is not a synthesis of all the separate branches of the tradition; it is the prior and undivided whole of which the branches represent partial formations. Jnana: Way of Knowledge Jnana Yoga uses the intellect as a tool to understand that our true "Self" is behind and beyond our mind. It is, however, a mistake to think the Source could be found with the intellect alone. For the purpose of Self-discovery, Jnana Yoga probes the nature of the Self through the question "Who am I?" Thus, Jnana Yoga may be called the Quest for the Self or the Inquiry into "who we are." There are seekers who want to believe but have a greater need to understand; they have lots of questions and need all of them answered. These seekers are the best candidates for Jnana Yoga." Prem Prakash emphasizes that the advantage of Jnana-Yoga is that it provides a strong focus on the goal of Self-realization. Because the Jnana-yogin seeks the transcendent, he can remain detached from the emotional traumas, physical problems, and the desire for the fruits of Yoga practice (such as siddhis or paranormal powers) that plague aspirants on other paths.) The disadvantage of Jnana-Yoga is that it can easily draw the aspirant into a deluded mental condition. It is easy for the inexperienced aspirant to confuse the elevated state of transcendence of body and mind with his own psychological condition of dissociation from body and personality. The former is a state of enlightenment; the latter is closer to Autism. Immature jnana-yogins often fail to recognize that God has two aspects: eternal stillness and eternal activity By falling down on one side of the fence, by focusing solely on being, they fail to realize the joy of doing, the aspect of God in activity. Raja-Yoga, literally "kingly Yoga," is that branch of Yoga which focuses primarily on meditation. Prem Prakash, (1998). The goal of Raja-Yoga is the attainment of samadhi, a state of God awareness accessible ...
