RAJA MĀRGA

Meaning: ‘Royal’, ‘Chief’ or ‘King’, alluding to being the ‘best’ or ‘highest’ form of yoga. Closely linked to Patanjali’s Eight Fold Path of Yoga, Raja yoga is also known as ‘Classical Yoga’. 

This path is precise and contemplative. It aims to ‘control’ the intellect and thoughts through meditation. A connection with ‘God’ or ‘consciousness’ is worked towards by un-identifying with the ego-based self and identifying with the universal true Self. As a primarily interior practice with little outward spiritual expression, it is thought that Raja yoga requires much self-discipline. 

• Primary practices: Meditation, Svadhyaya (self-inquiry and study of texts) and Tapas (self-discipline), Brahmacharya (purity)
• Dual or Non-Dual belief: Dual
• Originally intended for: Brahmins. This type of practice was originally intended only for high caste royals who had the time, the education and the means to practise this.  

KARMA MĀRGA

Meaning: The Yoga of Action, also contemporarily known as the ‘Religion of Love’. The word ‘Karma’ in this context is derived from the root verb ‘Kri’ meaning ‘to do’. First mentioned around 300BC, this form of yoga is the main focus of the Bhagavad Gita. Karma yoga is based upon selfless service and acting without expectation of benefitting. It occupies a large part of Indian thought and through this practice, union with ‘the divine’ is achieved through making any action an offering to God. 

Karma yoga suggests that we relinquish attachment to the consequences of our actions and instead focus on the moment in action. Awareness of each thought, word and deed and mindfulness are an important part of Karma yoga, which allows the practitioner to truly experience that moment-in-action. Through the practise of Karma yoga, yogis work and act to benefit the people and the world around them in order to contribute towards facilitating a unified and ‘enlightened’ world.

• Primary Practices: Mindfulness, selfless service, ahimsa (non-violence
• Dual or Non-Dual belief: Dependent upon the practitioner’s perspective
• Intended for: Householders. Many great saints were thought of as ‘Karma Yogis’, such as Gandhi and Mother Theresa. 

BHAKTI MĀRGA

Meaning: Devotion. First mentioned in The Bhagavad Gita around 300BC, the word Bhakti comes from the root word ‘Bhaj’, of which the essence is ‘to share’. This form of yoga is based upon the heart, love and devotion towards a chosen deity (Ishta Devata). Much like Karma yoga, dedicating all actions towards a deity or ‘God’ is an intrinsic part of Bhakti yoga. Much like other branches of yoga, Bhakti yoga has limbs (anga) for each practitioner to adhere to and take part in: 

Shravana’; or ‘listening’ to sacred scriptures ‘Kirtana’; ‘singing’ of devotional songs
‘Smarana’; ‘remembering’ the divine through meditation ‘Pada-sevana’; ritual worship or ‘service at the feet of the Lord’  ‘Vandana’; ‘prostration’ before the image of God;  ‘Dasya’; ‘slavish’ devotion to the Lord  ‘Sakhya’; ‘friendship’ through which the Divine raises the devotee to the status of a ‘friend’‘Atma-nivedana’; ‘self-offering’. 

• Primary Practices: Mantra, devotional rituals, meditation upon a chosen deity
• Dual or Non-Dual belief: Dual
• Intended For: Householders

JÑĀNA MĀRGA

Meaning: Wisdom or knowledge. This is the yoga of ‘knowing’, of realising the truth of oneself. First mentioned around 400BC, this is thought of as one of the most direct paths to insight and illumination, but also as one of the most difficult. Priests and scholars are most likely to be considered Jnana yogis through their practise of constant inquiry. Study of philosophical and yogic texts, along with discrimination and inquiry are the ways these practitioners understand the depths of the body, mind and spirit. 

• Primary practices: Meditation and Svadhyaya 
• Dual or Non-Dual belief: Either,dependent upon the practitioner’s perception and perspective. Jnana Yogis are often relatively ‘open minded’ and inquisitive about life and the process of yoga. 
• Intended for: Brahmins