Raja Yoga
"The teachings of Raja Yoga are a golden key to unlock all health, happiness, peace, and joy." Swami Satchidananda
The aim of Raja Yoga is to make the mind clean and calm. When a clear state of mind is achieved one is able to see his or her true nature of peace and equanimity. Every thought, feeling, perception, or memory colors the mind - obscuring the natural state. Restraining the mind from all of these distortions is the goal of Raja Yoga. To accomplish this task, Raja Yoga offers many methods that take into consideration the physical, emotional, mental, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of the Self.
These methods are outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The sutras are precepts that succinctly describe both the actions to be undertaken by a yogi and the results that he or she can expect. There are eight limbs of Yoga, known as asthangha. Sutra 28. explains:By the practice of the limbs of Yoga, the impurities dwindle away and there dawns the light of wisdom, leading to discriminative discernment.
The eight limbs of yoga are:
Limb Definition of Limb Regulates Yama Yamas are the essentially the rules of social conduct. They consist of non-violence, truthfulness, control of sexual energy, non-stealing, and non-possessiveness. Psychological atmosphere Niyama Niyamas are essentially the rules of personal conduct. They consist of contentment, purity, study of spiritual principles, self-discipline, and surrender to God. Psychological atmosphere Asana Asana can be considered the individual's right orientation to the physical body. Physical and health and well being Pranayama Pranayama is the right use of our vital energy. Use and direction of energy Pratyahara Pratyahara-sense withdrawal. Ability to reject environmental stimulus; develops discrimination Dharna control of attention Develops discrimination and ability to focus Dhyana meditation, right reflection Cultivates compassion Samadhi right union Cultivates compassion Asthangha Yoga is the foundation of much of Yoga Therapy.
To Learn More About Raja-Yoga:
- Integral Yoga Teacher Training Programs
USA call: 1.800.858.YOGA (9642) -International call: 1.434.969.2048
email: ARC@Yogaville.ORG
website: yogaville.org
Integral Yoga offers comprehensive teacher trainings on Raja Yoga. Basic level of Hatha certification is a pre-requisite. Program taught by Swami Karunananda.
- Swami Satchidananda
(1999) The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Yogaville, Va: Integral Yoga Publications.
- Swami Prabhavananda and c. Isherwood
(1981). How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali
Ca: Vedanta Press.Experts on Raja Yoga:
- Swami Karunananda
Buckingham, Va., 23921, x 118
email: swkaruna@yogaville.org
