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17 - JAIN YOGA
Yoga is that which unites. While dealing with the topic of the influx of Karma, Acharya Umäsvämi has said that the activity of the body, speech, and mind which creates vibration in the soul is called yoga.
The karmic matter flows into the soul through the channel or medium of activity. If such activity is accompanied by auspicious intention, it becomes the cause of merit or Punya; if it is accompanied by inauspicious intension, it becomes the cause of demerit or Päp. If the activity is pure, then there is no vibration in the soul and hence no bondage. The word Yoga is used for Dhyana or Meditation in Jainism.
B. Four Primary Paths to Yoga Indian traditions define that there are four primary paths to yoga which lead the worldly soul to liberation. They are: Path of Devotion (Bhakti-yoga): The path of devotion aims at the enjoyment of supreme Love and Bliss. It focuses on realization of Truth (true reality, true potential) through means of devotion and surrender. Prayers, rituals, and ceremonial processes are its basic approach. Chanting, singing, and repeating God's name are also important practices. In the initial stage of spiritual progress, a temple or similar place is needed to practice Bhakti yoga. Ultimately, Bhakti yoga develops humility within and dissolves ego or ""-ness. This is an excellent form of yoga for emotionally oriented people. Path of Knowledge (Jnän-yoga): The path of knowledge aims at the realization of the unique and supreme SELF. Intellectually oriented people prefer this path because it uses study, thinking, direct inquiry, and contemplation as its practices. This path is typified by spiritual discrimination between what is real (true reality) and what is unreal or illusion (Mithyätva or Mäyä) in the universe.
The path uses the intellect as a means to negate bondage to the material world through inquiry and analysis. The mind itself is used to examine its own nature. This is typified by inquiring of oneself through meditation - "Why am I here?" "What is real and unreal?" and the biggest question of all - "Who am I?" This leads to the
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JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
