yogás citta-vrtti-nirodhah
“Yoga stills the fluctuations of the mind”
WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education for the body, mind and the inner spirit. This art of living was practiced and perfected in India for over 5000 years. However, since Yoga deals with universal truths, its teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times. Yoga is a practical lifestyle, not a religion, and Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and atheists alike may practice its techniques.
Yoga is union with all.
THE UNION OF YOGA
Over the millennia four different paths of Yoga (Karma-, Jnana-, Bhakti-, and Raja-) have developed. They are often likened to four branches of a Banyan tree, which its down roots from its branches and appears to be growing down to Earth from Heaven. Since we each have our own personality, we may prefer one path to another, but a one-sided development is not recommended, as it can lead to an imbalance in the personality. The whole person – heart, intellect, and hand – should be developed simultaneously, so a synthesis of the four main paths is recommended. It is best to have one basic Sadhana (spiritual practice) or preferred path, but to draw from the techniques of the others as well.
ACTIVE PATH - KARMA YOGA
Karma Yoga is selfless service, the path by which the mind is most 
quickly purified and its limits transcended. The Karma Yogi works hard, both physically and mentally. He seeks to eliminate the ego and its attachments, to serve humanity without expecting reward, and to see unity in diversity. This enables him to tune to the one underlying divine essence that dwells within all beings. Karma Yoga is most suitable for people who have an active temperament. It involves working in the world and giving of oneself, but working on a spiritual level.
This philosophical or intellectual approach to spiritual evolution describes the world as an illusion. Using the two powerful intellectual techniques of Viveka (discrimination) and Vairagya (dispassion), the veils of illusion, or Maya, are lifted. Jnana Yoga is usually regarded as the most difficult of the four paths of Yoga. This path demands a sharp mind and an unclouded intellect.
DEVOTIONAL PATH – BHAKTI YOGA 
Bhakti Yoga tends to appeal to people who are emotional by nature. Since the emotions cannot be endlessly suppressed, Bhakti Yoga teaches techniques for their sublimation. Through various practices, such as chanting, prayer, and the repetition of mantras (sacred formulae), emotional energy is channeled into devotion, turning anger, fear, and jealousy in a positive direction. Emotional love is changed into pure divine love. The Bhakta tries to see God in all.
SCIEN
TIFIC PATH – RAJA YOGA
We each possess vast mental and psychic resources that lie virtually untapped below the surface of the conscious mind. To release this latent potential, Raja Yoga prescribes a psychological approach, based on a practical system of concentration and control of the mind. Right conduct, a healthy, strong and flexible body, breath control, and withdrawal of the senses are practiced to achieve this. Only if this foundation is firm can the superstructure of concentration and meditation succeed. Hatha Yoga is the physical part of the eightfold path (Ashtanga) of Raja Yoga. However, without Yamas, Niyamas, and the other steps (see next page), it is not “Yoga”.
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF HATHA YOGA
1) PROPER EXERCISE – ASANAS
In Yoga, the physical exercises, called asanas, are non-violent to the body systems and provide a gentle stretching that acts to lubricate the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other parts of the body. Asanas help to tone the nervous system, improve circulation, release tension, and increase flexibility. When performed in a slow and relaxed manner, they are designed to develop more than just the physical body. They also broaden the mental faculties and enhance the spiritual capabilities. Asanas make up the third limb, or step, in the Ashtanga path of the Raja Yoga system.
2) PROPER BREATHING – PRANAYAMA 
Deep breathing helps to cleanse and nourish the physical body. As you inhale fully, you are supplying an abundance of oxygen, an element that is essential to every cell in the body. As you exhale, the waste products are being expelled. Breathing also helps to connect the body to its battery, the Solar Plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. When tapped through specific Yogic breathing techniques (pranayama), this vital energy, or prana, is released for physical and mental rejuvenation.
3) PROPER RELAXATION - SAVASANA
When the body and mind are continually overworked and stressed, their natural efficiency diminishes. Rest and relaxation are Nature’s ways of giving the body a chance to recharge. Like the radiator of a car, they cool down the system. Yogic relaxation practices retrain the mind and muscles to relax completely.
Just as any vehicle requires an intelligent driver, so the body needs a balanced mind that can stay in control. Regular meditation will help you to achieve this; your mind will become clearer and more focused, and your ability to concentrate will improve. Self-knowledge will purify the intellect, and you will begin to experience wisdom and inner peace. These steps will gradually lead to the transformation of the self.
4) PROPER DIET
A meat-free diet enables the body to obtain the maximum benefit from food, air, water, and sunlight, the source of all our energy. The Yogic diet consists of foods that are easily digested, and that promote good health. As well as being simple, natural, and wholesome, it takes into account the subtle effect that food (and taste) has on the mind and on the Astral Body. Followers of a Yogic diet find themselves attaining a high standard of health and vitality, a sharp intellect and serenity of mind.
5) SELFKNOWLEDGE AND MEDITATION - DHYANA
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