1. Exploring the Spiritual Dimensions of
Yoga

2. Yoga – though the word “Yoga” is a Sanskrit word, it is now more popular in the West than in
India and the East! However most understands Yoga as a mere physical exercise, termed Yoga-
Asanas. Much more believe that these mere physical exercises YOGA-ASANAS will bring
about mental peace and happiness.
Some even believe that YOGA-ASANAS will get them to MOKSHA, Liberation,
Enlightenment. Vedanta Society in India for many centuries revived humanity from various
misconceptions about different Yoga such as Karma Yoga, Upasana Yoga, Gnana Yoga,
Kundalini Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga etc.

3. Karma yoga
Karma Yoga is a spiritual path of selfless action and service that is rooted in Hindu
philosophy. The word "karma" means action or work, and "yoga" means union or
connection. Karma Yoga teaches individuals to perform their actions without attachment
to the results and with a sense of selflessness.

4. Upasana Yoga
The concept of upasana developed as a common practice in the Vedanta era. It
eventually came to mean an intense systematic meditation. In this type of meditation, the
yogi becomes one with what he/she is meditating on – a deity or an abstract concept
such as the universe, the universal Self or the Absolute Truth.

5. Gnana Yoga
Gnana Yoga, also known as Jnana Yoga, is one of the four main paths of yoga
mentioned in Hindu philosophy. It is the path of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizing
the pursuit of self-realization through the cultivation of knowledge and the development
of intellectual understanding.
In Gnana Yoga, the practitioner seeks to attain spiritual enlightenment by discerning the
true nature of reality and the self. It involves deep introspection, self-inquiry, and
contemplation to uncover the fundamental truths and principles underlying existence.

6. Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga is a practice of selfless devotion and recognition of the sacred or divine
in everything. To encourage Bhakti, it is helpful to start by cultivating reverence to
something which appears to be separate from one's self through acknowledgment of
the sacred essence within it.

7. Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is a study of the human mind, becoming aware of its habitual
tendencies, and ultimately transcending identification with the body-mind-
intellect complex through meditation to rest in the vast ocean of
consciousness, which comprises it all.

8. Conclusion
In conclusion, various paths of Yoga, such as Karma Yoga, Upasana Yoga, Gnana
Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga, offer individuals different approaches to self-
realization and spiritual growth. The Vedanta Society has been instrumental in
correcting misconceptions and promoting a holistic understanding of Yoga.
Ultimately, Yoga invites us to go beyond the physical realm and embark on a
journey of inner transformation and connection with the divine.