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gradually a definite Yoga science was built up. To these investigations and
teachings was finally applied the term “Yogi,” from the Sanscrit word “Yug,”
meaning “to join.”
The Threefold Path
Yoga is divided into several branches, ranging from that which teaches the
control of the body, to that which teaches the highest spiritual development.
Men are of varying temperaments, and the course that which will best suit
one will not be adapted to the requirements of another. One will seek
progress and development in one direction, and another in a different way,
and a third by a still different course. The Yogi Philosophy teaches that the
way that seems to appeal the most to a man’s general temperament and
disposition is the one best adapted to his use at the present time. They
divide the Path of Attainment into three paths leading up to the great main
road. They call these three paths: (1) Raja Yoga; (2) Karma Yoga; (3) Gnani
Yoga; each of these forms of Yoga being a path leading to the Great Road,
and each being traveled by those who may prefer it—but all lead to the
same place. We will now give a brief description of each of the three paths,
which together are known to the Yogis as “The Threefold Path.”
The Various Branches
Each branch of Yoga is but a path leading toward the one end—
unfoldment, development, and growth. He who wishes first to develop,
control and strengthen his physical body so as to render it a fit instrument
of the Higher Self, follows the path of “Hatha Yoga.” He who would develop
his will-power and mental faculties, unfolding the inner senses, and latent
powers, follows the path of “Raja Yoga.” He who wishes to develop by
“knowing”—by studying the fundamental principles and the wonderful
truths underlying Life, follows the path of “Gnani Yoga.” And he who wishes
to grow into a union with the One Life by the influence of Love, he follows
the path of “Bhakti Yoga.” But it must not be supposed that the student must