| 9/24/2008 5:44:16 AM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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wolfyhp
Atascadero, CA
age: 35
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| 1. Jnana (knowledge/wisdom) |
| 2. Bahkti (Love/devotion) |
| 3. Karma (work) |
| 4. Raja (mysticism) |
Just curious which of these four you most identify with. Below are brief descriptions based on Huston Smith's "The World Religions."
Jnana: The path of the philosopher. Seeks the inner divine through meditation, learning and deep reflection. Seeks the part of oneself which is the divine and which is connected to everything in every time everywhere.
Bahkti: Seeks the divine through devotion to the divine as a separate entity from oneself. It is a path of love and charity, but does not seek to become the divine per se.
Karma: Work either because you believe the divine wants you to work and it is the reward of pleasing the divine which motivates you OR work because of the rewards it provides which allow you to provide for your family and your community.
Raja: Seeks the inner divine through meditation similar to Jnana Yoga; however, also seeks to control the psychic self to exert control over the physical self. These are the folks who practice slowing their heartbeats and perhaps even try levitation.
Namaste,
Daniel
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| 9/24/2008 5:46:58 AM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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wolfyhp
Atascadero, CA
age: 35
|
I wanted to also say that this poll is not just for Hindu members. One could use it just as a means of describing their path. I, myself, am not Hindu; however, I like a lot about the Hindu teachings and I do study them.
I lean more towards Jnana Yoga and would consider that my path; however, in some very interesting ways there is definitely an aspect of Raja Yoga seen on my path.
Namaste,
Daniel
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| 9/24/2008 3:34:46 PM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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otheah
Painesville, OH
age: 34
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I practice Ashtanga, which falls into Raja. It incorporates the development of the physical body for better health; thereby encouraging better control of the mind as it is not advantageous to pursue a purer mind when conflicted with the distractions of an ailing body.
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| 9/25/2008 2:43:06 AM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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marlopainter
Milwaukee, WI
age: 29
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I cannot throw myself into a category.
By your definitions provided, I guess Raja suits me.
Although, I use the terms "ego" and "higher self".
I cannot "seek" the divine.
I am an extension of the divine.
Also, once a label is attached, it is lost.
[Edited 9/25/2008 2:43:35 AM]
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| 9/25/2008 5:42:43 AM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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wolfyhp
Atascadero, CA
age: 35
|
I cannot throw myself into a category.
By your definitions provided, I guess Raja suits me.
Although, I use the terms "ego" and "higher self".
I cannot "seek" the divine.
I am an extension of the divine.
Also, once a label is attached, it is lost.
Some people are so afraid of labels, but they are not to be feared when being used in a descriptive manner and with the understanding that no label fits anyone perfectly.
Of course you're an extension of the divine. That's the whole point of at least Jnana and Raja Yoga. You "seek" the divine in that you seek within yourself to find the divine because we are all extensions of the divine.
Namaste,
Daniel
[Edited 9/25/2008 5:43:19 AM]
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| 9/25/2008 8:59:23 AM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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marlopainter
Milwaukee, WI
age: 29
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I don't fear labels. What I meant by that was once a labeled is
applied, whatever is labeled is now limited by that label.
"The tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name."
Tao de Ching
Written by Lao-tzu
From a translation by S. Mitchell
I guess Raja suits me as well for the
fact I exert control over my life, my day,
the events that happen, the people I meet, etc
through my own intention and desire.
"Every thought, feeling, perception, or memory you may have causes a modification, or ripple, in the mind. It distorts and colors the mental mirror. If you can restrain the mind from forming into modifications, there will be no distortion, and you will experience your true Self." - Swami Satchidananda
This is my goal. I removed doubt, negativity, judgment, attachment, etc...
There is a better look into me. 
[Edited 9/25/2008 9:08:55 AM]
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| 9/28/2008 6:00:22 PM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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alicekathleen
Fresno, CA
age: 63
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Hi Wolf, help me to understand the various types of practice. I do hatha yoga to keep my body supple and to
focus on the breath, to relax. Which one is that?
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| 9/29/2008 4:14:21 PM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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tomiscluutch
Columbia, SC
age: 20
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I honestly didnt know there were this many different forms of Yoga. You learn something new everyday! or at least i hope to.
I personally think i relate more to the Jnana path of Yoga because I dont actively seek anything other than harmonizing myself with my environments.
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| 9/29/2008 5:16:00 PM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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wolfyhp
Atascadero, CA
age: 35
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Hi Wolf, help me to understand the various types of practice. I do hatha yoga to keep my body supple and to
focus on the breath, to relax. Which one is that?
I also do hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is sometimes called "not true Yoga." In reality, it is a part of all paths of Yoga for some on those paths. It is something that was originally done as a precursor to Yoga meditation. It was both prayer and attunement with one's body.
I use it as part of my path even though I do not claim to be Hindu or to be on any one of the paths. However, I do draw towards Jnana Yoga (pronounced Yana) with some aspects of Raja Yoga. To me it just makes sense to be in tune with my body and soul (both can be began in the practice of Hatha Yoga) when beginning spiritual practice.
As to which path are you on, that depends on what your aim and purpose in life is. I, obviously, can't answer that for you.
Namaste,
Daniel
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| 9/29/2008 5:50:47 PM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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alicekathleen
Fresno, CA
age: 63
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Hi Wolf, my purpose in life is to cause as little suffering as I can, to live with as few regrets as possible, to leave
my "property" to charity when I die, and to live with as much grace, courage, and dignity as I can muster... I think
of Jackie Kennedy at her husband's funeral, that kind of dignity.
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| 9/30/2008 1:55:49 PM |
Which Yoga do you most identify with? see explanation in body of post |
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spectrre
Shawnee, OK
age: 37
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no Kundalini Yoga?
voted Karma,but I don't follow any main discipline as i identify with all you have listed but Karmas path suits me best.
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