Introduction to major schools of Yoga (Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Patanjali, Hatha).

14 Sep 2024

Yoga has evolved into various schools, each offering unique approaches to spiritual development and well-being. Here’s an introduction to the five major schools of Yoga:

1. Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge)

Jnana Yoga is the path of wisdom and self-inquiry, aiming to transcend ignorance through knowledge of the self. It involves deep contemplation, study of scriptures (Vedanta), and meditation. Practitioners of Jnana Yoga seek to differentiate the real (the eternal soul) from the unreal (the material world) to attain liberation (moksha).

• Key Concepts: Self-inquiry (Atma Vichara), the study of Vedantic texts, renunciation of ego.
• Goal: Realization of one’s true nature (Atman) and unity with the Absolute (Brahman).

2. Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion)

Bhakti Yoga is the path of love and devotion toward a personal deity or divine being. It focuses on cultivating a deep emotional connection with the divine through prayers, chants, and rituals. Surrendering oneself to God with pure love is central to this practice.

• Key Concepts: Devotion (Bhakti), surrender (Sharanagati), love for the divine.
• Goal: Union with the divine through unconditional love and surrender.

3. Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action)

Karma Yoga emphasizes selfless action as a means of spiritual development. It teaches practitioners to perform their duties without attachment to the outcomes. By dedicating all actions to the greater good and without selfish motives, one can purify the heart and mind.

• Key Concepts: Selfless service (Seva), detachment from results (Nishkama Karma), duty (Dharma).
• Goal: Liberation through right action without attachment.

4. Patanjali Yoga (Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga)

Patanjali’s Yoga, often referred to as Raja Yoga, is outlined in the Yoga Sutras. It is an eight-limbed path (Ashtanga) that systematically guides the practitioner toward mental discipline, self-control, and deep meditation. This school emphasizes physical, mental, and spiritual practices to still the mind and achieve enlightenment.

• Key Concepts: The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi).
• Goal: Samadhi (state of meditative absorption or enlightenment).

5. Hatha Yoga (Yoga of Physical Discipline)

Hatha Yoga focuses on the balance of the body and mind through physical postures (Asanas), breath control (Pranayama), and cleansing techniques (Shat Kriyas). It prepares the practitioner for deeper spiritual practices by strengthening the body, calming the mind, and balancing the subtle energies (Prana).

• Key Concepts: Physical postures (Asanas), breath control (Pranayama), energy balance (Nadis, Chakras).
• Goal: Physical and mental purification, preparing the body and mind for meditation and higher states of consciousness.

Each school of Yoga offers a distinct path, but all share the common aim of achieving spiritual realization and inner peace. Whether through knowledge, devotion, action, or physical and mental discipline, the essence of Yoga remains the same—union with the higher self.

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MCQs: Major Schools of Yoga

1. Which of the following is known as the path of knowledge?

A. Karma Yoga
B. Bhakti Yoga
C. Jnana Yoga ✅
D. Hatha Yoga

Explanation:
Jnana Yoga is the path of self-realization through knowledge and wisdom.

2. Who is regarded as the founder or main proponent of Jnana Yoga?

A. Kapila
B. Adi Shankaracharya ✅
C. Patanjali
D. Gorakshanath

3. The central idea of Jnana Yoga is:

A. Devotion to God
B. Performing selfless action
C. Physical purification
D. Realization of the Self (Atman) and its unity with Brahman ✅

4. Which text is most closely associated with Jnana Yoga?

A. Hatha Yoga Pradipika
B. Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita ✅
C. Yoga Sutras
D. Bhagavata Purana

5. Bhakti Yoga emphasizes:

A. Knowledge and analysis
B. Meditation and renunciation
C. Love and devotion toward God ✅
D. Control of breath

6. Who is the ideal example of a Bhakta (devotee) in the Bhagavad Gita?

A. Arjuna ✅
B. Kapila
C. Shankaracharya
D. Patanjali

7. The main aim of Bhakti Yoga is to:

A. Achieve physical perfection
B. Gain knowledge
C. Unite the devotee with the Divine through devotion ✅
D. Master the mind

8. According to Bhagavad Gita, Karma Yoga is the path of:

A. Selfless action without attachment to results ✅
B. Meditation and concentration
C. Emotional devotion
D. Physical austerities

9. The key principle of Karma Yoga is expressed in which Gita verse?

A. 2.47 – “Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana” ✅
B. 3.16 – “Evam pravartitam chakram”
C. 6.16 – “Na atyashnatas tu yogo’sti”
D. 12.6 – “Mayy avesya mano ye mam”

10. Karma Yoga mainly purifies which aspect of human nature?

A. The mind (Chitta) ✅
B. The senses
C. The intellect
D. The body

11. Who is traditionally regarded as the compiler of Patanjali Yoga Sutras?

A. Gorakshanath
B. Kapila
C. Maharshi Patanjali ✅
D. Shankaracharya

12. What is the ultimate goal of Patanjali’s Yoga philosophy?

A. Moksha through devotion
B. Kaivalya — isolation of Purusha from Prakriti ✅
C. Knowledge of Brahman
D. Mastery of postures

13. How many limbs are described in Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga?

A. 5
B. 6
C. 8 ✅
D. 10

14. “Chitta Vritti Nirodha” as per Patanjali means:

A. Deep breathing practice
B. Cessation of mental fluctuations ✅
C. Devotion to God
D. Control of senses

15. Hatha Yoga primarily focuses on:

A. Physical purification and control of prana ✅
B. Knowledge of the Self
C. Selfless action
D. Devotion and prayer

16. Who are the key figures associated with Hatha Yoga?

A. Patanjali and Vyasa
B. Gorakshanath and Swatmarama ✅
C. Shankaracharya and Kapila
D. Buddha and Mahavira

17. The classic text of Hatha Yoga is:

A. Hatha Yoga Pradipika ✅
B. Gheranda Samhita
C. Shiva Samhita
D. Yoga Sutra

18. What is the main objective of Hatha Yoga?

A. To purify the body and balance the flow of energy (Prana) ✅
B. To gain intellectual knowledge
C. To attain heaven
D. To perform rituals

19. How are Patanjali Yoga and Hatha Yoga related?

A. Hatha Yoga prepares the body and mind for Raja Yoga (Patanjali Yoga) ✅
B. They are completely unrelated
C. Patanjali Yoga is a branch of Hatha Yoga
D. Hatha Yoga rejects meditation

20. The ultimate goal common to all schools of Yoga is:

A. Health and flexibility
B. Wealth and fame
C. Union with the Supreme Reality (Moksha or Liberation) ✅
D. Mastery of physical poses