The 3 Yogas and Mantra

Applied correctly the 3 Yogas can be an effective way to make positive change in your life. The 3 Yogas are a means to overcome suffering and realize the joy often hidden by our condition. Often times it can be difficult to understand the 3 Yogas and even more so how to apply them. So today we will look at the practice of Mantra and apply it to the 3 Yogas.

First, a quick recap. Karma Yoga is the yoga of action. Practicing Karma yoga can be acts of selfless service but also sitting with discomfort and practicing detachment so as to change our perspective on things we’ve defined as suffering.

Jnana Yoga is the yoga of wisdom. It is learning from philosophical principles and the study and practice of virtue. The Jnani is understanding and considerate as well as curious and contemplative.

Bhakti Yoga is the practice of devotion. Taking on all matters of spirituality.

If we were to take a single practice, in this case Mantra, and apply the 3 yogas to this practice, what would it look like?

For the Karma Yogi the practice of mantra can be performed in such a way that one would need to call upon their patience, perseverance and endurance. Let’s look at the Hanuman Chalisa. This prayer is about 9 minutes long and during Hanuman Jayanti some will chant the chalisa all day long. Think about how daunting a task this would be. The Karma Yogi would take this as an opportunity to detach from any suffering they may experience during this challenging day.

As a Jnana Yogi, one might study the words and look for meaning and understanding. Maybe even go beyond the words and closely study the notes and melody. Always looking for clues to deeper wisdom.

Finally, for the Bhakti, the mantra becomes a prayer. It is a means to commune with one’s chosen deity. In this case it becomes an important tool to connect with one’s spirit and potentially find liberation from the material.

There are some who fit very neatly into one of these Yogas but, I believe, we can travel between them and tap into all three in a single practice. The next time you’re on your mat, take note of how you are approaching your practice. Maybe you’re feeling compelled to challenge yourself through difficult asana. Maybe you’re taking your time to carefully position your body in an attempt to better understand your practice. There’s also a possibility you move through your practice with little thought or obstacles and a feeling of deep connection to your breath and the Self emerges.