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Spiritual Disciplines
Generally, a person will
focus his or her energies on one path in particular - the one most suited to one’s
personal temperament. However, often aspects of the other paths are incorporated
into one’s primary pursuit of the spiritual life.
Gurus:
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For Karma, Jnana and
Raja Yoga a Guru (spiritual guide) is most useful if not a
requirement.
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Often, one will retreat
to an Ashram, a spiritual commune or retreat where the Guru lives and
teaches. One may visit periodically or live there long term as a disciple of
the guru.
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Often one is officially
initiated into training under a particular guru taking on monastic vows and
lifestyle, receiving a spiritual name and title of "swami" as a
sign of respect (similar to "Reverend").
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The guru is often
revered as a virtual god to his or her devotee.
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The divine manifests
itself in people as well as in images. It is this inner divinity which is
the source of reverence for the guru. Just as it is not the stone image
which is worshipped, neither is it a mere human that is revered. The
presence of the inner divinity which is in each of us is especially manifest
in the person of the guru. The guru is often a renunciant
and is referred to as a "holy man" - a "sadhu" or "sannyasin".
(Many Hindus would consider Jesus to have been a guru.)
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Ultimately and ideally
the disciple would "graduate" to being a guru him or herself
though maintaining, all the time, a deep respect for his or her own guru
(even after the guru has died).
Karma Yoga
The path of action
Karma yoga is the path of
one who works in society (in contrast to following the path of the renunciant)
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Directs the body
to spiritual ends.
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Spiritually motivated
service in the world, in society.
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Work, service, ritual
acts done as a loving sacrifice for god’s glory and/or to practice
detachment from the ego.
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A selfless
giving, selfless action, which, being selfless with no concern for
personal gain or reward, allows old karma to be eliminated without building
up new karma.
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This path supports the
Caste system in saying that we each have a duty to do in society.
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Fulfilling one’s duty
without concern for oneself is Karma Yoga.
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