The great yogi Patanjali used the term samyama to describe the three levels of meditation. Knowing the stages can help you understand how you are progressing and how to advance. You can receive higher states of awareness as you learn and develop. Peace and joy can come into your life as you progress in meditation.

All spiritual paths come from God. Because we are all unique, a certain path may suit your particular needs better than another. That, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that that path is best for everyone else or that it is superior. Your path may prove to be the best one for you and help you progress spiritually.

Find out if you’re a spiritual seeker. Do you crave a relationship with God/Spirit, soul, higher consciousness and/or lasting happiness? If you do, then you may be a seeker. Explore the spiritual characteristics of a seeker and what they are actively propelled to find.

Patanjali taught that yoga is control of vrittis, the waves of thoughts and feelings. He identified five kinds of ideas (thoughts and feelings) which keep us from knowing our true self. Learn to recognize which type of idea is blocking your attempts to enjoy a clear mind.

The first two steps of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path focus on character development. The niyamas are wonderful observances which can help us thrive.

The yamas of the Eightfold Path are guidelines for spiritual growth. As we discover and abide in our true self, the soul’s qualities naturally express through us. Each of the five yamas (positive character traits) already exist within us.

The fourth level of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path is pranayama, working with the life force. Yogis recognize the importance of prana (life force) which gives us life and the ability to be active physically, mentally and emotionally. Explore various types of pranayams which can bring more vital energy into your life.

Here are some tips to make your beginning practice of yoga more successful. You can develop a simple and effective routine of hatha yoga postures and meditation. The benefits of greater harmony, energy and well being can be yours as you begin practicing yoga.

Appreciating others and their distinctive spiritual paths may inspire you on your own path in a new and powerful way. As you wish other seekers well, you will grow on your own path. When you admire another path and its unique qualities, you contribute to a world filled with love, appreciation and understanding.

Whichever yoga path you choose, it can, in time, reveal Infinite Spirit to you. When you have awakened to Spirit within and Spirit everywhere, your yoga practice has graduated to a new level. That is called vijnana yoga, the higher wisdom — direct, personal, ongoing awareness of Spirit.