Raja Yoga
The word `raja` is defined as `king` and this approach to yoga is commonly called the `royal path of yoga`. It is also known as Classical Yoga and Astanga (not to be confused with the modern forms of hot or powerful yoga). The first reference to Raja Yoga is found in manuscripts dating back to the 16thC where it is linked to the eight limbs of yoga described by Patanjali more than a thousand years earlier.
Unlike some modern concepts of the purpose of yoga; to get fit and healthy, Raja Yoga has always had the ultimate aim of Samadhi and Self Realisation.
The eight limbs:
Yama, Niyama , Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi,
are all regarded as aspects of Raja Yoga although the importance of the last four stages is particularly emphasised to the extent that Raja Yoga is also often known as Meditation Yoga.
In modern times the publication of the book in 1896, `Raja Yoga` by Swami Vivekananda brought this approach to the public eye. The book became a best seller and is still in print . More recently Alain Danielou described Raja Yoga as `The royal way to integration of Self with the Universal Self`.
Although Raja Yoga pays due respect to all aspects including physical exercise it can be said that this form appeals particularly to those who prefer a more calm and meditative practise.
2018
The word `raja` is defined as `king` and this approach to yoga is commonly called the `royal path of yoga`. It is also known as Classical Yoga and Astanga (not to be confused with the modern forms of hot or powerful yoga). The first reference to Raja Yoga is found in manuscripts dating back to the 16thC where it is linked to the eight limbs of yoga described by Patanjali more than a thousand years earlier.
Unlike some modern concepts of the purpose of yoga; to get fit and healthy, Raja Yoga has always had the ultimate aim of Samadhi and Self Realisation.
The eight limbs:
Yama, Niyama , Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi,
are all regarded as aspects of Raja Yoga although the importance of the last four stages is particularly emphasised to the extent that Raja Yoga is also often known as Meditation Yoga.
In modern times the publication of the book in 1896, `Raja Yoga` by Swami Vivekananda brought this approach to the public eye. The book became a best seller and is still in print . More recently Alain Danielou described Raja Yoga as `The royal way to integration of Self with the Universal Self`.
Although Raja Yoga pays due respect to all aspects including physical exercise it can be said that this form appeals particularly to those who prefer a more calm and meditative practise.
2018
