Different Types of Yoga in Hinduism Serves Different Functions Research Paper

Different Types of Yoga in Hinduism Serves Different Functions - Research Paper Example This is accomplished through various stages in Yoga. In the present context, evolution of yoga, its types and their bases will be studied through the available literature. 2. Historical perspective: Yoga is a proven method of application to achieve a stress-free life. Yoga, in Sanskrit, means ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’ (Feuerstein, 36). The Bhagavad-Gita is the sacred text of the Hindus and the basis for Hindu religion, which contains teachings from the Hindu deity, Lord Krishna. This text explains that human beings are constantly in conflict with self and surroundings through emotions, which is the reason for all misery. In order for humans to liberate themselves from various forms of misery, it is important to achieve a balance between the mind, body and soul, which can be accomplished through Yoga. This art helps in uniting the mind, body and soul through various postures, breathing patterns, meditation, chanting, worship etc. These differential practices ar e different forms of Yoga. 3. Types of Yoga: Numerous types of yoga have been described in various texts, and classification of yoga has constantly been debated. In fact, the ancient text on Yoga identifies almost 112 types of yoga (Singh, p.ii), and is based on Hindu Lord, Siva’s teachings. ... 3.1 Karma Yoga: This yoga forms Lord Krishna’s basic teaching in the Bhagavad-Gita, and implies that ‘duty,’ ’deed,’ or ‘action’ alone should be the main aim of human being. Human beings should perform their rituals and duties in the most ethical and honest manner without expecting any return. This yoga is derived from the doctrine of Karma and reincarnation, which means an individual’s present life is shape by his/her actions in past life; and that the individual’s present actions and work would shape the future births (Robinson, 39). Karma yoga is the yoga of service or work, and actions. Actions include prayers and rituals for self-purification and service is that of serving the humanity. Every human being born on earth has to fulfill his duties and responsibilities, which will ultimately bring liberation from bonding and obligations through righteous actions/deeds (Robinson, 60). Moreover, experiences, results, happines s, sadness, pain and sorrow are all results of one’s own actions. Karma Yoga teaches that all human beings should strictly fulfill their respective responsibilities without expecting any specific outcomes. Such dedication towards duties will ease tension, stress, and attachments because actions will determine the results. 3.2. Jnana Yoga: This is the yoga of Knowledge about the self, God and the real world, which is acquired through the senses upon meditation. This Yoga requires the mind to settle in a peaceful state. Jnana Yoga is extremely difficult to practice because this requires a perfect balance between the mind and the body. Here, knowledge does not refer to information and understanding, but realization of the self. So, to practice Jnana