Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga: The Royal Path of the Mind

Raja Yoga, which translates to "Royal Yoga," is the path of self-realization through the mastery and control of the mind. It is considered the goal of all other yogas. While Hatha yoga prepares the body, Raja Yoga prepares the mind for the ultimate state of union (samadhi).

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The foundational text for Raja Yoga is the Yoga Sutras, compiled by the sage Patanjali around 400 CE. The very second sutra defines the entire path: "Yogas-chitta-vritti-nirodhah"—"Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind."

The Eight Limbs (Ashtanga)

Patanjali outlined a systematic, eight-limbed path to achieve this mental stillness. These eight limbs are the core of Raja Yoga:

1. Yama (Ethical Restraints): Universal ethical principles.
2. Niyama (Personal Observances): Principles for self-discipline.
3. Asana (Posture): A stable and comfortable seated posture for meditation.
4. Pranayama (Breath Control): Control of life force energy.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses): Drawing awareness inward.
6. Dharana (Concentration): Focusing the mind on a single object.
7. Dhyana (Meditation): Sustained, uninterrupted concentration.
8. Samadhi (Union/Enlightenment): Blissful absorption in the divine.

Key Poses

• The primary 'asana' in Raja Yoga is any comfortable, stable seated posture that allows for a straight spine and prolonged meditation, such as:
• Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
• Adept's Pose (Siddhasana)
• Lotus Pose (Padmasana)