THE EIGHT LIMBS OF RAJA YOGA
Raja yoga is the path of systematic analysis and control of the
mind. Compiled by Patanjali Maharishi, raja yoga is also known as
ashtanga yoga, because its practices can be divided into eight
limbs:
1. YAMAS – RESTRAINTS
a. Ahimsa: non violence, non-injury
b. Satya: truthfulness; non-telling of lies
c. Brahmacharya: chastity, sublimation of the sexual energy
d. Asteya: non-stealing, non-covetedness, lack of jealousy
e. Aparigraha: non-accepting of gifts or bribes
2. NIYAMA – OBSERVANCES
a. Saucha: purity (external and internal)
b. Santosha: contentment
c. Tapas: austerity
d. Swadhyaya: study of religious scripture
e. Ishwara-pranidha: worship of the Lord, surrender of the ego
Together the yamas and niyamas form high moral character and
ethical conduct. The mind is uplifted and purified for deep
meditation.
3. ASANA – STEADY POSE
For spiritual practice, as for any other pursuit in life, a
healthy and strong system is also essential. Steady mind
presupposes steady body. Attain one-pointedness of mind and forget
about the body.
4. PRANAYAMA – CONTROL OF THE VITAL ENERGY
The physical nerves as well as the astral energy tubes (nadis)
must be pure and strong enough to withstand various mental
phenomena and disorientations that can occur during practice. In
the process of turning the mind inward, old negativities may
surface. On rare occasions they may even appear symbolically in
the form of visions. A frail person may discontinue sadhana rather
than confront these aspects of the sub-conscious.
5. PRATYAHARA – WITHDRAWAL OF THE SENSES FROM OBJECTS
6. DHARANA – CONCENTRATION
Concentrating the mind upon either an external object or an
internal idea, to the exclusion of all other thoughts.
7. DHYANA – MEDITATION
Meditation is defined as an unbroken flow of thought towards God
to the exclusion of other sensual perception.
8. SAMADHI – SUPER-CONSCIOUS STATE
It is sublime beyond description: beyond the mind to grasp.
Samadhi transcends all ordinary, sensory experience as well as
time, space and causation. Samadhi represents the goal of all
existence. It is what all living beings are moving towards.
RAJA YOGA OR ASHTANGA YOGA INCLUDES:
Raja Yoga: expounded in the Raja Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Maharishi, deals directly with the mind. By controlling the mind
one also gains control of the prana.
Kundalini Yoga: The nadis (pranic channels) and chakras (energy
centers) are purified and the kundalini is awakened. Kundalini
yoga describes the psychic system, and develops numerous
techniques for gaining mastery of prana in order to control the
mind.
Hatha Yoga: kriyas, asanas, pranayama, mudras and bandhas are
emphasized for the beginner student. By using these techniques to
gain control over the prana, one also gains control of the mind.
Mantra Yoga: focuses on the use of found to control the mind.
Yantra Yoga: uses geometrical forms for meditation.
Nada Yoga: uses music.
Laya Yoga: the aspirant concentrates on inner (anahata) sounds and
light.
It is important to remember that in all forms of raja yoga, all
eight limbs must be practiced. Basic principles are the same. The
only difference is emphasis.
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