Hinduism : The Path For Self Realization Essay

Hinduism only makes up thirteen percent of the world population but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in intriguing and powerful rituals. Much of Hindu tradition focuses on the four paths to God through yoga. Each path has its own unique elements that are vital to reaching liberation or moksha. According to Pavulraj Michael, the author of “Jñana Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita -- The Path for Self-Realization”, “Yoga means binding one’s psychic powers, [as well as] balancing and enhancing them” (197). The four yogas in Hinduism are Karma, Raja, Jnana, and Bhakti yoga. Each one is equally necessary to finding the path to God, however each one is very different from the other. Karma yoga is the way to God through work. Karma means sacred action and work technically means worship. One meaning of Karma is “Any mental, verbal, or physical action or intention, especially a morally correct or textually prescribed activity” (Michael, 204). Karma, also known as right action or work, and through right action, there should be good outcomes. Good Karma leads to a pure mind and overall happiness (Sivananda, 190). However, bad Karma can lead to impurity of the mind and suffering in the afterlife. There are two vital aspects to Karma yoga that helps practicers connect to their spirituality. The first is Nishkama Karma, which is “work done with an inner freedom from greed...” (Michael, 208). This helps Yogis liberate themselves from the grip of greed which is a very powerful force that…