Raja Yoga, also called ashtanga yoga, has as its goal the attainment of liberation (moksha) through samadhi.
In ancient ancient India, there was no such concept of liberation. It was a brahmanical religion with people striving to get to heaven. Then a rishi named Kapil Muni came and brought Sankhya Yoga to the people that contained the concept of liberation. After Kapil Muni, came the saint Patanjali. He codified the path to liberation through the path of Raja Yoga and called it Ashtanga Yoga because it was divided into eight-limbs, or parts.
Raja Yoga is a path of self-control. It aims to bring the mind back in by meditating on the truth. But such self-control in meditation is not possible in the beginning, therefore Raja Yoga outlines eight steps to prepare the yogi for this. They are: (1) Yama (Self control), (2) Niyama (discipline), (3) Asana (postures), (4) Pranayama (controlling the breath and vital energies), (5) Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), (6) Dharana (concentrating the mind), (7) Dhyana (meditation on the Self), and at last (8) Samadhi.
The Dhyana step is where meditation takes place. Sri Ma Sarada Devi said that if one can truly meditate, in the real sense of the word, they are actually very near to the goal.
One will surely attain samadhi if they follow the path of Raja Yoga properly. It is guaranteed. But if it is so codified and clear, why isn’t everyone a Raja Yogi? Because it is also the most difficult path. The very basics - the ones needed for preparation - are very strict and difficult. For example truthfulness (satya) - you have to always think and speak the truth. Non-killing (ahimsa) - is not just physical, you also cannot kill anybody even in thought. You cannot deviate from that even if someone does harm to you. Also non-possessiveness (aparikra), brahmacharya (celibacy), and many other parts are there too. All these things must be practiced in the beginning just to become qualified to practice meditation.
This is why there are not many pure Raja Yogis, because you have to be very pure and self-disciplined. In recent times, saints like Swami Vivekananda and Swami Yogananda qualify. They were true raja yogis. They had tremendous self-control about everything.
Both Raja and Jnana Yogas (if done in exclusivity) are very difficult paths because they aim to control the subtler things. With Raja Yoga it is controlling the mind, thoughts and desires. With Jnana Yoga it is through strengthening discrimination (vicara) that requires an iron will. Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga are easier paths, because they aim to control the grosser things. Karma yoga controls actions, and bhakti yoga takes a God and loves Him/Her.
Although Raja and Jnana are the most difficult, they are also the most beautiful paths. Like the job of a King, it is difficult but it is royal. You don’t need any outside dependence. Even an atheist can practice them. There is no need to believe in God, you just believe in yourself.
(Editor recommends the book Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda for further study on this subject).
Biography of Swami Prahladananda
In ancient ancient India, there was no such concept of liberation. It was a brahmanical religion with people striving to get to heaven. Then a rishi named Kapil Muni came and brought Sankhya Yoga to the people that contained the concept of liberation. After Kapil Muni, came the saint Patanjali. He codified the path to liberation through the path of Raja Yoga and called it Ashtanga Yoga because it was divided into eight-limbs, or parts.
Raja Yoga is a path of self-control. It aims to bring the mind back in by meditating on the truth. But such self-control in meditation is not possible in the beginning, therefore Raja Yoga outlines eight steps to prepare the yogi for this. They are: (1) Yama (Self control), (2) Niyama (discipline), (3) Asana (postures), (4) Pranayama (controlling the breath and vital energies), (5) Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), (6) Dharana (concentrating the mind), (7) Dhyana (meditation on the Self), and at last (8) Samadhi.
The Dhyana step is where meditation takes place. Sri Ma Sarada Devi said that if one can truly meditate, in the real sense of the word, they are actually very near to the goal.
One will surely attain samadhi if they follow the path of Raja Yoga properly. It is guaranteed. But if it is so codified and clear, why isn’t everyone a Raja Yogi? Because it is also the most difficult path. The very basics - the ones needed for preparation - are very strict and difficult. For example truthfulness (satya) - you have to always think and speak the truth. Non-killing (ahimsa) - is not just physical, you also cannot kill anybody even in thought. You cannot deviate from that even if someone does harm to you. Also non-possessiveness (aparikra), brahmacharya (celibacy), and many other parts are there too. All these things must be practiced in the beginning just to become qualified to practice meditation.
This is why there are not many pure Raja Yogis, because you have to be very pure and self-disciplined. In recent times, saints like Swami Vivekananda and Swami Yogananda qualify. They were true raja yogis. They had tremendous self-control about everything.
Both Raja and Jnana Yogas (if done in exclusivity) are very difficult paths because they aim to control the subtler things. With Raja Yoga it is controlling the mind, thoughts and desires. With Jnana Yoga it is through strengthening discrimination (vicara) that requires an iron will. Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga are easier paths, because they aim to control the grosser things. Karma yoga controls actions, and bhakti yoga takes a God and loves Him/Her.
Although Raja and Jnana are the most difficult, they are also the most beautiful paths. Like the job of a King, it is difficult but it is royal. You don’t need any outside dependence. Even an atheist can practice them. There is no need to believe in God, you just believe in yourself.
(Editor recommends the book Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda for further study on this subject).
Biography of Swami Prahladananda
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