Raja Yoga Meditation
Raja Yoga is concerned with the mind. The mind and the body are connected. Therefore to even begin this technique, the body must be cleansed. You need to be physically and mentally in good health before trying to pursue the experiences of this form of meditation. You cannot achieve a state of heightened awareness until you have done this.
Raja Yoga aims to gain control of your thought processes and how you look at things. There are eight limbs incorporated in this form of meditation. They are:
- Yama - code of conduct, self-restraint
- Niyama - religious observances, commitments to practice, such as study and devotion
- Asana - integration of mind and body through physical activity
- Pranayama - regulation of breath leading to integration of mind and body
- Pratyahara - abstraction of the senses, withdrawal of the senses of perception from their objects
- Dharana - concentration, one-pointedness of mind
- Dhyana - meditation (quiet activity that leads to samadhi)
- Samadhi - the quiet state of blissful awareness, super-conscious state.
Let’s look at them a little closer:
Yama
Yama consists of five parts: Ahimsa which is non-violence, Satya which is truthfulness, Asteya which is non-stealing, Brahmacharya which is celibacy, and Aparigraha which is non-covetousness. This is designed to take out the cruel, human factor in us all and increase the good in us. These are designed to bring a total peace of mind. They teach you to avoid conflict and in return live in harmony and unity. To not hurt one another but work together to bring peace of mind to each other. By eliminating your fears.
Niyama
Niyama is observance of five canons: Shaucha which is internal and external purity, Santosha which is contentment, Tapas which is austerity, Svadhyaya which is the study of religious books and repetitions of Mantras, and Ishvarapranidhana which is self-surrender to God, and His worship. Again, you need to cleanse yourself of all your impurities to get the full benefit of meditation.
Asana
The art of Asana steadies the body. Asana is a series of physical exercises that are gentle to your body and designed to keep muscles in tone, joints supple and nerves in tune.
Pranayama
Pranayama is often misunderstood for breathing exercises. If you break it down - prana means life force, while yama means to gain control. Pranayama works to bring your breathing under control and regulate it in a way that will benefit your body.
Pratyahara
Pratyahara is designed to give you inner spiritual strength. It helps to remove all the distractions and create a greater sense of will power within you.
Dharana
This is concentration.
Dhyana
Controlling the mind.
Samadhi
Removing obstacles and achieving enlightenment. Raja Yoga is all encompassing. It takes you from the very beginning state of utter chaos and confusion and takes you to a free, clear mind that can attain a state of enlightenment. Is yet another meditation technique that takes dedication and perseverance.
Photos
