Monday, October 5, 2015
How Do We Get There? Four Yogic Paths
Hinduism identifies four “spiritual personality types” The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator names different personality types, for example, introvert and extrovert. Do you think it is helpful to categorize people according to type? Are the Hindu types illuminating or confusing? What type are you?
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It think it is helpful to categorize people according to type solely because then it is easier to understand how, for example, one Hindu person worships or tries to get closer metaphysically with Brahman. I would understand more of what a Bhakta (person who follows the Bhakti yogic path) does to worship (devotes love to others, especially Brahman, and chooses an ishtu to worship) than a general person following the Hindu faith. It should be understood though, and this does make it more confusing, that people won't necessarily only follow one yogic path, but may rather follow one specifically and also occasionally mix elements of the other yogic paths, like connecting devotion to Brahman with work (karma yoga). The yogic paths are slightly confusing only because it is hard for me to remember the names that go with the practices. I think my yogic path type would be karma yoga, because I like to make sure I am doing the right thing, and participating in spiritual awareness through work seems to fit me most out of all of the other yogic paths.
ReplyDeleteMatt Harris:
ReplyDeleteIt can be helpful to categorize people according to different personality types, not for the purpose of discrimination, but rather to be able to predict people's decisions and understand why they do what they do. The Hindu types are more illuminating than confusing because it shows followers of the faith a clear path to God by telling them exactly what they need to do in order to reach enlightenment. I believe that I would follow the Raja Yogic path because I like the idea of being able to focus intently on just one thing while drowning out all outside distractions.
Categorizing people is helpful because it allows us to get a glimpse into who a human is. Understanding a person's mind and interpretation of Hinduism is a very complex topic, and having categories allows us to gain insight into our fellow humans. The tests to determine personality or strengths are somewhat accurate and they can help in figuring out who we are as a person. I would go down the karma yogic path because I would want to continue working and living my life as is, but relate my work back to a different purpose of serving God or finding my true self.
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