The Yogas
There have existed throughout time in Hinduism various paths to enlightenment, called “margas.” They can be suited, respectively, to individuals with differing social and personality factors. They are also known as yogas. A yogi (or yogini) is one who seeks liberation by any of these approaches or by other less traditional methods. A yogi may also refer to a person who has attained super-sensory powers, usually through austere ascetic practices.
In describing the four traditional paths, first there is the marga of knowledge, known as Jnana-Marga (Jnana Yoga), denoting a path of study and contemplation of the scriptures. The path includes giving up the gratifications of the senses in the desire to attain moksha and the search for inner peace. This path has been historically followed by men of the higher classes such as the Brahmin, and also by men in the next class in the sequence of varnas, the Kshatriya (whose members were traditionally the public protectors, soldiers and governmental administrators).
The way of work, Karma-Marga (Karma Yoga), became known in the Classical Age, since it was previously believed that renunciation was the only way to enlightenment. A post-Vedic scripture called the Bhagavad-Gita posited that giving up work in the world was not essential, if it was performed with ego-less intention. This philosophy teaches that attachment to recognition and ambitions in work are the causes of karma and rebirth. Therefore, surrendering this ego attachment and unselfishly devoting the fruits of one’s work to the greater good can bring liberation, as exemplified by the great modern Indian leader Gandhi. This path could be suited to the Kshatriyas or to the Sudras, the social class who perform as menial workers, domestic servants and simple farmers.
Bhakti-Marga (Bhakti Yoga), the yoga of loving devotion to a personal god, was exemplified in the Bhagavad-Gita. The scriptures approved this path to liberation for Sudras and for women, and encouraged Divine Union through complete surrender to God. This is the main path for Vaishnavite devotees, who have at their basis of ritual many love songs and poems. Through the bhakti way of release, it is taught that all egoic and selfish desires will be consumed in the ecstasy of worship. The popular god-hero Krishna exemplifies this path of love in the Bhagavad-Gita.
In the classical path of Raja-Marga (Raja Yoga), which means the Royal Road, there exist three main disciplines. The discipline dealing with morality includes rules against violence of any kind, sexual intercourse, and material possessions beyond the strictest needs. As well, personal cleanliness, the study of God with awareness of God as the prime motive for living, and other austerities are observed. In the discipline of body control, yogic postures known as “asanas” and breath control are practiced rigorously. Finally, concentration of the mind dictates that the senses withdraw from external objects and turn inward in meditation. In order to achieve the intuitive realization of Brahman, the state of moksha, the tool of meditation is essential. It is described as “complete absorption, concentration of the mind on pure spirit in its true nature until the final stage of absorption, ‘samadhi’ (trance) is reached—the goal of the three kinds of discipline.” (Religions Of The World, 1969:396)