Philosophy of Yoga (Six Branches of Yoga)

Philosophy of Yoga (Six Branches of Yoga) - Section 12 

Background:

Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years from an ancient Indian practice, and there is different types of practice as well, not just the poses and postures. There is actual breathing techniques and meditation and relaxation that come with practicing yoga. Although, in most recent years, the most popular technique is physical exercise that comes with it that can help control breathing and the overall mind and body. Yoga can help you achieve a better night's sleep, decrease stress and anxiety, and improves flexibility and balance. Some believe that yoga can help them achieve a healthy and active lifestyle. It is also important to remember to not replace or postpone medical care with yoga. Always speak to a healthcare provider with any questions or attempt any difficult techniques.

Philosophy:

Yoga can often be viewed as a tree. A tree with roots, branches, blossoms, and fruits. This was known from ancient times and used today as a form of imagery. Together, this tree has six branches. Each of these six branches are different and contain different characteristics about them that connect to yoga. These branches each connect to a different approach to life, and some people view one branch maybe a bit more powerful than the next. 

Six Branches:

There is Karma, Raja, Hatha, Bhakti, Tantra, and Jnana. 

The Karma branch is something that we as humans cannot escape. This essentially means we cannot escape our past, and those actions in our past can have consequences. This branch focuses in the least amount of negativity and selfishness possible in the present day. Practicing Karma yoga or volunteering your time somewhere is one of the practices within this branch.

The Raja branch focuses on meditation and the eight limbs of the tree. This is outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra. This is incredibly strict adherence to the limbs. This type of yoga draws those who like to meditate and are introspective. There are members of religion and spiritual communities who solely devote time to this particular branch of yoga to follow the eight limbs. These limbs include self-discipline, sensory withdrawal, concentration, to name a few.

The Hatha branch focuses the actual health and more physical aspect of yoga. This focuses on breathing and different physical exercises. This was popular in ancient culture, and very popular today in current times of yoga. 

The Bhakti branch is the path of all devotion. This branch is a positive way to channel your inner emotions. This allows us to cultivate acceptance and tolerance for those who we come into contact with along the way. Mother Teresa combined the Karma path with the Bhakti path.

The Tantra path can be the most misunderstood or misinterpreted path of all the yogas. If you are moved by celebration or rituals, then this might be a path for you. This path is a pathway of ritual, which can include consecrated sexuality. This means something that is sacred, holy. This path is for ritual and ceremony. 

The Jnana path, the final path, is yoga of the mind, wisdom. This can include study of scriptures and different texts of history or traditions of yoga. Some say this is the hardest yoga to follow, due to the studying. 

Which one is right for me?

Trusting your instinct. It is possible to do different styles of yoga and practice them at once, if more than one sparks your interest. You may already be practicing one of these yogas, you may just not realize it. For example, if you volunteer your time in a soup kitchen, or you are a volunteer in a hospital, etc., then you are actively practicing the Karma branch. You must trust yourself and understand what your body and mind is telling you to pick the right yoga path for you.

{work cited:

 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286745.php#types

https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/the-branches-of-yoga 

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/3a/27/a6/3a27a674ce390df52953532b8126541f.jpg

https://www.blessingmanifesting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/yogamentalhealth.jpg

http://www.rinsedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/yoga-beach-sunset.jpg }

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you volunteer your time anywhere, in relation to the Karma Branch?

2. Did you realize you were practicing these branches without even knowing about them? Or did you know about them already?

Quiz Questions:

1. Name the six branches of yoga. 

2. What are three things you can achieve with practicing yoga?

3. Who is one person that combined practices both with the Karma path and the Bhakti path?