12 A JOURNEY INTO YIN YOGA
came about from opening his mind to knowing directly the universal laws of
nature. For 45 years after his awakening, The Buddha taught countless people
his meditation technique known as vipassana, which means insight, or to
see things as they really are. The Buddha’s teachings empowered people to
understand that the wisdom and knowledge he had attained could also be
achieved through their direct experience in meditation.
Albert Einstein is a great example of a person who acted as a modern day
jnana yogi. He used the instrument of the mind to revolutionize science through
his direct experience. In fact, he said, “Information is not knowledge. The
only source of knowledge is experience.” He unlocked some of the greatest
mysteries of the universe through the power of his mind. Einstein did this
with a laser-like focus and heightened concentration, similar to meditation, that
revealed to him, through direct experiences, certain hidden laws of nature.
His findings would change the course of modern-day science as we know it.
So, we can see with these historical examples, that in jnana yoga one uses
the power of the mind to directly experience the true nature of reality at the
subtlest levels. And it is these direct experiences that lead one to enlightenment,
a state wherein we gain real knowledge of the deepest truths of existence.Karma Yoga
Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion states for every action, there is an
equal and opposite reaction. Karma is a figurative Third Law of Motion. The
way you treat people affects how they react and treat you in return. How you
take care of your body affects how it functions for you, and thinking positively
attracts positivity to you.
Karma yoga is the path of using thoughts, speech, and actions in ways that
are of service to others. Naturally, when we give to others, we also receive. It’s
a two-way street. The more generous and kind to others we are, the happier
we will be. Mother Teresa is a great example of someone whose actions were
in line with a karma yogi. She dedicated her entire existence to taking care
of the sick and the poor. A true karma yogi gives without expecting anything
in return. Many people give, but they might expect to be acknowledged or
that the favor will be returned down the road. This isn’t within the true spirit
of generosity.
When we give to others with a pure heart, it begins to awaken something
within us that is truly magnificent. The point of all forms of yoga is to attune
to the interconnectedness of life. When we realize that everything we think,
say, and do has an impact on us and the world around us, we can tap into
the real power of karma yoga.