Rāja Yoga -- the "royal yoga" -- is the systematic path of mental discipline described by Patañjali in the Yoga Sūtra. It is not acrobatics with the body. It is work with the mind.
What Rāja Yoga Is
Rāja means "royal" or "king." Rāja Yoga is considered the royal path because it works directly with the most powerful and most problematic instrument: the mind (citta).
Patañjali defines yoga as "citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ" -- the cessation of the modifications of the mind. It does not mean stopping thought. It means the mind stops agitating and becomes available to reflect the consciousness that you are.
The 8 Steps (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga)
- Yama -- ethical disciplines (truthfulness, non-violence, non-stealing, etc.)
- Niyama -- personal observances (cleanliness, contentment, study, etc.)
- Āsana -- stable and comfortable posture
- Prāṇāyāma -- breath control
- Pratyāhāra -- withdrawal of the senses
- Dhāraṇā -- concentration
- Dhyāna -- continuous meditation
- Samādhi -- total absorption
Rāja Yoga and Vedānta
In the vision of Vedānta, Rāja Yoga is preparation, not destination. Samādhi (meditative absorption) is an experience -- and experiences do not liberate. What liberates is knowledge (jñāna).
But a mind disciplined by Rāja Yoga is the best instrument for receiving the teaching of Vedānta. The two paths do not compete -- they complement each other.
Where to Begin
Start with yamas and niyamas -- ethics and personal discipline. Without this foundation, the advanced practices do not work. Āsana and prāṇāyāma come after, as support. Formal meditation comes last, when the mind already has the maturity to be quiet.
Want to study Vedanta in depth?
Join a Study Group →