vividha yoga

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Ghantali Mitra MandalYoga Diploma Course

Anand SahasrabuddheB Sc (Hons), Yoga Teachers diploma Ghantali Mitra Mandal,

(Recog. By Govt. of Maharashtra), Adv. P. G Dip in Yoga Science (Kavi Kulaguru Kalidas University, Nagpur), M. A. in

Yoga Science (Kavi Kulaguru Kalidas University, Nagpur).

VIVIDHA YOGA

• Laya Yoga• Mantra Yoga• Japa Yoga• Bhakti Yoga• Karma Yoga• Jnana Yoga• Hatha Yoga• Raja Yoga• Nada Yoga

What is Laya Yoga? Laya yoga is an ancient form of meditation, with

concentration on energy centers or chakras. Sage Gorakshnatha, an ancient sage a disciple of Matsyendranath is the founder of Laya yoga. There are five main energy centers in the spine and two in the head. Laya yoga attempts to locate these energy centers and channelize them through meditation.

Laya essentially means to dissolve all Karmic patterns or conditioning and merge into the transcendental reality. It also means deep concentration and making an effort to obliterate the ego, thereby rising to a higher state of consciousness, called Turiya.

What is Mantra Yoga?

• In Sanskrit, the “man” in mantra means “to think,” and “tra” suggests instrumentality.

• Mantra literally means an instrument of thought.

• You repeat a word, phrase or sound in order to transcend the constant distractions of the mind.


Mantra is a thought, indicating something subtler, deeper and unknown to the five

senses of knowledge.


Mind in an intuitive state directly understands all the higher laws. One who knows these higher and subtler laws, unknown to the five senses, is called a scientist in the modern world and is called a rishi in Sanskrit.

Rishi means rishati janati iti rishih: one who sees and knows. Sees and knows all these higher and subtler laws. Rishi is a seer. A seer of Mantras. The principles like the ‘Law of Gravity’ or the ‘Theory of Relativity’ are unknown to the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. Knowledge is directly revealed to the ‘inner instrument’ or antahh-karan-a. Mind is also called by that name in Sanskrit.


Mantras are codified forms of the various facets of the Truth.

Mantras are seen by rishi’s in their transcendental mental states, in higher realms of consciousness.

Every mantra has a rishi, a meter and a deity indicating a facet of the Ultimate.

Mantras are sound symbols and are all codified.Mantras consist of one or more letters. A letter in Sanskrit

is called aksharam. Na ksharati iti aksharam: one who does not perish is called aksharam. The ultimate Truth

also is called as aksharam.


A mantra contains at least one syllable and can contain any number of syllables. These one-syllable mantras are called bija aksharas or bi-ja’s. Bija means a seed. In Sanskrit when bija is reversed it becomes jiba or jiva, which means the individual. Both the individual and the seed are eternal because no one can ever say when the first individual or the first seed started. They started with the creation itself. Now each of these bija mantras reflects different aspects of the Truth in a subtler way. Some examples for bija’s are Om, Hrim, Shrim, Klim, Im, Dum and so on.

What is Japa Yoga?

It could be said that among all the branches of Yoga, the crest jewel is Japa Yoga, the science of the repetition of mantras. One of the pillars of Yoga for thousands of years, it doesn’t require strenuous exercise of the body, mind, or will power. Simple, yet direct and effective, it uses specific sound formulas to calm, clear, and uplift the mind, readying it for the highest spiritual experiences. It can be practiced just about anywhere and at any time. Japa Yoga is suitable for anyone of any age, and for anyone of any faith tradition.

What is Japa Yoga?

Japa means to repeat. Japa Yoga is an exact science, but simple to practice. It’s just a matter of repeating a mantra while maintaining an attentive awareness of its sound.

A good routine is to sit for at least fifteen minutes, twice a day. A good preparation is to do a few chants or affirmations. Then, watch the breath for a few moments. Then add the mantra repetition to the flow of the breath. The mantra can be combined in any way you find most

natural. With practice, it will seem that the breath is repeating the mantra, and you’re just watching. At this point, mantra japa becomes much easier and you will see more benefits.

What is Japa Yoga?

In the Bhagavadgita, the Lord has referred to this aspect of spiritual sadhana as perhaps the best among the known methods of approach to God. “Among all the sacrifices, sadhanas, austerities or forms of tapas, I am represented by japa,” says Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Japa is regarded as the most efficacious method of spiritual practice because it is intimately connected with the immediate realities of life which are intelligible to our understanding, and at the same time it is also inwardly connected with a secret silken thread to the ultimate goal of yoga. The terms ‘name’ and ‘form’, to which we have made reference here, mean much more than what we are likely to make out from them. The name is not merely an epithet or an appellation that we casually attach to a physical form.

What is Bhakti Yoga?

Bhakti-Yoga is a real, genuine search after the Lord, a search beginning, continuing, and ending in love. One single moment of the madness of extreme love to God brings us eternal freedom. "Bhakti", says Nârada in his explanation of the Bhakti-aphorisms, "is intense love to God"; "When a man gets it, he loves all, hates none; he becomes satisfied for ever"; "This love cannot be reduced to any earthly benefit", because so long as worldly desires last, that kind of love does not come; "Bhakti is greater than karma, greater than Yoga, because these are intended for an object in view, while Bhakti is its own fruition, its own means and its own end."

What is Bhakti Yoga? There is not really so much difference between knowledge (Jnana) and love(Bhakti) as people sometimes imagine. We shall see, as we go on, that in the endthey converge and meet at the same point. So also is it with Râja-Yoga, whichwhen pursued as a means to attain liberation, and not (as unfortunately itfrequently becomes in the hands of charlatans and mystery-mongers) as aninstrument to hoodwink the unwary, leads us also to the same goal. The one

great advantage of Bhakti is that it is the easiest and the most natural wayto reach the great divine end in view; its great disadvantage is that in its lowerforms it oftentimes degenerates into hideous fanaticism. The fanatical crew inHinduism, or Mohammedanism, or Christianity, have always been almostexclusively recruited from these worshippers on the lower planes of Bhakti.

What is Bhakti Yoga?

In commenting on the Sutra of Patanjali, Ishvara pranidhânâdvâ, i.e. "Or by the worship of the Supreme Lord" — Bhoja says, "Pranidhâna is that sort of Bhakti in which, without seeking results, such as sense-enjoyments etc., all works are dedicated to that Teacher of teachers." Bhagavan Vyâsa also, when commenting on the same, defines Pranidhana as "the form of Bhakti by which the mercy of the Supreme Lord comes to the Yogi, and blesses him by granting him his desires".

What is Karma Yoga?

The word Karma is derived from the Sanskrit Kri, to do; all action is Karma. Technically, this word also means the effects of actions. In connection with metaphysics, it sometimes means the effects, of which our past actions were the causes. But in Karma-Yoga we have simply to do with the word Karma as meaning work. The goal of mankind is knowledge. That is the one ideal placed before us by Eastern philosophy.

What is Karma Yoga?

Pleasure is not the goal of man, but knowledge. Pleasure and happiness come to an end. It is a mistake to suppose that pleasure is the goal. The cause of all the miseries we have in the world is that men foolishly think pleasure to be the ideal to strive for. After a time man finds that it is not happiness, but knowledge, towards which he is going, and that both pleasure and pain are great teachers, and that he learns as much from evil as from good.

What is Karma Yoga?

Karma means work or action. According to Rishi Jaimini, rituals like Agnihotra, Yajnas, etc., are termed Karmas. There is a hidden power in Karma termed ‘Adrishta’, which brings in fruits of Karmas for the individual. Karma is all in all for Jaimini. Karma is everything for a student of the Mimamsic school of thought. Jaimini is the founder of Poorva Mimamsa. He was a student of Maharishi Vyasa, the founder of Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta.

What is Karma Yoga?

The Mimamsa school denies the existence of Ishvara, who awards the fruits of works. According to the Gita, any action is a Karma. Charity, sacrifice and Tapas are all Karmas. In a philosophical sense, even breathing, seeing, hearing, tasting, feeling, smelling, walking, talking, etc., are all Karmas. Thinking is the real Karma. Raga-dvesha (likes and dislikes) constitute real Karma.

What is Karma Yoga?

Nishkamya Karma Yoga In the practice of Nishkamya Karma Yoga, there is no loss of effort. There is no harm. There is no transgression also. Even a little of this knowledge, even a little practice can protect you from great fear of birth and death with its concomitant evils. You will doubtless reap the fruits in this path of Karma Yoga, viz., Jnana. There is no uncertainty here. Matter is indestructible. Energy is indestructible.

What is Karma Yoga?

Even a little practice with the right mental attitude will purify the Chitta. The Samskaras of virtuous actions are imbedded in the Chitta. They are also indestructible. They are real, valuable assets for you. They will prevent you from doing wrong actions. They will lead you to do selfless actions. They will push you on to the goal. Selfless works will prepare the ground of Antahkarana for the reception of the seed of Jnana. The path of Karma Yoga eventually leads to the attainment of infinite bliss of the Self.

What is Jnana Yoga?

Man wants happiness. He shuns pain. He makes various sorts of efforts (Pravritti) to get happiness from objects and gets himself entangled in the meshes or snares of Maya. As these objects are perishable, finite and conditioned in time, space and causation, he fails to get the desired happiness from the objects. This world is Apurna (imperfect) and there is uncertainty of life.

What is Jnana Yoga?

There is not an iota of happiness in objects and they are Jada (insentient). Even the sensual

pleasure is a reflection of Atmic Bliss only. Just as a dog which sucks a dry bone in the streets

imagines foolishly that the blood comes from the dry bone, whereas, it really oozes from its own

palate, so also worldly-minded persons foolishly imagine that the happiness they enjoy comes from the objects only.

What is Jnana Yoga?

There is a mental uneasiness, dissatisfaction, discontent and restlessness even in multi-millionaires and kings. Some kind of sorrow, misery or pain is always present even when you are in the height of enjoyment of worldly pleasures. When the marriage of your second son is celebrated the remembrance of your first son who passed away, torments your mind. Mind is so constituted that the rhythm of pleasure and pain is kept up like the rhythm of systole and diastole (contraction and dilation) of heart.

What is Jnana Yoga?

Amongst the things desired by human beings of this world, Moksha alone is the best and

highest thing. The means (Sadhan) for Moksha is Atma Jnana (knowledge of the Self or Atman),

Vichara of “Who am I?” or significance of “Tat Tvam Asi” Mahavakya. This is the means for

attainment of Brahma Jnana.

What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha yoga is not an exercise. Asana means a posture. If I sit in one way, it is one asana. If I sit in another way, it is another asana. So innumerable asanas are possible. Hatha yoga is a preparatory process of yoga. The word “ha” means sun, “tha” means moon. “Hatha” means the yoga to bring balance between the sun and the moon in you, or the Pingala and Ida in you. You can explore Hatha yoga in ways that take you beyond certain limitations, but fundamentally, it is a physical preparation – preparing the body for a higher possibility.

What is Swatmaram’s Hatha Yoga ?

Among all the systems of Yoga, Hatha Yoga practised and prescribed by Swatmarama stands unrivalled and unique. It is the most perfect system. Brain, muscles, nerves, organs, tissues are toned and energised. All chronic diseases are rooted out. It deals with Asanas, Pranayamas with option of ShatKarmas, Mudras, Bandhas, and concentration and meditation by Nadanusandhana.


Asanas pertain to the physical body. They render the body firm and steady and eradicate physical

ailments. Swatmarama has described fifteen Asanas.

Practice of Pranayama exercises improves the lungs, blood circulation and purifies the Nadis and nerves. Controls Mind. He has described eight types of Pranayamas.

Swatmarama has prescribed Shatkarmas ( six purification activities ) but as per the need.


Asanas pertain to the physical body. They render the body firm and steady and eradicate physical

ailments. Practice of Pranayama improves the lungs, blood

circulation and purifies the Nadis and nerves. Controls Mind.

Shatkarmas cleanses Nadis, respiratory and Digestive systems.


Bandhas pertain to the Prana. That which binds is a Bandha. They do not allow the Prana to move upwards and the Apana to move downwards. They bind and unite the Prana with the Apana and send the united Prana-apana along the Sushumna Nadi.


Mudras concern the mind. They represent seals. Mudra means a seal. They seal the mind with the soul or Atman. They do not allow the mind to wander outside towards objects. They direct the externalizing mind towards Atman in the chambers of the heart and fix it there.


Nada Anusandhan comprises of two Sanskrit words. Nada means the ordinary sound to the sound of consciousness, ॐ. Anusandhāna means investigation or inquest of the supreme sound. Nada Anusandhan is an awakening and dissolving process of individual self with Supreme Self. Through Nada how one can connect individual energy to the supreme energy can be termed as Nada Anusandhan.


There are many classical examples and evidences that through Nada Anusandhan one can easily attain the self-enlightenment or the ultimate yoga (union). Ultimate Union is very difficult and rarest happening in one’s life. But this process is very effective, easy and rewarding to attain the goal.

What is Gheranda Muni’s Hatha Yoga ?

• Gheranda Samhita is a manual of Yoga taught by Gheranda to Chanda Kapali. Unlike other Hatha yoga texts, the Gheranda Samhita speaks of a seven fold yoga:

• Shatkarma for purification• Asana for strengthening• Mudra for steadying• Pratyahara for calming• Pranayama for lightness• Dhyana for perception• Samādhi for isolation

What is Gheranda Muni’s Hatha Yoga ?

• The text follows the division in seven chapters, and has a focus upon the shatkarma thus this text is sometimes said to describe ghatastha yoga.

What is Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga?

• Ashtanga Yoga has eight limbs ( Angas ).• Asana is only one part of Ashtanga Yoga.• Two major Parts of Ashtanga Yoga are Bahiranga Yoga

and Antaranga Yoga.• Parts of Bahiranga Yoga: Yama (Ethical Observations ),

Niyama ( Self Observations ), Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara ( Controling the senses and withdrawal ).

• Parts of Antaranga Yoga: Dharana ( Contemplation ), Dhyana ( Meditation ) and Samadhi( Absorption in to the Brahman or understanding Purusha and Prakriti )


Five YamasAhimsa: Non violanceSatya: TruthfulnessAsteya: Not stealingBrahmacharya: Moderation in body and mindAparigraha: Non possesiveness


Five NiyamasShauch: Inner and out ward cleanlinessSantosha: ContentmentTapas: Hard work, self-disciplineSwadhyaya: Self studyIshwara Pranidhana: Surrender to Ishwara


Asana:Sthira Sukham AsanamPrayatna Shaithilyat Ananta Samapattibhyam


Pranayama:Tasminsati Shwasa Prashwasayoh Gati vichchedah

Pranayamah


Pratyahara: ( Controling the senses and withdrawal )Swavishaya Samprayoge Chitta swarupanukar

Ivendriyanam Pratyaharah


Dharana: ( Contemplation )

Desha Bandha Chittasya Dharana


Dhyana: ( Meditation )

Tatra Pratyaya Ekatanata Dhyanam


Samadhi: ( Absorption in to the Brahman or understanding Purusha and Prakriti )

Tadevartha Matra Nirbhasam Swaroopa Shunya Miva Samadhi

What is Nada Yoga ?

Nada yoga is the exploration of consciousness through the vehicle of sound and the discovery of its source. Although a distinct path of its own, nada yoga can also include other aspects of yoga that relate to transformation through sound such as music, tone, and the art of listening. The Sanskrit word nadam means sound or cosmic vibration. The aim of nada yoga is to harmonise the gross and subtle energy fields and bring them into alignment with their natural vibration. This is in preparation for what we regard as the ultimate goal of yoga, the experience of blissful union with the divine.

What is Nada Yoga ?

For most of us on the yoga path, the innumerable benefits that yoga brings along the way become more significant than this ultimate attainment. Through the practice of nada yoga, we aim to still the mind and listen, opening to an awareness of subtle psychic sounds until they lead us ultimately into a deep, restful, and healing experience of meditation.

What is Nada Yoga ?

We can use sound as a vehicle for our conscious awareness to dive deep beyond the surface distractions of the mind into a state of pratyahara (withdrawal from the outer senses). In this state of sense withdrawal, we can then enter into meditation where we can experience an environment that allows our mind and body to heal..

What is Nada Yoga ?

• Different States of Nada• In Tantra it is thought that sound occurs in four

dimensions – four levels of sound relating to frequency, degree of fineness and strength.

• 1. The coarse (ordinary audible, material) sound, ( Vaikhari )

• 2. the mental sound, ( Madhyama )• 3. the visualised sound and ( Pashyanti )• 4. the transcendent sound.( Para Nada )

What is Nada Yoga ?

Para: The transcendent sound, which has the highest

frequency, is called Para Nada. Para means highest or farthest, and in this connection: transcendent. Para Nada is beyond the reach of the sense organs. It is heard in other dimensions, on other levels of consciousness.

What is Nada Yoga ?

Pashyanti The second level of sound has fewer vibrations

and is coarser than Para. It is called Pashyanti.

What is Nada Yoga ?

MadhyamaA sound, which has fewer vibrations than Para

and Pashyanti, but which is finer than Vaikhari, is called Madhyama.

What is Nada Yoga ?

Vaikhari The fourth and coarsest plane of Nada is

Vaikhari. The Vaikhari sounds are audible and can be physically produced. Vaikhari is the spoken sound. It is produced for example by rubbing or hitting two things against each other. Its vibrations are limited to a certain range.

In a nutshell Vividha Yoga

Man with Chitta Vrittis

KaivalyaMoksha

liberation

Laya Yoga

Mantra Yoga

Japa Yoga

Bhakti Yoga

Karma Yoga

Jnana Yoga

Hatha Yoga

Raja Yoga

Nada Yoga

vividha yoga

Education