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Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism314
Yoga is the Yoga of work—the path of action. Gnani Yoga is the Yoga of
Wisdom. In addition to the above mentioned three forms of Yoga, there
is that which is known as “Bhakti Yogi,” or the Yoga of devotion—the path
of religious feeling. Some writers treat this path as if it were distinct from
the others—a separate path—but we prefer thinking and teaching that it
is merely an incident of each of the three paths, as we cannot conceive of
any student of Yoga divorcing his work from the love and devotion to the
Absolute—to God. We fail to see how one may follow any of the several
Yoga paths without being filled with love and reverence for the great centre
of all life. In these lessons we will speak of Bhakti Yogi separately, but we
wish to be understood that we do not consider it a separate thing, but feel
that the student of any, or all, of the forms of Yogi must combine Bhakti Yogi
with his favorite form of study.
In this lesson we will take up the branch of the subject known as “Karma
Yoga”—the Yoga of action—of work. But we must explain that although
the necessities and tendencies of the student may make this path the more
attractive to him, still he may take a keen interest in the other forms of
Yogi, such as Gnani Yoga, Raja Yoga, etc. And the students of these other
branches must not overlook Karma Yoga as being beneath their notice, for
it is a matter which concerns their daily life, and in this Western world where
nearly all men live a life of action, the student must combine the principles
of Karma Yoga with his other studies.
This lesson will be devoted to Karma Yoga. The next lesson will take up
the subject of Gnani Yoga. The one following Gnani Yoga will take up that
branch of the subject known as Bhakti Yoga. We will not touch upon Raja
Yoga in these lessons, as we are now preparing a separate book upon that
branch of Yoga.
Before considering Karma Yoga it may be well for us to take a general
view of the subject of Yoga. What is the end and aim of the teachings and
the practices? What does it all mean? What is Man seeking for in all these
endeavors? What does life, and growth, and development, and evolution