| Raja Yoga involves exact meditation techniques which | | | | leading into the next, ending with the goal, or Samadhi |
| lead to experiences of the truth and finally achieve | | | | (and the union sought). |
| liberation. | | | | Raja Yoga taking control |
| The basic breathing techniques of Raja yoga to gain | | | | More easily explained, first you must learn self-control. |
| control over the mind and experience deep meditation | | | | Without it nothing that follows is possible. In conjunction |
| are outlined below. | | | | with the self-control, you must practice religious |
| Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja Yoga are considered | | | | observances, and seek to expand your quality of |
| the four main yogas, but there are many other types. | | | | devotion. These two lead to Asana, or an integration |
| (The word "yoga" - from the Sanskrit root yuj ("to | | | | of mind and body. |
| yoke") - is generally translated as "union of the | | | | At this stage, you are ready to begin control over the |
| individual atma (loosely translated to mean soul) with | | | | breath, which is main life force that animates our |
| Paramatma, the universal soul." This may be | | | | existence. |
| understood as union with the Divine by integration of | | | | As in each subsequent practice led the way to the |
| body, mind, and spirit. | | | | next, so this stage prepares one for crucial stage of |
| Raja Yoga involves exact meditation techniques which | | | | meditation. |
| lead to experiences of the truth and finally achieve | | | | Control of the breath is basic to this, and indeed, |
| liberation, described in Hindu thought as moksha. ( or | | | | automatically assists in the next phase of Pratyahara, |
| liberation from the cycle of birth and death). | | | | where you learn to turn off all the senses, and |
| Raja Yoga is a very practical guide for gaining control | | | | become internalized (not affected by sensatory |
| over the mind. | | | | stimulation). |
| Raja Yoga getting control of the mind | | | | This is the control you need to approach Dharana, or |
| Without this control, meditation is not possible, and | | | | single-pointedness. From this point, meditation is said to |
| therefore the goal of any yoga, unattainable. | | | | begin. All the rest was preparatory for it and to it. |
| Moreover in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, "Yogas | | | | Raja Yoga getting to meditation |
| chitta vritti nirodhah," or, "The restraint of the | | | | Finally one arrives at Dhyana, which is mediation. Your |
| modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga! Raja Yoga | | | | senses are internalized, your breath is controlled, your |
| shows how to achieve this. | | | | mind is thus free from the "stuff" that keeps it |
| 8 Principles of Raja Yoga | | | | perpetually busy. |
| Raja Yoga is also known as Ashtanga (8 limbed) | | | | Once in true mediation, the road leads directly to |
| Yoga which refers to the eight principles which are: | | | | Samadhi. In Samadhi you are in harmony with all |
| Yama; or the Code of conduct - that is, self-restraint | | | | creation, and non-creation, and are yourself the five |
| Niyama; religious observances - commitments to | | | | principles or Yamas, which are: |
| practice, study and devotion | | | | Ahimsa - of the refraining from injury (non-life |
| Asana: integration of mind and body through physical | | | | supporting action) |
| activity | | | | Satya - which is truthfulness |
| Pranayama: regulation of breath leading to integration | | | | Asteya - of the freedom from stealing |
| of mind and body | | | | Bramacharya - which is living within the Self |
| Pratyahara: abstraction of the senses, withdrawal of | | | | (moderation; abstinence) |
| the senses of perception from their objects | | | | Aparigraha - or the freedom from attachment to |
| Dharana; concentration, one-pointedness of mind | | | | possessions |
| Dhyana: meditation (quiet and non-sensual activity that | | | | Having attained this, you are considered in perfection |
| leads to samadhi) | | | | and able to feel one with your creator. This is the goal |
| Samadhi; the quiet state of blissful awareness, | | | | of all yoga, but in Royal Yoga, the path is easily set |
| superconscious state | | | | out, and if followed without deviation, you may arrive |
| It must be remarked that although called eight-limbed, it | | | | just there. |
| is really a Royal Road to self-realization, with each limb | | | | |