Raja Yoga: The Royal Path To Meditation

Considered as the royal path to meditation, raja yoga is practiced for one single purpose – to bring the mind and emotions of an individual into a harmonious state, then opening the ultimate door to an ultimate meditation. This practice was first made popular by Patanjali when he included this royal form of yoga in his sutras.

The raja yoga basically is a form of Ashtanga yoga or the eight limbs yoga. In what sense? Well, it is considered as such for the reason that it involves eight different aspects needed to reach the ultimate meditation path, which every human being in this changing world is entitled to attend to. It is this path which allows the individuals to attain a sense of liberation, according to raja yoga's principles.

The Main Concept

Raja yoga is to some degree philosophical in nature. It maintains the belief that in order for a person to find happiness and contentment in life, he or she must undergo deep meditation. The mind is basically considered the "supreme" aspect of a person's psychophysical nature, regardless of whether he or she realized it. And, in order for the mind and body to merge harmoniously, the body must be tamed first through a form of self-discipline.

Self-discipline in raja yoga means getting out from all forms of misbehaviors and addictions. It is maintained under the principle of this practice that in order to attain a sense of enlightenment through deep meditation, the person must first abstain from all drugs and alcohol, must avoid celibacy, and must practice proper behavior and discipline. If all of these things are avoided, there would be no distortions or modifications in the mind, allowing yourself to find your true Self.

The Practice and the Eight Limbs of Raja

Just like Hatha yoga, the raja yoga starts with the so-called Sadhana. This Sadhana simply involves spiritual exercises that are deemed necessary for discovering your true Self. The raja yoga must be practiced with ultimate patience and discipline for it is only that way that you can obtain perfection in the end.

As mentioned earlier, the raja yoga has eight important aspects, making it an Ashtaga Yoga form. Well, these eight aspects involve yama (code of conduct), niyama (religious observances), Asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (senses), dharana (concentration), dhayana (meditation), and Samadhi (state of blissful awareness).

Each of the above mentioned aspects of raja yoga has their own principles and rules maintained. However, all of them can help the person attain a sense of perfection and enlightenment in the end.