The 4 Paths to Find Freedom On and Off Your Mat
With the 4th of July on Tuesday – Independence Day in the United States – many share their gratitude for the freedoms they experience in their lives. And for everyone that can look differently.
For some, freedom means the ability to work from wherever you want.
For others, freedom means the ability to be with whomever you want.
Or the freedom to say whatever you want.
Believe in whatever you want.
Freedom to live your life in whatever way you choose.
Freedom can be defined in different ways. And you choose how it’s defined for you.
And really, isn’t that what most of us are looking for? The freedom to define what freedom means to you. How that looks. How that feels in your day-to-day life.
Now more than ever, no matter what side you stand on – if any at all – we all want freedom.
Freedom. Liberty. Moksha.
In Sanskrit, there is a word for freedom and liberation: Moksha. ‘Moksha’ defines freedom and liberation in a different way as well. And within Indian and yogic philosophy, there are said to be paths you can take to achieve such liberation or Moksha.
Before diving in, take a moment to consider how you personally define freedom in your life? What gives you a sense of freedom? Conversely, what makes you feel a lack of freedom?
Indian Philosophy of Moksha
In Indian philosophy, Moksha is defined as freedom and liberation from the bondage of suffering, attachment, and ignorance. It’s said that these bondages are created through your thoughts and beliefs, and the process of achieving Moksha requires you to release them – one by one.
As you release attachments to who you think you are, how you think the world should be, and all of your other expectations of yourself and the world around you, you experience less suffering. And, you walk closer toward self-realization.
At the base of it, there is a strong belief – and faith – that everything is not only connected to each other but that everything is perfect and as it should be, just as it is.
Change does not need to be forced because it occurs naturally and organically. And, it does not need to be resisted, because it is inevitable… and happens naturally and organically.
Yogic Philosophy of Moksha
Can you see the parallel within yogic beliefs as well? In Yoga, there is a strong belief that as you become more self-aware and less distracted by the external world, you draw closer toward union with yourself and a higher power – universe, source, God, energy, however you term or define it.
In Yoga, there are the eight limbs which are practices that help you along your path toward Moksha.
These include yamas (abstinences), niyamas (observances), asanas (yoga postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption).
These eight limbs are practices that bring increased self-awareness and helps in releasing external, worldly attachments.
Additionally, there are four paths in particular said to help you achieve Moksha.
The Four Paths Toward Moksha
In its essence, Moksha is presence. You become free and liberated by surrendering to the absolute present moment.
To achieve moksha, it’s believed that ‘Maya’ (illusion) must be cast off, anava (ego) must be dissolved, and both our attachments to pleasure, and our aversions to discomfort, must be severed. The five kleshas, or negative mental patterns, must be removed, and the yogic virtues of faith (sraddha), vigor (virya), friendship (maitri), compassion (karuna), joy (mudita), equanimity (upekshanam), and wisdom (prajna) must be cultivated.
Yoga provides paths in helping you to achieve all of this, and ultimately, Moksha. Let’s explore them a little further.
The Path of Selfless Work (Karma Yoga)
The path of selfless work – karma yoga – is all about service to others. It’s believed that when we help others and and act more selflessly, this can bring about a sense of purpose which contributes to overall happiness. This path is achieved through acts like volunteering or donating, or simply being kind of generous to others in some way.
The Path of Self-Dissolving Love (Bhakti Yoga)
The path of self-dissolving love – bhakti yoga – asks that you live your life with an open heart. Bhakti yoga asks for complete devotion and faith in a higher power. It is considered the easiest path toward enlightenment, yet, do you find you struggle to live life with your heart open and completely in faith? Sometimes it’s easier said than done. Nonetheless, worth it in the end.
The Path of Knowledge (Jnana Yoga)
The path of knowledge or absolute discernment – Jnana yoga – requires a path devoted to study and attaining knowledge of the true nature of reality. As knowledge grows, so does wisdom of your true self grow.
Jnana Yoga is said to be one of the most challenging path. Through meditation and self-inquiry you reach self-awareness and wisdom – which requires much discipline, and a desire and ability to be honest within yourself.
The Path of Meditative Immersion (Raja Yoga)
The path of meditative immersion – Raja yoga – is, you guessed it, all about meditation as a means in achieving Moksha. This path is said to be the most challenging as it requires much discipline in meditation and developing control of your mind, thoughts, and beliefs. This path is achieved through consistent meditation practice.
Yoga Brings You Closer to Moksha – Freedom
Whether you’re practicing yoga on or off your mat, the philosophy of yoga is always leading you toward Moksha.
On your mat, Yoga asks that you first and foremost pay attention to your breath and your body. Each breath is witnessed and the sensations observed. Each movement of your body is tied directly to your breath. At any moment, if you’re experiencing a loss of control with your breath, you’re encouraged to take that as a reminder to bring your body and breath back into balance – back into communication.
Off your mat, the same applies – though as we know, that can be even more challenging at times. Off your mat sometimes there are more distractions, your attention being drawn away from the body and breath.
But in the end, the same is asked of you:
Can you come back to the body?
Can you come back to the breath?
Can you come back to this very moment?
Come back to presence.
Come back to presence with us. Whether you come to your mat once, twice, three times a week, month, or daily, your path toward Moksha is never ending, never impossible, and you’re never alone. You already have the freedom within.
