Raja Yoga usually refers to the system of yoga that is described in the Yoga Sutras of Sage Patanjali. In this ancient text, Sage Patanjali describes eight stages of yoga which are known collectively as Raja Yoga. In Sanskrit texts, Rāja yoga was both the goal of yoga and a method to attain it. The term also became a modern name for the practice of yoga in the 19th-century when Swami Vivekananda gave his interpretation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in his book Raja Yoga. Since then, Rāja yoga has variously been called Aṣhṭāṅga Yoga, Royal Yoga, Royal union, Sahaja marg, and Classical yoga. Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System also developed some classical yoga by Dr. Swami Hardas.
Raja Yoga Meaning
Rāja (Sanskrit: राज) means “chief, best of its kind” or “king”. Rāja yoga thus refers to “chief, best of yoga”.
What is Raja Yoga
Raja means King. A king acts with independence, self-confidence, and assurance. Likewise, a Raja Yogi is autonomous, independent, and fearless. Raja Yoga is the path of self-discipline and practice.
Raja Yoga is also known as Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Steps of Yoga) because it is organized into eight parts:
- Yama – Self-control
- Niyama- Discipline
- Asana – Physical exercises
- Pranayama – Breath exercises
- Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses from external objects
- Dharana – Concentration
- Dhyana – Meditation
- Samadhi – Complete Realisation
The eight steps of Raja Yoga provide systematic instruction to attain inner peace, clarity, self-control, and Realization.
Comprehensive yoga system
Raja Yoga is a comprehensive yoga system that deals with the refinement of human behaviour and personality through the practice of the Yamas (restraint) and Niyamas (disciplines); attainment of physical health and vitality through Asanas (postures) and Pranayamas (pranic breathing techniques); management of mental and emotional conflicts and development of awareness and concentration through Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) and Dharana (concentration); and developing the creative aspect of consciousness for transcendental awareness through Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption in the universal identity).
Raja Yoga etymology and usage
Different from modern usage
The historical use of the term Rāja yoga is found in other contexts, quite different from its modern usage. In ancient and medieval Sanskrit texts, it meant the highest state of yoga practice (one reaching Samadhi). The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, for example, states that Hatha yoga is one of the ways to achieve Rāja yoga.
Discussed in the Yogatattva Upanishad
Rāja yoga is discussed in the Yogatattva Upanishad. It is then mentioned in a 16th-century commentary on a specific step in the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. The medieval era Tantric work Dattātreya Yoga Shāstra explains in 334 shlokas the principles of four yogas:
- Mantra yoga,
- Hatha yoga,
- Laya yoga, and
- Raja yoga.
The royal way to the reintegration of Self with Brahman
Alain Daniélou states that Rāja yoga was, in the historic literature of Hinduism, one of five known methods of yoga, with the other four being Hatha yoga, Mantra yoga, Laya yoga, and Shiva yoga. Daniélou translates it as “Royal way to the reintegration of Self with Universal Self (Brahman)”.
Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali
The term became a modern retronym in the 19th-century when Swami Vivekananda equated Raja yoga with the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. This meaning is different from that in the Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā, a text of the Nath sampraday.
Brahma Kumaris
The Brahma Kumaris, a new religious movement, teaches a form of meditation it calls “Raja yoga” that has nothing to do with either the precepts of Hatha Yoga or Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras.
Yoga school of Hinduism
Modern interpretations and literature that discuss Raja yoga often credit Patañjali’s Yogasūtras as their textual source, but many neither adopt the teachings nor the philosophical foundations of the Yoga school of Hinduism. This mixing of concepts has led to confusion in understanding historical and modern Indian literature on Yoga.
Raja Yoga comparison with Buddhism
The yoga scholar Stephen Cope identifies the following similarities between Raja yoga and Buddhism. He notes that the two philosophies are not the same, but are strikingly similar, having shared a long period of interchange up to about 500 CE.
| Aspects | Raja yoga | Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
| Primary problems | Dukkha (suffering). Seeing reality clearly. | |
| Problem-solving method 1: Cultivate skillful behaviors |
Yamas (restraints), Niyamas (observances) | Sila (ethical practices) |
| Problem-solving method 2: Cultivate concentrated states |
Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) | Samadhi |
| Problem-solving method 3: Use states to explore self |
Samyama (i.e. Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi) | Vipassana, other insight practices |
| View of ordinary reality | 4 Erroneous Beliefs – permanence, the reality of the body, that suffering is happiness, that body/mind is the true self |
3 Marks of Existence, obscured by error: — anicca (impermanence) — anatta (no-self) — dukkha (suffering) |
| The end of suffering | Kaivalya (emancipation) | Nirvana (“unbinding” of constructions) |
| Shared concepts | Nirodha (cessation), Klesha (affliction), Karma (action), Samvega (urgency), Prajna (intuitive wisdom), Samskara (unconscious pattern), Maitra/metta (loving-kindness). | |
| Shared approaches | Direct investigation of reality (not metaphysics), using self-study, self-reliance, self-liberation. | |
Raja Yoga History
Raja yoga in Shaivism
The Shaiva Yoga text, Amanaska, dated from the 12th century CE or earlier, is a dialogue between Vamadeva and the deity Shiva. In the second chapter, the text mentions Raja yoga. It states that it is so named because it enables the yogin to reach the illustrious king within oneself, the supreme self. Raja yoga is declared as the goal where one experiences nothing but the bliss of the undisturbed, the natural state of calm, serenity, peace, communion within, and contentment.
Raja yoga goal
The Raja yoga goal and state are synonymous with various terms, such as Amanaska, Unmani, and Sahaj. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (literally, A Little Light on Hatha Yoga) asserts this as follows:
राजयोगः समाधिश्च उन्मनी च मनोन्मनी | अमरत्वं लयस्तत्त्वं शून्याशून्यं परं पदम || ३ ||
अमनस्कं तथाद्वैतं निरालम्बं निरञ्जनम | जीवन्मुक्तिश्च सहजा तुर्या चेत्येक-वाचकाः || ४ ||
सलिले सैन्धवं यद्वत्साम्यं भजति योगतः | तथात्म-मनसोरैक्यं समाधिरभिधीयते || ५ ||
यदा संक्ष्हीयते पराणो मानसं च परलीयते | तदा समरसत्वं च समाधिरभिधीयते || ६ ||
तत-समं च दवयोरैक्यं जीवात्म-परमात्मनोः | परनष्ह्ट-सर्व-सङ्कल्पः समाधिः सोऽभिधीयते || ७ ||
Meaning
Raja yoga, samadhi, unmani, manonmani, amaratva, laya, tatva, sunya, asunya, parama pada, amanaska, advaita, niralamba, niranjana, jivanmukti, sahaja and turiya denote the same state of being. Just as with salt dissolved in water becomes one with it, so the union of Atman and Manas (mind) is denominated samadhi, When the breath becomes exhausted, and the mind becomes Praliyate (still, reabsorbed), they fuse into a union called samadhi. This equality, this oneness of the two, the living self and the absolute self, when all Sankalpa (desire, cravings) end is called samadhi. — Hath Yoga Pradipika, 4.3 – 4.7
Raja yoga – As a type of yoga
Some medieval Indian texts on Yoga list Raja yoga as one of many types of yoga. For example, the 17th-century Sarvanga Yoga Pradipikå, a Braj-bhashya commentary by Sundardas, teaches three tetrads of Yogas:
- The first group is Bhakti Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, and Carcha Yoga;
- Second is Hatha yoga, Raja yoga, Laksha yoga, and Ashtanga yoga; and
- Third is Samkhya yoga, Jñana yoga, Brahma yoga, and Advaita yoga.
Of these twelve, Sundardas states that Raja yoga is the best yoga.
Raja yoga – the yoga system of Patanjali
Swami Vivekananda
One meaning of Raja yoga is as a modern retronym introduced by Swami Vivekananda when he equated Raja yoga with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. After its circulation in the first half of the 1st millennium CE, many Indian scholars reviewed it, then published their Bhāṣya (notes and commentary) on it. Together, they form a canon called the Pātañjala yoga śhāstra (“The Treatise on Yoga of Patañjali”).
Axel Michaels
According to Axel Michaels, the Yoga Sutras are built upon fragments of texts and traditions from ancient India. According to Feuerstein, the Yoga Sutras are a condensation of two different traditions, namely “eight limb yoga” (ashtanga yoga) and action yoga (Kriya yoga). The Kriya yoga part is contained in chapter 1, chapter 2 verse 1-27, chapter 3 except verse 54, and chapter 4. The “eight limb yoga” is described in chapter 2 verses 28-55, and chapter 3 verses 3 and 54.
Raja yoga during the Islamic period
11th century
In the early 11th century, the Persian scholar Al Biruni visited India, lived among Hindus for 16 years, and with their help translated several significant Sanskrit works into Arabic and Persian. One was Patanjali’s Yogasutras. Along with generally accurate translations, Al Biruni’s text has significant differences from Yogasutra manuscripts discovered in India during the 19th century.
12th century
In the Indian historical timeline, marking with the arrival of Islam in India in the twelfth century, further development and literature on the Yoga philosophy of Hinduism went into decline. By the sixteenth century, Patanjali’s Yoga philosophy was nearly extinct. Yoga was preserved by Sadhus (ascetics, sannyasis) of India. Some of the Hindu yoga elements were adopted by the Sufi sect of Muslims in India. The Sufi Muslims at times adopted and protected the Yoga tradition of Hindus during the Islamic rule of India, and at other times helped the persecution and violence against those Hindus. The Mughal Emperor Akbar, known for his syncretic tolerance, was attracted to and patronized the Yoga philosophy of Hinduism.
Health benefits of Raja Yoga
Gains freedom from Anxiety and Stress
Everybody needs to pick up the opportunity from anxiety and stress and yoga has been elevated as a go-to apparatus for a definitive alleviation. Be that as it may. However, Yoga manages the breathing procedure; the contemplation method of Raja yoga manages the brain and its condition of tranquillity. For instance, if somebody is furious or yelling at you, then you can’t profound breathing and rehearsing yoga asanas, yet a quiet personality is constantly valuable to confront the circumstance.
Improves personal relationships
Individual relationships can improve with two fundamental viewpoints which are the center of Raja yoga Meditation practice:
- Each one of us is a spirit and an offspring of one Spiritual Father, GOD. The spirit has no religion connected to it.
- Everyone has shortcomings; however, there is additionally some quality in everyone. Begin taking a gander at the characteristics and ignore the weaknesses. This is the best way to improve personal connections.
Creates a sense of well-being
A feeling of prosperity can be made just when you have a quiet personality, do great Karma, attempt to get things done correctly, have great connections, and endeavor to take a shot at the self as opposed to endeavoring to transform others. Raja Yoga Meditation centers on every one of these viewpoints and goes about as a manual to bring them into training.
Enhances memory and concentration
The ideal approach to upgrade memory and fixation is to remain in the present. Raja yoga Meditation educates me to be right now and spotlight one thing at any given moment. Concentrating on one thing at any given moment enhances the work and enables you to get the ideal outcome.
On the off chance that Raja yoga Meditation is drilled from a youthful age, at that point it helps in upgrading the mind power and exceeds expectations in different zones, for example, examines, sports, extracurricular exercises, and so forth as it improves the self-assurance.
The mind becomes more clear and focused
They state that the greatest accomplishment in life isn’t getting all the notoriety, cash, resources, and so forth. The greatest accomplishment is to discover the reason for your life. The day you find that reason, life turns out to be progressively delightful, and you begin striking a harmony between your needs and needs.
It requires investing some energy every day with yourself peacefully and tuning in to your internal identity. Raja yoga Meditation encourages how quietness can have a noteworthy influence on self-change and world change.
Overcomes negative habits
Negative propensities get framed in the spirit in different stages. Some are persisted birth, some are created from the home condition, some are created from the surroundings you remain in, and some are created from the organization you keep.
Raja Yoga Meditation centers on the guiding principle of the spirit for example:
- Learning,
- Love,
- Peace,
- Happiness,
- Bliss,
- Purity, and
- Power.
These are on the whole positive qualities, and whenever soaked up in our lives then it drives out the pessimism from inside.
Improves quality of sleep
Rest is the most critical part of a solid personality and body. A few reasons for not having the capacity to rest are strain, tension, and so on. Pressure, for the most part, comes when we are in a wrong way, and nervousness comes when we ponder it is possible that others or about ourselves. Raj yoga Meditation instructs us to concentrate on the correct Karma and ponder all.
How to practice Raja Yoga
Once it is learned with sincerity, you may find self-control, discipline, concentration, peace of mind, and inner joy. Daily practice can provide you with a lifetime of benefits, including reduced stress, lessened attachment to material objects, and complete self-realization.
First stage
Find a quiet place. When you’re just starting a meditation practice, it’s best to go somewhere with minimal distractions. Being out in nature can be tranquil, or you might find a secluded part of your home.
- Try to find the best time of day. Early morning typically is a good time to meditate, and you can carry the peace with you throughout the day. It’s also usually quiet at that time.
- When you first start, may find it helpful to have some soft music playing in the background, or listening through earphones.
- You also can search online for guided meditation tracks that are designed to help you focus when you’re new to the practice.
Second stage
Sit comfortably. Raja yoga meditation is done from a seated position. A simple cross-legged position is fine, or you can even sit in a chair if you need that support. Just make sure you’re comfortable and that you feel stable.
- When in a cross-legged position, press your hip bones down and reach up through the crown of your head. Your shoulders should drop down your back with your chest opened. Make sure your spine is neutral. Don’t arch your back or lean back or forward.
- It may help to place a folded blanket or rolled towel behind or under you to help with your posture and make you more comfortable.
- Allow yourself to notice each of your senses, like the feeling of your feet on the floor, the sounds of your air conditioner, or the scent of a candle in the room.
Third stage
Bring your attention to the present. Raja yoga traditionally is done with your eyes open. When you’re just starting, however, you may need to close your eyes so that you can center your mind.
- Pick a focal point to watch while you’re doing yoga. That can help you shut out any distractions that might be around you. For instance, you might pick a flower on a shelf, or you could light a candle and focus your eyes on the flame.
- Try to keep your eyes open at first, then close them if you’re having difficulty or get distracted too easily. However, you might notice it’s harder to shut out random thoughts or feelings if your eyes are closed.
Fourth stage
Withdraw your attention from sounds and everything that is around you. Turn your attention to your breathing, or to your other point of focus, such as a candle in front of you. Allow your thoughts to pass without judgment.
- Particularly when you’re just starting, your mind will probably try to throw all kinds of things at you. As you relax, things may come to mind that you’d forgotten throughout the day. Simply acknowledge those thoughts and return to your breath or point of focus.
- Observe without judging or criticizing yourself or your mind. Acknowledge the thought and allow the thought to pass, and then return to your breath or point of focus.
Fifth stage
Create a peaceful thought. As your thoughts start to flow, set an intention for your practice. Let that thought be your awareness as you sit in meditation. It could be related to some struggle you’re currently having or just a general affirmation.
- For example, your thought might be “I am a peaceful soul.” Try to empty your mind to the point that this is the only thought that exists.
- Your thought may be more directed to your personal circumstances. For example, if you are currently undergoing some uncertainty, such as turmoil at work, you might make your thought something like “my well-being is not attached to any outcome.”
Sixth stage
Continue to create and experience being peaceful. As you fall deeper into a meditative state, your thought will bloom into a feeling that radiates through your entire being. Your understanding and feelings will combine to produce a profound sense of realization.
- For example, if your original thought was “I am a peaceful soul,” you can nurture that thought by repeating things such as “I am a peaceful soul…I am a peaceful being…Peace is my original nature.”
Seventh stage
Carry that peace with you. When your meditation is over, try to hold on to the inner peace you found during meditation as you go through your day. If you feel the peace slipping away, take a few moments if you can for a brief meditation to re-center yourself.
- Over time and with practice, you will awaken into a more profound state of well-being. You will be able to focus and concentrate better because you are centering and grounding yourself through your practice.
- If you feel stressed or overwhelmed during the day, try to find a place where you can retreat, even if only for a minute. Take several deep breaths and focus on your breathing until you find your inner calm.
Eighth stage
In ancient and medieval Sanskrit texts, Samadhi meant the highest state of yoga practice (one reaching Samadhi). However, it is quite difficult to come out of this state if the practitioner has not sought the guidance of his/her Guru. Hence, one must not practice Raja Yoga without guidance from Guru.
Frequently asked questions
Before posting your query, kindly go through them:
| What is the meaning of ‘Raja Yoga’?
Rāja (Sanskrit: राज) means “chief, best of its kind” or “king”. Rāja yoga thus refers to “chief, best of yoga”. |
| What is the ultimate aim of Raja Yoga?
Raja Yoga is also known as Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Steps of Yoga) because it is organized into eight parts: Yama – Self-control, Niyama- Discipline, Asana – Physical exercises, Pranayama – Breath exercises, Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses from external objects, Dharana – Concentration, Dhyana – Meditation, and Samadhi – Complete Realisation. The eight steps of Raja Yoga provide systematic instruction to attain inner peace, clarity, self-control, and Realization. |
| Which are the other names of Raja Yoga?
Rāja yoga has variously been called Aṣhṭāṅga Yoga, Royal Yoga, Royal union, Sahaja marg, and Classical yoga. |
Reference:
- https://www.yogapoint.com/info/typesofyoga.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C4%81ja_yoga
- https://www.yogaindailylife.org/system/en/the-four-paths-of-yoga/raja-yoga
- https://upaya-yoga.com/concept-and-benefits-of-raja-yoga/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Raja-Yoga
योग के अलग-अलग सन्दर्भों में अलग-अलग अर्थ हैं जैसे कि,आ पद्धति, आध्यात्मिक प्रकिया आदि। ऐतिहासिक रूप में, कर्म योग की अन्तिम अवस्था समाधि को ही ‘राजयोग’ कहते थे।
आधुनिक सन्दर्भ में, हिन्दुओं के छः दर्शनों में से एक का नाम ‘राजयोग’ (या केवल योग) है। महर्षि पतंजलि का योगसूत्र इसका मुख्य ग्रन्थ है। १९वीं शताब्दी में स्वामी विवेकानन्द ने ‘राजयोग’ का आधुनिक अर्थ में प्रयोग आरम्भ किया था। इस विषय पर उनके व्याख्यानों का संकलन “राजयोग” नामक पुस्तक के रूप में प्रकाशित हुआ है, जो पातञ्जल योग का प्रमुख आधुनिक ग्रंथ कहा जा सकता है।
राजयोग सभी योगों का राजा कहलाता है क्योंकि इसमें प्रत्येक प्रकार के योग की कुछ न कुछ समामिग्री अवष्य मिल जाती है। राजयोग महर्षि पतंजलि द्वारा रचित अष्टांग योग का वर्णन आता है। राजयोग का विषय चित्तवृत्तियों का निरोध करना है। महर्षि पतंजलि ने समाहित चित्त वालों के लिए अभ्यास और वैराग्य तथा विक्षिप्त चित्त वालों के लिए क्रियायोग का सहारा लेकर आगे बढ़ने का रास्ता सुझाया है। इन साधनों का उपयोग करके साधक के क्लेषों का नाश होता है, चित्तप्रसन्न होकर ज्ञान का प्रकाश फैलता है और विवेकख्याति प्राप्त होती है।
राजयोग के बारे में ऐसा मैंने कहीं पढ़ा था। आज आपके द्वारा लिखित लेख के माध्यम से मेरे ज्ञान में और भी वृद्धि हुई, इसके लिए धन्यवाद…!!!
Thanks, Saheb! Raja Yoga should be practiced by everyone because the benefits are priceless. Our great ancestors have left such valuable things for us, we must take advantage of it. You’re equally contributing your efforts to share the information with the readers. Thanks and take care!!
Although Raja yoga is also known as Ashtanga yoga, Navnathas used to make a regular use to avail the precious benefits. Wonderful article, people should practice it because it consists of the eight limbs. Thanks for sharing.
Good for life
Certainly, SirJi. One of the best Yaga. It does not take much time to practice. One must avail of the unique benefits. Thanks for your precious words. Please take care and stay safe!!
Thanks for the great attitude shown. Have a nice day!!
Thanks a lot for your kind attitude. Have a nice day!!