Gunas, methods of Yoga, and how they map to the Kashmiri Shaivism methodology

[dwai]

The following is an attempt to show how the 4 methods defined within Kashmiri Shaivism can be used to explain the reason why different methods exist and why people with different psychosomatic makeup might find one more effective than another. 

Stage 1: Purification & Preparation
Description: Focus on ethical living, self-discipline, and basic practices to purify the body and mind.
Upaya (Method): Āṇavopāya (predominantly)
Yoga Practices & Examples:
Ashtanga Yoga: Building foundational strength and discipline through asanas and breathwork.
Kundalini Yoga: Initial practices to activate and balance energy. These would be primarily the four outer limbs (angas) - Yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama. 
Bhakti Yoga: Cultivating faith and devotion through rituals and chanting.
Jnana Yoga: Beginning study of scriptures and self-reflection.

Stage 2: Deepening Practice & Insight
Description: Increased self-awareness, refinement of practices, and glimpses of deeper truths.
Upaya (Method): Śāktopāya (increasingly prominent)
Yoga Practices & Examples:
Ashtanga Yoga: Developing deeper concentration and internal awareness during practice. These would focus on Pratyahara (sense-withdrawal) and Dharana (focus). 
Kundalini Yoga: Working with more advanced techniques to awaken Kundalini energy.
Bhakti Yoga: Deepening devotion through surrender and self-offering.
Jnana Yoga: Intensified self-inquiry and contemplation.
Svapna Yoga: Exploring the dream state for self-understanding.

Stage 3: Transcendence & Awakening
Description: Spontaneous insights, experiences of unity, and liberation from limitations.
Upaya (Method): Śāmbhavopāya (emerging)
Yoga Practices & Examples:
All practices: Moments of transcendence and deep connection can arise spontaneously through grace in any practice. These would be focused on developing dhyana and entering samadhi. 
Svapna Yoga: Spontaneous spiritual experiences in the dream state.

Stage 4: Realization & Freedom
Description: Full recognition of the true nature of the Self and reality.
Upaya (Method): Anupāya
Yoga Practices & Examples:
Jnana Yoga: Direct realization of the Self, transcending all practices.
Bhakti Yoga: Complete union with the divine.
Svapna Yoga: Recognizing the dream-like nature of reality.

These are often also associated with the psychosomatic make up of seekers (called gunas in Sanskrit). 

How the Gunas correlate to these methods -

 

1. Tamas-dominant Seekers:
 * Characteristics: Inertia, dullness, negativity, resistance to change, lack of motivation.
 * Suitable Methods:
   * Āṇavopāya:  This path's emphasis on structured practice, physical purification, and disciplined effort can help overcome inertia and build momentum. Practices like Hatha Yoga, with its focus on physical postures and breath control, can be particularly beneficial.
   * Bhakti Yoga:  Devotion to a higher power can provide a sense of purpose and inspiration, helping to lift them out of negativity and cultivate positive emotions. Chanting, rituals, and service to others can be supportive.
 * Challenges:  May struggle with self-discipline and consistent effort required for spiritual progress. Might find it difficult to engage in practices that demand mental focus and concentration.
2. Rajas-dominant Seekers:
 * Characteristics:  Activity, passion, ambition, restlessness, desire for results.
 * Suitable Methods:
   * Śāktopāya:  This path's emphasis on knowledge, willpower, and self-reflection can help channel their energy constructively and cultivate discernment. Practices like Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga, with their focus on self-inquiry and meditation, can be beneficial.
   * Kundalini Yoga:  This path can provide a powerful outlet for their energy, while also teaching them to harness and direct it towards spiritual awakening.
 * Challenges:  May become attached to achieving spiritual experiences or powers, leading to ego inflation.  Might find it challenging to cultivate stillness and surrender.
3. Sattva-dominant Seekers:
 * Characteristics:  Purity, clarity, harmony, balance, wisdom, serenity.
 * Suitable Methods:
   * Śāmbhavopāya: This path of spontaneous recognition resonates with their natural inclination towards inner peace and higher awareness. Meditation, contemplation, and surrender to the divine grace can lead to profound experiences.
   * Anupāya:  May readily grasp the concept of effortless liberation and recognize the truth beyond all practices. However, they may still benefit from practices that support their inherent clarity and deepen their understanding.
 * Challenges:  Might become complacent or overly passive, mistaking their natural serenity for spiritual realization. May need to cultivate discernment to avoid spiritual bypassing.
Important Considerations:
 * Guna Fluidity:  The gunas are not fixed; they fluctuate within each individual.  Therefore, the most suitable method may change over time.
 * Integrated Approach:  While one method might be more dominant, incorporating elements from other paths can create a well-rounded practice.
 * Teacher Guidance:  A qualified teacher can help assess a seeker's dominant gunas and guide them towards the most appropriate practices.
By understanding the interplay of the gunas and their influence on spiritual seeking, individuals can choose practices that support their unique needs and tendencies, leading to a more fulfilling and effective journey towards liberation.

 

NOTE: it must be said that the end goal from a nondual perspective is to go beyond the gunas - or become trigunatita. But typically if we assume that a seeker starts with a tamas dominant position, the practice of the specific stage will naturally drive them towards the sattvic state, which is where Self-realization will occur.