Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is known as the highest form of Yoga and it was exposed by Mahirshi Patañjali in his “Patanjali Yogasutras”. Raja Yoga is known as the royal path of Yoga. Raja Yoga comprises eight limbs or eight branches.
The first is Yama; - Moral codes – Nonviolence (Ahimsā), Truthfulness (Satya), Non-stealing (Asteya), Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha) and Continence (Brahmacharya).
The next is Niyama – Observances – Cleanliness (Saucha), Contentment (Happiness / saṃtoṣa), Austerity (Tapas), Self study (Svādhyāya), and Self-surrender (Īśvarapraṇidhāna).
Then comes Āsana or postures.
Prāṇāyama or controlling the movements of the vital force in the body.
Prathyahara is known as voluntary sensory deprivation.
Dhāraṇā or Concentration.
Dhyāna or uninterrupted concentration and Samādhi or Supreme Consciousness.
In the Royal path, the Cittā (state of mind or heart-mind or mind stuff) is pure and thoughts are pure in nature. One leads a highly moral life – even in thoughts as thoughts produce subtle vibrations that can be picked up by cosmos.
In the road to Raja Yoga one has to conquer his thoughts, organs and intellect. Instead of ruling a piece of land, a yogi rules his mind and thoughts where Sattva guṇa or the essence of Brahman is predominant.
Prāṇāyama or controlling the movements of the vital force in the body.
Prathyahara is known as voluntary sensory deprivation.
Dhāraṇā or Concentration.
Dhyāna or uninterrupted concentration and Samādhi or Supreme Consciousness.
In the Royal path, the Cittā (state of mind or heart-mind or mind stuff) is pure and thoughts are pure in nature. One leads a highly moral life – even in thoughts as thoughts produce subtle vibrations that can be picked up by cosmos.
In the road to Raja Yoga one has to conquer his thoughts, organs and intellect. Instead of ruling a piece of land, a yogi rules his mind and thoughts where Sattva guṇa or the essence of Brahman is predominant.
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