Practices

Whatever we are today it is due to the effect of our past actions and accumulated impressions. Our past actions were inspired by our thoughts and beliefs. So, if we want to be a better human being we need to improve our thoughts. Our actions will follow our thoughts, which in turn will improve our habits, and then will transform our behavior patterns and character.

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The misery, weakness, and incompleteness we are experiencing today stem from ignorance of our Real Self. The following ways are practiced to remove these weaknesses:

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Jnana Yoga: By cultivating the right knowledge of our Real Self. The following methods are practiced:

(A) Shravana (hearing, absorbing)—repeated hearing of the Truth with one-pointed devotion that our Real nature, the innermost core, is divine.

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(B) Manana (cogitation, contemplation)—removal of all doubts by positive contemplation based on robust common sense. Vedanta emphasizes leading a life of virtue and righteousness and also seeking guidance from our innermost core. Following this method, one sheds off ignorance, and a strong conviction grows within for goodness and the divinity of the self.

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(C) Nididhyasana (being and becoming)—Realization comes to an aspirant based on this conviction. It is being and becoming by constant meditation on the Real Self, then translating those thoughts into one’s own natural behavior pattern.

 

Bhakti Yoga: The same goal can be achieved through devotion to the personal God, with nine kinds of endeavor, where wholehearted, total surrender to God is essential.

 

Karma Yoga: Similarly, the same goal can be achieved through selfless service to the God that resides in all beings.

 

Raja Yoga: An aspirant may achieve the same goal by cessation of all mental waves through meditation and one-pointed concentration.