Raja Yoga: Cultivating the minds potential for self control and mental Concentration



In AD 300 Patanjali, an ancient sage who of which little is known enumerated 8 aids to
the achievement of the goal of yoga. Raja yoga, the royal path to achieving self
awareness and the union with the divine consciousness is described in 8 stages.

Interview scholar Georg Feuerstein

The 1st two stages are ethical preparations. Stage one: Restraint (Yama) are moral
observances. These moral virtues include non-violence, truthfulness, and chastity, not
stealing, or accepting gifts. The 2nd tenant is Discipline (Nyama) referring to purity,
contentment, asceticism, study, and devotion to a higher spiritual reality.

The next 2 stages are physical preparations. Asana, literally seat but referring to bodily
postures, are a series of exercises intended to condition the body and make it supple,
balanced and healthy.

Documentation of Vinyasa postures

Closely related to the posture is the breath. Pranayama is breath control stabilizing the
rhythm of breathing, in order to encourage complete respiratory relaxation.

Advanced Bikram yogi doing breathing exercises

The 5th tenant of Patanjali's 8 limbs is Pratyahara sense withdrawal. Controlling the
voluntary nervous system, detaching the senses, so the mind is no longer disturbed by
external objects, and remains focused on itself.

Example of Banaras yogi engaging in Pratyahara

The 6th tenant; Concentration (Dharana) is the ability to hold and confine awareness to
one object for a long period of time.

Example of Banaras yogi engaging in Dharana

unified current of thought.

Example of Banaras yogi engaging in Dyana

When the aspirant has learned to control and suppress obscuring mental activities,
and has succeeded in ending attachment to mental objects, he or she is able to enter Samadhi.

Interview scholar Georg Feuerstein

Ecstasy (Samadhi) literally meaning standing outside (oneself) is transcendence of the
ego-self. Here is where the distinction between the meditater and the object no longer
exist. It is a state of blissful ecstatic union with the divine

Self realization fellowship member in Samadhi trance

  • Segment 1: Introduction & Patanjalis 8 fold doctrine
  • Segment 2: Hatha Yoga- Cultivating the body
  • Segment 3: Jnana Yoga- The path of wisdom
  • Segment 4: Bhakti Yoga- Cultivating love for the divine
                  Karma Yoga- The path of work
  • Segment 5: Tantric Yoga- The path of ritual and the creative spirit
                 Summation
                 Budget: Yoga Documentary
    Big City Home