Yogas and yamas

Question 1

Jnana yoga

Answer 1

The path of wisdom. Jnana yoga is a disciplined type of yoga that is done by Hindus who have given up worldly possessions and want to focus on trying to be in unity with God. They try to connect themselves and the world with Brahman. People who practise jnana yoga study Hindu scriptures to understand Brahman in more depth.

Question 2

Astanga yoga

Answer 2

Eight-limbed yoga, or royal yoga. Astanga yoga enables a person to achieve physical control of, for example, their posture, breath, senses and concentration. By doing this, they can find purer and higher states of consciousness of Ultimate Reality and appreciate spiritual reality for themselves.

Question 3

Karma yoga

Answer 3

The path of good actions. Karma yoga is about focusing on doing good things and helping others. The purpose is to try to focus on the spiritual aspects of life rather than material objects. Hindus believe that doing good things will gain them good karma and therefore help towards achieving moksha.

Question 4

Bhakti yoga

Answer 4

The path of devotion. Bhakti yoga is about expressing love and devotion in worship. This might be done through prayer to images of gods and goddesses in a mandir or home shrine. The spiritual practice of devotion gathers good karma and leads to liberation and unity with Ultimate Reality (Brahman).

Question 5

What is sewa

Answer 5

selfless service to other people and the community

Question 6

What is dana

Answer 6

giving generously, for example giving money to charity

Question 7

name the 4 yamas

Answer 7

ahimsa
dana
daya
dama

Question 8

what is ahimsa

Answer 8

do not harm living things

Question 9

what is daya

Answer 9

have compassion for suffering

Question 10

what is dama

Answer 10

live in a self controlled way

Question 11

name the four yogas

Answer 11

jnana
astanga
karma
bhakti