If you want to know how to reach enlightenment (samadhi), you're asking the wrong person. As far as I'm concerned, it's a mirage, and quite a distant one at that. Of course, it's probably a useful mirage, inviting us to walk in the right direction, but it won't remove us from samsara (the cycle of rebirths) on the first, second, or millionth attempt.
However, while the ultimate goal is always the same, yoga is not a one-size-fits-all path. There are multiple paths (marga) towards this celestial goal, which cater to different inclinations and approaches.
The four main Yoga Margas, derived from the Vedic tradition and, in particular, the first three from the Bhagavad Gita, are
- Karma Yoga: The Path of Action (निष्काम कर्म)
It is based on the premise that action (Karma) is inevitable and not intrinsically negative, but that suffering arises from attachment to the results of such action.
The Karma Yogi acts with diligence and effectiveness, but renounces selfishness and the expectation of reward, thus transforming work into an offering.
Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion (भक्ति)
Here, union with the Supreme is achieved through pure and unconditional love for the Divine (Ishvara, God). Practices include chanting hymns (kirtan), prayer, worship, reading sacred texts, and constant remembrance of the Divine.
- Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge (ज्ञान)
For those who follow this path, suffering is caused by ignorance (Avidya) of our true nature (the identity between Atman and Brahman).
The Jnana Yogi uses intellect to distinguish (Viveka) what is real and eternal (the Self) from what is illusory and transient (the world, the body, the mind).
Fundamental to this marga are the study of sacred texts (such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita), reflection (Manana), and meditation (Nididhyasana).
- Raja Yoga: The Royal Path (राज)
For those who follow Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, the mind is the primary cause of bondage or liberation. Raja Yoga provides a systematic method to quiet the fluctuations of the mind (Chitta Vritti Nirodha) to realize the Self.
This marga also includes Hatha Yoga, which is seen as an initial and preparatory phase for venturing into the more advanced stages of this path.
At Bhramara Yoga, we engage precisely in this preparatory phase, practicing asana and pranayama, which are the third and fourth "angas" of Ashtanga Yoga (which is composed of eight "angas" or limbs in total).
Further Reading:
Bhagavad Gita
Swami Vivekananda on the Four Yogas
