Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge)
- Daily Study (Svadhyaya):Read scriptures like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, or texts by sages like Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Vivekananda.Reflect on the nature of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).
- Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara):Practice asking questions like “Who am I?” or “What is my true nature?”.Observe your thoughts and try to detach from the ego-based identity.
- Contemplation (Manana):Set aside quiet time to contemplate the teachings you have read.Meditate on concepts like non-duality (Advaita) or the impermanence of the world.
- Mindful Observation:Practice witnessing your emotions, thoughts, and actions without judgment.
Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion)
- Daily Worship (Puja):Set up a sacred space and offer flowers, incense, or a simple prayer to your chosen deity. Chant devotional stotras of diety whom you worship like Vishnu Sahasranama for Bhagwan Vishu or Shiva Stotram for Bhagavan Shiva.
- Kirtan and Bhajan:Sing devotional songs or listen to them to evoke feelings of surrender and love.
- Japa:Use a mala (rosary) to chant name of gods, such as “Namah Shivaya” or “Krishnaya Namah”. Don’t chant any mantra unless you are initiated from guru.
- Express Gratitude:Begin and end your day by thanking the divine for guidance and blessings.
- Serve the Divine in All:See every being as a manifestation of the divine and offer your acts of kindness to God.
Karma Yoga (Path of Selfless Action)
- Perform Daily Duties with Awareness:Approach all tasks, big or small, with mindfulness and dedication, without attachment to results.
- Seva (Selfless Service):Volunteer to help others without expecting anything in return.Offer time to serve the community, whether through teaching, feeding, or supporting those in need.
- Dedicate Actions to God:Mentally offer your work as a service to the divine, seeing yourself as an instrument.
- Practice Equanimity (Samatva):Accept success and failure, praise and criticism, with a balanced mind.
- Sustain Ecological Responsibility:Treat nature with reverence by engaging in sustainable practices as a form of worship.
Raja Yoga (Path of Meditation)
NOTE: It's better to practice Raja Yoga under the instructions of guru or someone who has walked down the path of Raja Yoga and has good knowledge about this path.
- Asana (Physical Posture):Practice a steady and comfortable sitting posture (e.g., Padmasana or Sukhasana) to prepare for meditation.Incorporate basic yoga asanas to keep the body healthy and flexible.
- Pranayama (Breath Control):Practice controlled breathing techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) or Kapalabhati to calm the mind and regulate energy.
- Dharana (Concentration):Focus on a single object, mantra, or the breath to train the mind in concentration.Use tools like a candle flame (Trataka) or visualization to aid focus.
- Dhyana (Meditation):Dedicate time each day to meditation. Begin with mindfulness or guided meditation, progressing to silent, focused awareness.
- Yamas and Niyamas (Ethical Disciplines):Follow ethical principles like non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), self-discipline (Tapas), and contentment (Santosha).
- Journaling:Reflect on your thoughts, actions, and progress in meditation by keeping a daily journal.
- Silence (Mauna):Spend some time in silence to conserve energy and deepen inner awareness.
- Regularity:Practice meditation at the same time and place daily to establish discipline and focus.