The four paths of yoga are different approaches or practices to achieve the ultimate goal of yoga, which is self-realization or enlightenment. They are:
- Bhakti Yoga – Path of Devotion: The Sanskrit term Bhakti means ‘attachment, participation, fondness for, homage, faith, love, devotion, worship, purity.’ Bhakti yoga is considered a path to self-realization by becoming one with the divine being. Usually practiced through devotional chants known as bhajans and kirtans, this type of yoga helps harness intense emotions like anger and sadness by concentrating on the divine, making the practitioner (the yogi) realize the universal love that envelops them.
- Jnana Yoga – Path of Knowledge: Jnana means knowledge in Sanskrit. Practitioners of Jnana yoga take a path of intellect and wisdom through meditation, the study of sacred texts, self-analysis, and contemplation. This enables them to be alert and stay focused, allowing them to gauge themselves as well as the world around them with precision and practicality. The practice of Jnana yoga helps yogis unveil the sheaths of illusions blinding them, allowing them to finally see the true meaning of life.
- Karma Yoga – Path of Action: In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma stands for the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. Karma yoga focuses on doing good for others through selfless actions or service. Popular belief is that there is good and bad karma, but that is not exactly true. Karma is just karma – the use of your body, the release of the karmic (physical) energy within you. Through Karma yoga, yogis learn to be kind and compassionate without expecting anything in return. This helps them step away from their ego and get closer to their goal of enlightenment.
- Raja Yoga – Path of Discipline: The word Raja means ‘king’ or ‘royalty’ in Sanskrit. Likewise, practitioners of Raja yoga become strong, confident, and self-assured. Raja yoga is the path towards personal enlightenment by balancing Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga, and Karma yoga. The goal is to attain self-awareness and inner peace.
Many yoga instructors incorporate the four paths of yoga into their practice, as they provide a comprehensive approach to yoga that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellbeing.
Yoga instructors may guide students through specific asanas, pranayama, and meditation practices that relate to the different paths of yoga, or incorporate philosophical teachings and discussions that explore the different paths and how they relate to everyday life. For example, in a Karma Yoga class, students may be invited to practice selfless service by participating in a community cleanup or volunteering at a local shelter, while in a Jnana Yoga class, students may study and reflect on the teachings of the yoga sutras or other philosophical texts.
In addition, yoga instructors may draw from different paths of yoga depending on the needs and interests of their students. For example, a class focused on stress relief may incorporate more Raja Yoga practices such as meditation and pranayama, while a class focused on cultivating compassion and connection may draw more from Bhakti Yoga practices such as chanting and devotional practices.
Ultimately, the four paths of yoga provide a framework for yoga instructors to create a well-rounded and holistic approach to yoga that can help students to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them, and cultivate greater health, happiness, and fulfillment.
