Raja Yoga

The term Raja Yoga means King Yoga, and is usually used to describe the eight limbs of yoga practice delineated by the sage Patanjali. The eight limbs contain three aspects: morality and virtue practice, Hatha yoga, and meditation practice. The Raja Yoga path aims to bring the practitioner into deep states of concentration (Samadhi, Jhanas). It touches all aspects of life, and is often practiced alongside different styles of Hatha and Kundalini Yoga.

The eight limbs of Raja Yoga

1. Yama — social ethics 2. Niyama — personal ethics 3. Asana — yoga postures 4. Pranayama — breath or energy control 5. Pratyahara — withdrawal of the senses 6. Dharna — single point focus, concentration on a single point. 7. Dhyana — meditation 8. Samadhi — meditative absorption There are two forms of Samadhis that can be achieved by Raja Yoga: Savikalpa Samadhi and Nirvikalpa Samadhi. These are deep states of concentration in meditation practice. The final Samadhi is called Sahaja Samadhi (Natural state) and is realized by the yoga of wisdom (Jnana, Atma Vichara).