The Four Forms Of Yoga And Meditation In Hindu Religion

Hinduism is one big family of beliefs that unites the worship of many gods with a belief in a single divine reality. Hinduism does not have an identifiable founder nor a structure in place to defend it and spread its guidance, or a creed to steady its beliefs. At first many of its teachings and scriptures were passed down orally but eventually, were written down for all to cherish. In Christianity we find that Jesus is the originator of this religion, and is purely a missionary religion. Traveling and branching out to as many people as possible to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. Also, in similar sense there are many denominations within the religion that have different teachings but all usually lead to the same result, reaching heaven

Like most aspects of Hinduism there are many forms of yoga and meditation. The four main forms of yoga are Bhakti, Raja, Hatha, and Kundalini. Bhakti yoga is referred to as devotion yoga. This is done by songs, chanting, food offerings and anointing of statues. This is often shown toward spiritual teachers, parents, or spouses. Raja yoga is the promotion of meditation. In this yoga it is common to sit quietly, turning inward, and calming the mind. Hatha yoga is the most common yoga that has spread to west. Physical exercise, stretches and breathing techniques are found in this yoga. Kundalini yoga is when raja and hatha yoga comes hand and hand. This yoga teaches that there are seven psychic centers called chakras that run along the spinal cord. Once the meditator passes through a chakra it is supposed to bring insight and

The Vedas literally mean knowledge or sacred lore and consists of the four main vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. The rig veda is also known as hymn knowledge, which is a collection of more than 1000 chants to the gods. The Sama Veda is known as chant knowledge, which is a handbook of musical elaborations. The Yajur Veda is known as ceremonial knowledge that contains matter of recitation for sacrifices. Lastly the Atharva Veda means knowledge from teachers and consist of practical prayers and charms like protection against snakes or sickness. Along with the Vedas came 3 more texts: The Brahmanas, The Aranyakas, and The Upanishads. The Brahmanas are named after the priests who would use them. This text would give details about the proper time and place for ceremonies, the preparation of the ground, ritual objects and purification rights. The Aranyakas are referred to as the forest books because men who would leave society and live in the forest made these texts and used them for rituals and allowed things to be understood in nonliteral symbolic ways. The Upanishads express philosophical and religious ideas that arose in introspective and meditative traditions and learning techniques for achieving religious experiences. Obviously, The Holy Bible, in Christianity is the most sacred text in this religion. Inside the Bible includes The New