It is explored succinctly in the Bhagavad-gita. Jnanayogis negate the world and usually aim at liberation ( mukti or moksha).Īstanga/RajaYoga (physical exercises and meditation)Īsta means “eight” and anga means “part.” Astanga-yoga is a process divided into eight distinct and essential stages, based on the Yoga Sutras of the sage, Patanjali. Jnana is sometimes considered the antithesis of karma.
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Since the pursuit of wisdom and realisation is not simply an academic exercise, much emphasis is placed on becoming free from the sensual desires that delude the soul. Activities and the necessities of life are minimised. Whereas karma-yoga usually involves bhukti, enjoying worldly pleasure, jnana-yoga promotes knowledge through seclusion, study, and sense abnegation. Jnana-yoga (philosophical research and wisdom)
Karma-yogis tend to have a materially progressive attitude towards the world and their aim is often the heavenly planets. On the highest level, karma-yoga means the unreserved dedication of all activities to serve the Supreme Lord. Karma-yoga specifically refers to sacrifices offered to various deities to attain material necessities in this life and the next, without accruing any reaction. By giving up the fruits of action, one is relieved from the reactions to self-centred activities.This does not mean giving up the activity itself, for karma-yoga, on a lower level, recommends that all activities be linked to a greater cause. Karma-yoga begins with the understanding that selfish action binds the soul.
Additionally, there may be higher and lower understandings of each path, as we explore below. Either way, it is not that the different paths are tightly compartmentalised – each may contain elements of the others. Others suggest that all four paths are stepping stones along one spiritual path, each building progressively on the previous, more elementary disciplines.
Many thinkers claim that all paths are equally valid and effective and that the choice depends on individual inclination. Some authorities list three, others add a fourth. These people also don’t perpetuate non-acceptable behaviour (such as lying, stealing etc.), as they have a religious attitude.In order to understand the spiritual practices outlined in this section, it is useful to have an overview of the main processes or “paths” (see One Goal, Different Paths). They remain deeply engrossed in the study of scriptures. Whenever they have a question, they ask with humbleness, or start a mutual discussion. The grasp everything correctly by knowing what it really means. Those who believe in the Jain Dharma, have strong intellect by listening to different scriptures, they understand and know all standpoints. He continuously reflects within his inner self over the meaning explained by the mentor ( Guru), after determining the true meaning through his own thoughts he works towards achieving what is understood - this is the nature of a new listener. One who is constantly in thinking about the questions above, seeking answers wants to understand his true self and is questioning that because these thoughts are in an active state.Īfter finding out and believing that this can be achieved by listening to scriptures ( Shastras), he listens to the scriptures enthusiastically. A person who is constantly met with questions such as “Who am I?”, “What is my true nature?”, “How is everything happening to me?”, “What are the results of my thoughts and feelings?”, “The self ( Jiva) is in miseries, what is the method to put these miseries to an end?” I (read: the being) needs to find the answers to the questions above and do something that would benefit his true self.