4 Types Of Spiritual Path

There are many ways to the top of a mountain, depending on your temperament.

In India, there are four different paths, or styles, of yoga. When westerners hear that word, they usually assume it just means stretching and breathing practices.

The physical activities are involved, but they are only methods. The goal of yoga is union with the divine. That means training and unifying not only the body, but the mind and spirit too, to always abide in bliss.

Here are the four most common paths towards that divine union:

1. Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti means “devotion,” and Bhakti yoga is the spiritual path of purifying the heart. It is the practice of replacing all of your intentions with love — it’s becoming love.

Devotion itself is the purifying force. If you devote yourself to loving something, it will begin to teach and change you. For example, you might take care of a houseplant, or a sick family member, or raise a blog.

Serving the quiet houseplant may help you learn routine. Serving a sick family member may help you learn patience and forgiveness. The ego wears away naturally when put into service, and is replaced by spontaneous love.