YOGA AND MEDITATION 

The 4 Paths of Yoga 

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Raja Yoga - The Science of Physical and Mental Control (Asana and Meditation)

Often called the "royal road" it offers a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by turning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy. Raja Yoga is also called Ashtanga Yoga referring to the eight limbs leading to absolute mental control. The chief practice of Raja Yoga is meditation. It also includes all other methods which help to control body, energy, senses and mind. The Hatha-Yogi uses Relaxation and other practices such as Yamas, Niyamas, Mudras, Bandhas etc. to gain control of the physical body and the subtle life force called Prana. When body and energy are under control meditation comes naturally.

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Jnana Yoga - The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom (Lectures/Workshops/Interaction/Discussion)

This is the most difficult path requiring tremendous strength of will and intellect. Taking the philosophy of Vedanta the Jnana Yogi uses his mind to inquire into its own nature. We perceive the space inside and outside a glass as different, just as we see ourselves as separate from God. Jnana Yoga leads the devotee to experience his unity with God directly by breaking the glass, dissolving the veils of ignorance. Before practicing Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons of the other yogic paths - for without selflessness and love of God, strength of body and mind, the search for self-realization can become mere idle speculation.

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Karma Yoga - The Yoga of Action (Selfless service to community)

Karma Yoga is the Yoga of Action. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward. By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up to God/Universe, you learn to sublimate the ego.

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Bhakti Yoga - The Yoga of Devotion or Divine Love

The Bhakti Yogi is motivated chiefly by the power of love and sees God/Universe as the embodiment of love. Through prayer, worship and ritual he/she surrenders himself/herself to God/Universe channelling and transmuting his/her emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises of God/Universe form a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga.

The 5 Points of Yoga 

Proper Relaxation

When the body and the mind are constantly overworked, their natural efficiency to perform work diminishes. Modern social life, food, work and even the so-called entertainment, such as disco dancing, make it difficult for modern people to relax. Many have even forgotten that rest and relaxation are nature's way of recharging. Even while trying to rest, the average person expends a lot of physical and mental energy through tension. Much of the body's energy is wasted uselessly. During complete relaxation, there is practically no energy or "Prana" being consumed, although a little is keeping the body in normal condition while the remaining portion is being stored and conserved.

Proper Exercise

Our physical body is meant to move and exercise. If our lifestyle does not provide natural motion of muscles and joints, then disease and great discomfort will ensue with time. Proper exercise should be pleasant to the practitioner while beneficial to the body, mind and spiritual life.​

Proper Breathing

Yoga teaches us how to use the lungs to their maximum capacity and how to control the breath. Proper breathing should be deep, slow and rhythmical. This increases vitality and mental clarity.

Proper Diet 

Besides being responsible for building our physical body, the foods we eat profoundly affect our mind. For maximum body-mind efficiency and complete spiritual awareness, Yoga advocates a lacto-vegetarian diet. This is an integral part of the Yogic lifestyle.   

Positive Thinking and Meditation 

Here is the most important point of all, we become what we think. Thus we should exert to entertain positive and creative thoughts as these will contribute to vibrant health and a peaceful, joyful mind. A positive outlook on life can be developed by learning and practicing the teachings of the philosophy of Vedanta. The mind will be brought under perfect control by regular practice of meditation.