Raja Yoga

     In Sanskrit, Raja means "King" therefore Raja Yoga is known as the highest path or technique of Yoga. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the eight fold path is called "Ashtanga."

     In Sanskrit, Ashtanga is broken down into two parts, Ashta means "eight" and Anga means "limb." The eights limbs are seen in Yoga as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

     This technique of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of Asanas, that are intended to produce intense internal heat for detoxification of the muscles and organs. Using the sweating process as a way to help eliminate toxins.

      This technique is also known as Patanjali's Eight-fold Path which is referred to as Ashtanga. In Sanskrit, Ashta means "eight" and Anga means "limb," the Yoga Sutras are known as the foremost work on Yoga.

     In this technique of Yoga, we are given guidance with moral and ethical conduct, proper health of the body, a full life with purpose and meaning as well as the acknowledgment of our true nature through Samadhi meaning "liberation" of the ego.

     This practice is also known as Mental Yoga, or the Yoga of the Mind, because of the emphasis on awareness of one's state of mind. Because the practice of Hatha Yoga leads to the practice of Raja Yoga, this practice is included in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

     This technique of Yoga is known as an advancement on the practice of Hatha Yoga. Also known as the Royal Path, the practitioner uses the mental powers to realize the Atman meaning "Self" and also known as the Higher Self, True Self or the Soul, through the process of psychological control.

     With this technique the fluctuations of the mind are stilled in order to realize the true Self. When the mind is still and pure the veil blocking the true Self is lifted to reveal the Atman. 

Patanjali's Eight-fold Path

     The great Sage Patanjali lived in the fourth or fifth century B.C.E. and is the author of the Yoga Sutras where he state that the purpose of his incarnation is to teach and share the practice of Yoga. 

     In Sanskrit, Pata means "falling leaves" and Anjali refers to Anjali Mudra, combine the two words and the name indicates acquiring the knowledge of the Sutras meaning "discourse," as if catching falling leaves of knowledge and offering them to the heart. Another meaning of the Sanskrit word Pata is "serpent."

     In some bronze figures and other depictions of Patanjali, he is half man and half serpent. This is just a representation and should only be seen as such. The serpent is representing the awakening of Kundalini Shakti or famine energy that is dormant in Muladhara Chakra

 



     The description of this practice starts in chapter two of the Yoga Sutras.

  • Yama - Wise characteristics.
  • Niyama - Rules or laws.
  • Asana - To be seated in a position that is firm, but relaxed.
  • Pranayama - Breathing exercises.
  • Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the five senses.
  • Dharana - Focused concentration.
  • Dhyana - Meditation.
  • Samadhi- Liberation, Self-Realization or Enlightenment because this state comes from transcending the limitations and misery of the ego.

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