Skip to main content

What is Raja Yoga?

Hinduism prescribes four paths to attain self-realization on the spiritis interestingual path. These are Karma Yoga,  Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. Each path  and presents different challenges to spiritual seekers. In this post, lets understand about Raja Yoga, what it means and who are the spiritual masters in Hinduism who have mastered this form of Yoga.  [READ: How do you light Deepam?]

                              [Source: Paramahansa Yogananda Facebook page]
Raja Yoga Meaning, Definition and Effect
Raja Yoga is generally seen as the path of meditation and it is known as the king among Yogas. Why? It relies on techniques that are based on science. The mind is of utmost importance while practicing Raja Yoga. It is perceived as an instrument that looks inward and uncovers the inner self. [READ: Why Chant Gayatri Mantra?]

In the words of Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, "Yoga unites mind power with cosmic power. Raja Yoga, the 'royal yoga,' is the science of God realization. It was masterfully systemized by the great sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra. It combined the highest form from all other yoga disciplines. In Raja Yoga, He has given you the science of how to direct your mind to Him - the real science of prayer by which you can contact God and commune with Him." [READ: Meaning of Maha Shivaratri]

 Some key points to keep in mind: 

 1. Mediate because you truly want to and not for any other reason.  

2. Meditation is just a small facet of Raja Yoga. It involves many other techniques before you can come close to mastering it. 

3. You also need the constant the guidance of a highly evolved spiritual master. The guru or teacher directs the flow of Divine energy in the aspirant towards the heart and the spine, awakening and energizing the phases of spiritual growth so that the mind ceases to wander, the heart center opens and the actual state of self-illumination is realized by the aspirant while on that path itself. 

4. During this time of spiritual evolution, there will be the blessings and guidance of divine beings such as the Rishis, saints, angel beings who are known to appear and teach the aspirant to gain knowledge and mastery over specific techniques and practices.

5. To practise Raja Yoga, you don't need to be a religious believer or practicing a specific religion as such. You rely on observation, intuition, discrimination and experience. Everything you learn in Raja yoga is based on direct experience.

                                   [Source: Paramahansa Yogananda Facebook page]

Sri Paramahansa Yogananda and Swami Vivekananda are Hinduism's most renowned spiritual masters on this path. [READ: Four Main Paths of Hinduism]

 Are you keen to learn more about Raja Yoga or are you already following it? Do share your experiences, I'd love to hear from you. [READ: Significance of OM in Hinduism]
Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
I have read somewhere that, people who are in depression are adviced not to do meditation.. Is it true?
December 16, 2013 at 12:19 AM
Anu said…
Informative post on Raja Yoga, looking forward to one on Karma yoga...or have I missed it?
December 16, 2013 at 12:19 AM
flame93 said…
Thank you! Also check this fat burning yoga routine
December 16, 2013 at 7:15 PM
Asha said…
Swapna, i watch a programme called "awakening" in aastha @7.10. Raja yoga practitioner Brahma kumari Shivani verma and Dr. Girish patel in conversation with kanupriya titled lifeskill series is very very insightful and is a precursor to anybody who wants to practice rajayoga. there is one more called "being bliss" where shivani verma is in conversation with suresh oberoi. Both the series are wonderful and are very practical for day to day life. you can catch them on youtube also.
December 18, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Preen Maddox said…
Nice video. yoga exercises also helps to to improve reaction and coordination, also memory, and even IQ scores.yoga workout necessary to burn fat
December 27, 2013 at 6:56 PM
Raji said…
Thanks for creating and sharing the series on spirituality and spiritual development, Swapna. Was really looking forward to such articles from you. Thanks again!
December 31, 2013 at 1:36 PM
Post a Comment

Most LOVED Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...
181 comments
Read more

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are also considered auspicious for lighting at home. When lighting diyas on Fridays, it is better to use ghee than oil, if possible. [ Connect with Svara on Facebook ] [Read: Vidyarambham - The Labyrinth Within] When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. At what time should we light diya today? Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset. An ideal time would be to light the diya at least half an hour before sunset. Can we light diya after 12 PM? In Hindu homes, the diya is lit early morning at around sunrise and towards evening sunset. Can ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Does something bad happen if the diya goes off?

Is it bad if a diya goes off? This is a frequently asked question among people who light the evening lamp or diya regularly in their puja room.  [READ: How To Light Deepam at Home and  Why Malayalis Light Nilavilaku ]                                                     [Image by Sachin Yadav @ Pixabay] Why Did My Lamp Suddenly Turn Off? Where there is faith, there should be no scope for fear - this is Bhagawan Krishna's message to Arjun on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.  That represents strength of Bhakti. [READ: Bhakti: Meera's Greatest Wealth] Consider another example in the tradition of Bhakti.  When Prahlada, a young lad, is targeted by his own father, he remains calm under every situation. When he is thrown into the sea, the wise lad is reminded that the sea is the abode of Shriman Narayana. [ READ: Amazing Stories of Lord Shiva ] H...
Post a Comment
Read more

Amazing Signs You are an Earth Angel

Doreen Virtue’s book, “Assertiveness for Earth Angels” brings to life the reality of Earth Angels in very easy way. It’s an exciting must-read!   Enjoyed reading this? Then,  do subscribe to my Substack newsletter! Who are Earth Angels? Earth Angels have amazing superpowers in: Music Arts Writing Healing Manifesting miracles for others such as controlling weather conditions and  becoming invisible at will. How to Identify Earth Angels by their Traits To know whether you are an Earth Angel, take a look at their known traits that are explained in this book: You have a graceful and compassionate aura that inspires people . Your presence “lifts” everyone to happier spirits – it is proof of who you really are. You don’t judge others but you overdo the “acceptance” bit. So, you tolerate even those who show no respect for boundaries. You cannot stand anyone suffering or being in pain. You are constantly “rescuing people” because it...
23 comments
Read more

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is.   [Subscribe to my weekly newsletter now]   The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra  and never once hesitate once you decide to do it.  Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. .  Also read: The Power of OM  and Dark Night of the Sou...
40 comments
Read more