These four great paths to God may be combined in any way we like. We may walk the path of divine love. We may be a disciple of any of the world's religions and practice yoga, or combine certain religious practices with our yoga. We may be a student of the teachings of the ascended masters and practice yoga, which the ascended masters generally recommend. Yoga, per se, is not a religion. It is one of the four great paths to God, and it can be combined with any religion, and that surely includes Christianity and Judaism.

       The word yoga comes from the root word "yoke," which implies or means "union," so the primary goal of yoga is union with God -- our God of Love. So, in its highest understanding, yoga is a path of divine love, to achieve union with God, or our Individualized Presence of Love. All of us are practicing "yoga" in some form, and generally, many aspects each day, but often we do not know it or realize it.

       Whenever, we show love and adoration to God, no matter what religion we might belong to, that is yoga -- bhakti yoga. Anytime we serve others, love others, care for others, or show our kindness to others, that is yoga -- karma yoga.

       There are seven major paths of yoga that will be explained as simply as possible, so that many may understand and hopefully practice yoga, although many are already practicing "yoga" in a number of ways and don't know it.

        These teachings are for beginners to advanced -- made relatively easy for the many.

       All yoga can be a path of ananda, that is, a path of bliss, happiness, or joy.

       The approach on this website is the 5 E's approach, that is, relatively, Easy, Enjoyable, Energizing, Effective, and Enlightening. So the approach here will be made as easy as possible, and hopefully will be as enjoyable, energizing and encouraging as possible. Yoga can be effective, practical, and it can really work for us. And it can truly be enlightening, so that we can have a greater knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. The approach, here, is as much as possible, a yoga made relatively easy, yoga for the many approach. It is a step-by-step and gradual approach. The approach here is for all ages and for all people, and for all races and religions.

      One of the most important things for achieving union with God is the correct understanding of the words 'I AM'.

       'I AM' means 'God in me is,' or 'the Presence of God in me is.' This will be explained further under the topic of mantra yoga.

       I, William Star, have practiced hatha yoga since 1970 and have taught yoga since 1975, so I speak from experience in my practice and teaching of yoga. I am a student of the teachings of the ascended masters, and a student or disciple of all of the world religions. And I am on the path of divine love.

       I am including many wonderful teachings given from some of the best sources of yoga.

       When most people think of yoga, at least in America, the usually think of hatha yoga or yoga exercises, postures, or asanas. This is the yoga that is best known by most people, and that will surely be taught here, but all the seven paths will be taught, and far more.

        The Great Synthesis of Yoga is the Great Summation or the Great Gathering of the teachings on yoga. It is the Great Integration, Compilation, on Unification of the teachings on yoga.

       These yogic practices are universal and complement all faiths and religions. They help you do what you are already doing, better. Remember, things go better with yoga.

       The seven major paths of yoga are:

1. Bhakti Yoga or the Yoga of Love and Devotion to God

       Bhakti yoga is the practice of giving love and devotion to God.        The practice of bhakti yoga is basically the same as the Great Commandment of Love as given by Jesus -- Thou shalt love God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all soul.
       Bhakti yoga is generally practiced by giving bhajhans, that is, singing and/or dancing to devotional songs called bhajans, but we may practice bhakti yoga by singing and/or dancing to any songs of true love and devotion.

We may also practice bhakti yoga by saying such affirmations or prayers such as the following:

O God, You are so magnificent,
I AM, I AM, I AM adoring thee.

All "spiritual practices", especially as given on this website, are types of bhakti yoga, that is, they are some form of love and devotion to God. On the navigation are a number of various spiritual practices.

2. Karma Yoga or the Yoga of Love, Compassion, Selfless Action, or Service to Others
       Karma yoga is selfless action or service to others.
       The practice of karma yoga works out our negative karma, and gives us good karma, that is, if it is done out of selfless action or the love of the heart.

       The practice of karma yoga is basically the same as the Second Commandment of Love as given by Jesus -- Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

       Also, greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life (in service) for his friends. (The Bible, John 15:13)

       But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (The Bible, Matthew 23:11)

       From a Christian viewpoint, the practice of karma yoga is the practice of charity, that is, doing good works.

       Moreover, doing any good works, and that includes playing beautiful, devotional music, is an act of karma yoga, that is, if it is done out of the love of the heart. The key is that we do our service or good works out of the love of the heart; otherwise, these "good works" may have little or no value, at least for the evolution of our soul.

       And the Golden Rule of Love is the compliment to the Second Commandment and is the primary rule of those of us who would practice karma yoga -- Do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
       To see an example of the Golden Rule in most of the world religions, click here

For many more teachings on divine love, click here.

To Understand the Use of the Violet Flame to Work Out Our Karma, Click on the Link below:
Understanding and Using the Violet Flame on this Website, An Open Door of Love

3. Dhyana Yoga or the Yoga of Meditation or Contemplation

       A Link to More Teachings on Meditation or Contemplation

       The Free Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, on "Dhyana Yoga"

       Hand Mudras, Symbols, or Positions

       The Khechari Mudra or Folded Tongue Mudra

       Heart-Mind Mudra

       Babaji's Cross-Armed Meditation Mudra

Note: Raja means royal or lord or king. Dhyana yoga is often called "raja yoga" because it is often considered the "royal or lord or king" of yogas. Also, the integration of all seven major paths of yoga is considered the "royal or lord or king" of yogas, which I, William Star, generally agree with, so the integration of all seven major paths of yoga is also called raja yoga, and is considered the "highest path" of yoga.

       The Free Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, on "Raja Yoga"

4. Mantra Yoga or Yoga Mantras (Mantrams), Prayers, Affirmations, etc.,

       An Understanding of Mantra Yoga and a List of Mantras, Prayers, and Affirmations

5. Prana Yoga, Pranayam(a) or Breathing Exercises
The Scientific Art of Mastering the Breath

       Breathing with Awareness and Four-Part Foundational Breathing

       Four-Part Breathing with Two Hands:
              Hands Up-Down Breath
              Hands Out-In Breath
              Hands from Head to Toe Breath
              Hands Up, Front, Back, and Down Breath

       Three Breaths Taught by Saint Germain:
              the Energizing Breath,
              the Rhythmic Breath or Sacred Fire Breath,
              the Alternate Nostril Breathing or the Balancing Breath
Note: The three breaths above are taught by Our Beloved Saint Germain and/or Djwal Kul

       A More Advanced Teaching on the Sacred Fire Breath

       Djwal Kul's Breathing Exercise

       A Kriya Yoga Pranayam as Taught by Babaji

6. Hatha Yoga or Yoga Exercises, Postures, or Asanas
Made Relatively Easy For the Many
Relatively Easy, Enjoyable, Energizing and Effective
Things Go Better with Yoga!

       This heart-centered hatha yoga is one of the greatest forms of spiritual-physical exercises. And the Tai chi / Chi Kung that I teach is another of the greatest form of spiritual-physical exercises.

       I, William Star, learned basic hatha yoga in 1970, and then in 1973 learned Babaji's Kriya Hatha Yoga as taught by Yogi Ramaiah. I then started teaching Kriya Hatha Yoga in 1975, and consider myself a master teacher of yoga. I am one of the few teachers in America that has learned to teach Babaji's Kriya Hatha Yoga. I would be glad to train anyone else to be a teacher of this yoga.

       Introduction to Hatha Yoga -- Yoga Exercises, Postures, or Asanas

       The best form of hatha yoga that I have found is Babaji's Kriya Hatha Yoga as taught by Yogi Ramaiah. The reason that these postures are the best form, for most people, is that they are done in steps or stages, and each one of us does just the steps are stages we can do, so almost anyone can do this yoga. Also, they are generally done is pose and counterpose, that is, in the pose the trunk of the body is bent forward; and in the counterpose, the trunk of the body is bent backwards; so we generally get the greatest benefit from the postures. Starting off with 2 or 4 of the postures can be plenty. Learning the "foundational four postures" can be a great start, and then you can progress from there, possibly adding two postures at a time. There are 18 postures in total.

       Sadly enough, in yoga magazines, what is often given, is more advanced postures that few people can do, and that may include myself. The postures that I teach are "made relatively easy for the many". Moreover, I have been able to convert all these postures to standing postures, so almost anyone can do them, including seniors and those with very little ability.

       Babaji's Kriya Hatha Yoga -- Standing

       All the classical or traditional postures have been converted to standing postures, which is generally the easiest yoga to do. As soon as I can, I plan to have a written explanation of these postures, a series of still pictures, and/or moreover, a video of these postures. I, William Star, taught a senior yoga class in Sacramento, California using these postures, and they work very well. Moreover, they work very well as a "beginner's yoga class", but are also good for any level of ability. Moreover, these postures can be done in "regular clothes", and we do not need a mat to do them, and they can be done almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, etc.

       Babaji's Kriya Hatha Yoga -- Modified

       The classical or traditional postures begin from a standing position, go step by step in a forward order into the posture, and then step by step in a reverse order to the standing position. These "modified' postures are postures in which remain on the floor between most postures, and not return to a standing position, which makes the postures a little easier. As soon as I can, I plan to have a written explanation of these postures, a series of still pictures, and/or moreover, a video of these postures.

       Babaji's Kriya Hatha Yoga -- Classical or Traditional

       The classical or traditional postures begin from a standing position, go step by step in a forward order into the posture, and then step by step in a reverse order to the standing position. Click Here for a Written Explanation of these Postures
       As soon as I can, I plan a series of still pictures of these postures, and moreover a video of these postures.

       A Four Part Foundational Yoga Class

              1. Relaxation-Meditation

              2. Breathing Exercises

                     Breathing with Awareness and Four-Part Foundational Breathing

              3. Neck and Back Exercises

              4. Hatha Yoga Exercises, Postures, or Asanas -- Standing, Modified or Classical

        Click Here for a Four-Part Foundational Yoga Class, Using the Classical Postures, but you may use any postures

Note: Most people can easily learn and practice the first three parts of this class, whether or not they practice the fourth part. Practicing the first three parts is excellent preparation for the fourth part, and even the first three parts can have tremendous benefit.

       Hatha Yoga for Children

       Hatha Yoga for Seniors

       Hatha Yoga for Pregnant Women -- Prenatal Yoga

       What do the Ascended Masters Say About Hatha Yoga?

       The Four Basic Yoga Sitting Postures

       1. The Simple Crossed-legged Posture.

       2. The Perfect Posture with one foot between the opposite calf muscle and thigh muscle.

       3. The Half Lotus with one foot on the opposite thigh

       4. The Full Lotus with both feet on the opposite thighs.

If needed, we may use a pillow, cushion or pad under the buttocks to help us to be more comfortable. If we simply practice sitting in the simple crossed-legged posture each day, we will generally find that our legs become more flexible and comfortable. Also, doing the yoga postures will help the legs become more flexible, and rubbing oil into the joints will also help.

       Testimonial Letters

       Included below are three testimonial letters of people that have taken yoga classes with me, William Star.

       "Thus far I have had 3 Yoga lessons instructed by Bill ... (William Star). Each one has been a true blessing, leaving one with a feeling of peace and greater balance. What really strikes me, is the flow of energy felt throughout the body, when doing these.

       His peacefulness and patience, desire to teach, and gentle compassion, is felt by all."

        Judith Heit"

       "With great pleasure I write you of a wonderful event ... a wonderful class of Hatha Yoga every Sat. afternoon at the TC (Teaching center).

       I greatly enjoyed it and other attendees were grateful too. This yoga has Babaji's signature upon it and some of it was refreshingly new to me.

       Bill (William Star) was like a loving brother to each one attending, giving superlative examples of perfectly aligned postures done with grace and peace, a factor so needed by many of us. Bill's voice was so gentle one couldn't help but feel loved and appreciated, and the exercises unlocked hidden potential in our bodies of self mastery giving each attendee higher hope. From the wonderful results I'd love to take it (3X)(3 times) per week.

Love, Jane" (Guelich)

       "I have practiced yoga over the last 20 years, and recently began the system as taught by Babaji's disciples -- Babaji's Kriya Yoga. Having tried various systems and methods and having studied yoga teachings and texts, I feel this system of yoga provides me the most natural and profound approach available and is highly suited for all ages and physical capacities.

       I am most struck by the sense of balance and inner focus that comes as a result of the practice of this yoga. I would dearly like to see this yoga taught at Summit University and I have the highest regard for (William’s)approach which is ideally suited for those who are new or relatively new to hatha yoga.

       In my experience the removal of the sense of strain and unnecessary effort is a key element in yoga and this system provides that.

Most Sincerely, Bruce Marah"

       Complimentary Exercises to Hatha Yoga

              Four Basic Stretches

              Neck and Back Exercises

              Heart-Centered Tai chi / Chi kung (Taiji / Qigong) -- Single, Individual Exercises or Movements Made Relatively Easy for the Many

               Yogananda's Energization Exercises

               More on Yogananda's Energization Exercises

7. Jnana Yoga or the Yoga of Wisdom, Understanding, and Illumination
       Studying the teachings in this section on yoga is a course in jnana yoga, and moreover, studying the teachings on this website is a course in jnana yoga in a more general sense.

8. Raja Yoga, Babaji's Kriya Yoga, or Maha Yoga-- A Synthesis or Integration of the Seven Major Paths of Yoga

Yoga and the Path of Divine Love -- Heart Centered Yoga

Yoga and the World's Religions

Yoga and the Teachings of the Ascended Masters
Who are the Ascended Masters and What Do the Ascended Masters Say About Yoga?

El Morya, Kuthumi, and Djwal Kul -- Master Teachers of Yoga
       We will make yogis and yoginis out of you yet -- males and females who have a great mastery of yoga.

Yoga and the Sun -- Surya Yoga or Sun Yoga or Solar Yoga

      The Importance of Sunshine and Its Benefits

       The Golden-Pink Glow Rays of the Sun -- The Love-Wisdom of the Sun

       Getting the Right Amount of Sunlight -- in Balance or Moderation
               Generally, At Least 15 Minutes a Day
               Sun-bathing
               Walking in the Sunshine and Fresh Air

       Sun Gazing and Meditation at Sunrise, or Shortly thereafter, With Our Eyelids Open

       Sun Gazing and Meditation Anytime with Our Eyelids Closed

       Sun Gazing and Meditation Shortly Before, and at Sunset, With Our Eyelids Open

       Solar Healing

       The Mysteries of the Sun

       The Sun Salutation or the Science of Sun Worship

       The New Day by Vesta and The Hymn to the Sun by Helios

Note: Helios and Vesta are the Sun God and Goddess of Our Sun. Surya is another ascended being of light, and is associated with the God-star or God-sun, Sirius. This is why the Sun Salutation is often called Surya Namaskar.

       Let us Realize Ourselves as Sons of God or Suns of God
       Let Us Realize that We Are a Solar Presence or Sun Presence

       Surya Yoga as Taught by Omraam Mikhael Aivanhof
              "Toward a Solar Civilization" -- a book by Omraam

       Self-Healing Using the Sun within Our Cells

       Natural Light and Full Spectrum Light Inside Our Homes

Yoga -- A Path of Happiness, Bliss, or Ananda -- A Path of Joy

Hasya Yoga - The Yoga of Laughter, Joy, and Fun

       You inhale particles of joy into your spiritual circuitry between each quick breath when you engage in hasya yoga or what we term divine laughter therapy.(Jewel of Joy from the Hearts Center)

The Main Music of Yoga -- Bhajhans or Devotional Songs

       Excellent Bhajhans by Guru Ma and her chelas or disciples from the Summit Lighthouse

       The Lyrics or Words of 16 Different Bhajhans on the Hearts Center Website. To see the bhajhans, please click here and scroll down to #74.

       Dancing to the Bhajhans -- Sometimes called kirtan

Note: Shiva is known as the Lord of Dance. And of course, Krishna is also a Lord of Dance. One way to eternal life is to sing and dance with Shiva and Krishna.

       Beautiful chanting by Yogananda and his disciples

       Indian Ragas

Special Dances of Yoga

       Bharata Natyam or Kathak Dance or Yoga Dance

              Dance with Mythili Prakash

              Dance with Nitya Venkateswaran

Creating a Yoga Sanctuary and Altar
       A Focus for Our Spiritual or Devotional Practices, Our Sadhana, or Our Puja.

The Ashram
        A Place for the Practice of Yoga -- A Community of Practitioners of Yoga -- A Community of the Spirit of Yoga -- A Community of Love

The World Ashram
       Introduction
       The Ashram Notes as Given by El Morya
       The Ashram Rituals
       Heart, Head, and Hand Decrees by El Morya
       Other Teachings by El Morya
       El Morya, Kuthumi, and Djwal Kul

Babaji's Kriya Yoga

Om Babaji Namaha

Disciple Lahiri Mahasaya talking to his Guru Mahavatar Babaji about Kriya Yoga:

       "'Angelic guru, as you have already favored mankind by resurrecting the lost Kriya art, will you not increase that benefit by relaxing the strict requirements for discipleship?' I gazed beseechingly at Babaji. 'I pray that you permit me to communicate Kriya to all seekers, even though at first they cannot vow themselves to complete inner renunciation. The tortured men and women of the world, pursued by the threefold suffering, need special encouragement. They may never attempt the road to freedom if Kriya initiation be withheld from them.'

       "'Be it so. The divine wish has been expressed through you.' With these simple words, the merciful guru banished the rigorous safeguards that for ages had hidden Kriya from the world. 'Give Kriya freely to all who humbly ask for help.'

       "After a silence, Babaji added, 'Repeat to each of your disciples this majestic promise from the Bhagavad Gita: "Swalpamasya dharmasya, trayata mahato bhoyat" -- "Even a little bit of the practice of this religion will save you from dire fears and colossal sufferings."

       "As I knelt the next morning at my guru's feet for his farewell blessing, he sensed my deep reluctance to leave him.

       "'There is no separation for us, my beloved child.' He touched my shoulder affectionately. 'Wherever you are, whenever you call me, I shall be with you instantly.'

From Chapter 32 of Paramahansa Yogananda's "Autobiogaphy of a Yogi"

1. Ananda

       A community for sharing the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda through meditation, kriya yoga, communities, schools, and more. Ananda was founded by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Yogananda in 1968. The word "ananda" means bliss, joy, or happiness.

Address:

Ananda
14618 Tyler-Foote Rd.
Nevada City, CA 95959

Note: Nevada City is somewhat near Sacramento, the capitol of California.

Telephone: 530 478 7560

Websites:

Ananda -- http://www.ananda.org/index.html
       This website has nearly everything you want to know about the founding of Ananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda, Ananda School, spiritual communities, music, and more. This website has a free unedited version of the book, Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. It also has other online books, which include The Path, A Place Called Ananda, and the first chapters of God is for Everyone by Swami Kriyananda. There are streaming video talks, meditation support, Clarity Online Magazine, and more.

Email for Ananda

Expanding Light -- http://www.expandinglight.org
       This website gives a calendar for workshops and retreats, the program instructors, and guest responses to individual programs.

Online Ordering -- http://www.crystalclarity.com
       This website is for the online ordering of Ananda books, tapes, CD's and yoga videos.

Ananda University -- http://www.anandauniversity.org
       Ananda University includes Ananda Institute of Alternative Living and Yoga Institute of Living Wisdom

Email: for questions and a 16 page catalog and application packet

2. Self Realization Fellowship

       An organization founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda to teach scientific methods of meditation and principles of spiritual living.

Address:

Self-Realization Fellowship
3880 San Rafael Avenue, Dept. 9W
Los Angeles, CA 90065-3298 USA

Telephone: 323 225 2471
9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time
Fax: 323 225 5088

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple
17190 Sunset Boulevard
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Telephone: 310 454 4114

Websites:

Self-Realization Fellowship -- http://www.selfrealizationfellowship.org/

Email: None was found.

An Interesting Book -- The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels by Paramahansa Yogananda. The Self-Realization Fellowship

3. Center for Spiritual Awareness

       The spiritual director is Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. The following information will acquaint you with their philosophical teaching emphasis and the various services they provide. It is their pleasure to be of service to you and provide for you:

Information about Center for Spiritual Awareness
Kriya yoga philosophy and lifestyle practices and more.

Address:
Center for Spiritual Awareness
P.O. Box 7
Lakemont, Georgia 30552-0001

Note: The international headquarters is located in the low mountain region of northeast Georgia, U.S.A.

Phone: 706 782 4723
Weekdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fax: 706 7824560

Website: http:www.csa-davis.org/ -- Center for Spiritual Awareness -- Davis

Email: Center for Spiritual Awareness -- Davis

4. Polestar Community

       Polestar creates dynamic opportunities for life-long learning and spiritual growth based on the universal teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.

Address: Polestar Community
15-2662 Pahoa Village Rd., Ste. #306, PMB 8740,
Pahoa, HI 96778

Note: HI is Hawaii.

Phone : 808 430-8009|| Fax: 888 478-2685

Email: yogarobert2@ygmail.com

Click here to learn about Polestar Community

Dictations or Teachings by Babaji

       From the Summit Lighthouse through the messenger, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, also known as Guru Ma.

       From the Hearts Center through the messenger, David Lewis

"The Highest Yoga and You" by Mark and Elizabeth Clare Prophet

       Interestingly enough, the book, The Masters and the Spiritual Path, the second book in the Climb the Highest Mountain series, has about 77 pages on yoga in the first section in the book called "The Highest Yoga: You and God." It is excellent and discusses about 29 topics including Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Agni Yoga, and far more. If interested, call Summit Lighthouse Customer Service to order. (406) 848-9500 or 1 800 245 5445.

       Elizabeth Clare Prophet has been given the mantle or title of Guru Ma. The main website that gives the teachings of Guru Ma, that is, the teaching of the ascended masters is:
The Summit Lighthouse.

       Another complimentary website is:
The Summit Lighthouse, Poland, which contains a variety of tremendous teachings.

Christian Yoga -- Yoga and Christianity
       An Interesting Book -- The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels by Paramahansa Yogananda. The Self-Realization Fellowship

Yoga and the Seven Chakras or Energy Centers
       A Chakra Chart
       Pictures of the Chakras
              From the Summit Lighthouse
              From the Website, Marius Fine Art