the body which are opened up through disciplined asana practice.
Raja yoga is a more classical approach to yoga, which involves strict compliance with the eight limbs in the Yoga Sutras. Students learn to control their body, mind, thoughts, and senses through meditation and pranayama.
Bhakti yoga is a devotional path of meditation and visualization, which celebrates love and acceptance for all living things.
Jnana yoga is the path of the mind and involves careful study of yogic texts, scriptures and ancient traditions. It focuses on developing deeper knowledge by accessing the intuitive wisdom found within the soul of the practitioner.
Karma yoga is the yoga of service. It is based on the premise that the circumstances of your life flow from the ramifications of your past actions, and it calls for selfless acts of service to the world.
Tantra yoga focuses on the experience of the Divine in all aspects of daily living. It uses rituals to help students increase their awareness of all aspects of life.
If you think of life as a journey, then you understand that there are many different paths that can lead you to your destination. No path is superior to the other as long as it serves to get you where you want to go. The branches of yoga are each a different path, but they need not be separate. Appealing aspects of the various paths can be incorporated into the student’s practice at various times as they see fit. These spiritual practices can only serve to help the student feel more fulfilled and at peace with themselves and their world.
