Part of a series on |
 |
Schools Samkhya · Yoga · Nyaya · Vaisheshika · Purva Mimamsa · Vedanta (Advaita · Vishishtadvaita · Dvaita · Achintya Bheda Abheda) |
Persons Ancient Modern |
Rāja Yoga ("royal yoga", "royal union", also known as Classical Yoga or simply Yoga) is one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Hindu philosophy, outlined by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. Hindu philosophy is divided into six Sanskrit ''{{IAST|āstika}}'') schools of thought or darshanas (literally "views" Sankhya Sankhya, also Samkhya, ( सांख्य, IAST: sānkhya - 'enumeration' is one of the six schools of classical Indian philosophy. Nyāya ( Sanskrit ni-āyá, literally "recursion" used in the sense of " Syllogism, inference" is the name given to one of the six orthodox Vaisheshika, or Vaiśeṣika, (Sanskrit वैशॆषिक) is one of the six Hindu schools of Philosophy (orthodox Vedic systems Mīmāṃsā, a Sanskrit word meaning "investigation" (compare Greek ἱστορία) is the name of an Astika ("orthodox" school Vedanta ( Devanagari: sa वेदान्त Vedānta) is a spiritual tradition explained in the Upanishads that is concerned with the Self-realisation Advaita Vedanta ( IAST Advaita Vedānta; Sanskrit अद्वैत वेदान्त əd̪vait̪ə veːd̪ɑːnt̪ə is a sub-school of the VishishtAdvaita Vedanta ( IAST Viśishṭādvaita Vedanta; Sanskrit: विशिष्टाद्वैत is a sub-school of the Vedānta Dvaita ( Kannada: ದ್ವೈತ Devanagari:द्बैत is a dualist school of Vedanta Hindu philosophy. Achintya-Bheda-Abheda ( acintya bhedābheda in IAST) is a school of Vedanta representing the philosophy of inconceivable one-ness and difference Valmiki ( Sanskrit: वाल्मीकि vālmīki) (ca 400 BCE northern India is celebrated as the poet harbinger in Sanskrit literature Patañjali ( Devanāgarī पतञ्जलि (fl 150 BCE or 2nd c For other uses see Gotama Gautama Maharishi ( Hindi: गौतम महर्षि is one of the Saptarishis (Seven Kanada ( Sanskrit: कणाद; also transliterated as Canada as well as other forms was a Hindu sage who founded the philosophical Jaimini was an ancient rishi (sage who was a great philosopher of the Mimansa school of Indian philosophy Vyāsa ( Devanāgarī: व्यास is a central and revered figure in the majority of Hindu traditions Markandeya ( Sanskrit: मार्कण्डेय is an ancient Rishi (sage from the Hindu tradition born in the clan of Brigu Rishi Adi Shankara ( Malayalam: ആദി ശങ്കരന് Devanāgarī: आदि शङ्कर Ādi Śaṅkara, aːd̪i ɕaŋkərə (see below Ramanuja ( traditionally 1017&ndash1137 also known as Ramanujacharya, was a Theologian, Philosopher, and Scriptural Exegete. For Madhavacharya the Advaita saint see Madhava Vidyaranya. Shri Madhvacharya (ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರು Nimbarka ( Sanskrit: श्री निम्बार्काचार्य Śrī Nimbārkācārya) is known for propagating the Vaishnava Theology Sri Vallabhacharya (1479 &ndash 1531 was a devotional Philosopher, who founded the Pushti sect in India, following the philosophy of Shuddha Madhusūdana Sarasvatī (c1540&ndash1640 was an Indian philosopher in the Advaita Vedānta tradition Nāmdev ( Nām Dev or Sant Nāmdev) (c1270-c1350 CE was a prominent religious poet of Maharashtra, India in the Hindu tradition Tukārām was a prominent Marathi Sant and religious poet in the Hindu tradition in India. Gosvāmī Tulsīdās (1532-1623 Devanāgarī: तुलसीदास may be written as Tulasī Dāsa depending on if the name is transcribed Al-Kabir "the Great" is also one of the 99 names of God in Islam Vasugupta (860&ndash925 was the author of the famous Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (also transliterated Caitanya, IAST caitanya mahāprabhu) ( Bengali চৈতন্য মহাপ্রভূ (1486 - Sri Ramana Maharshi ( December 30, 1879 – April 14, 1950) born Venkataraman Iyer, was an Indian sage Swami Vivekananda (স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ Shami Bibekānondo; स्वामी विवेकानन्द Svāmi Vivekānanda) ( Nārāyana Guru (नारायण गुरुനാരായണ ഗുരു (1855 - 1928 also known as Sree Nārāyana Guru Swami was a Saint, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ( Gujarati: મોહનદાસ કરમચંદ ગાંધી moɦən̪d̪äs kəɾəmʧən̪d̪ gän̪d̪ʱi (2 October 1869 – 30 January Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, OM ( Telugu:సర్వేపల్లి రాధాకృష్ణ Tamil:சர்வேபள்ளி Sri Aurobindo (শ্রী অরবিন্দ Sri Ôrobindo) ( August 15, 1872 – December 5, 1950) was an Indian Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (birth name Maruti Shivrampant Kambli ( April 17, 1897 – September 8, 1981) was an Indian Swami Sivananda Saraswati ( Sep 8, 1887 — Jul 14, 1963) was a Hindu spiritual teacher and a well known Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy (ஆனந்த குமாரசுவாமி 22 August, 1877, Colombo - 9 September, 1947, Pandurang Shastri Vaijnath Athavale (પાંડુરંગ શાસ્ત્રી આઠવલે पांडुरंग शास्त्री आठवले ( October Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ( Sanskrit:, abhaya-caraṇāravinda bhakti-vedānta svāmī prabhupāda, Bangla: অভয়চরনাবিন্দ Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the Hindu philosophy is divided into six Sanskrit ''{{IAST|āstika}}'') schools of thought or darshanas (literally "views" Sankhya Patañjali ( Devanāgarī पतञ्जलि (fl 150 BCE or 2nd c This is an article about the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali For general information on sutras see Sutra. Raja yoga is concerned principally with the cultivation of the mind using meditation (dhyana) to further one's acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation. Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness Dhyāna in Hinduism See also Dhyana in Hinduism In Hinduism dhyana is considered to be an instrument to gain self knowledge separating maya from In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release"
Contents |
The term
The term Rāja Yoga is a retronym, introduced in the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika to distinguish the school based on the Yoga Sutras from the new current of Hatha Yoga. A retronym is a type of Neologism coined for an old object or concept whose original name has come to be used for something else is no longer unique or is otherwise inappropriate Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a classic Sanskrit Manual on Hatha Yoga, written by Swami Swatmarama, a disciple of Swami Gorakhnath. Hatha Yoga ( Sanskrit हठयोग hʌʈʰʌjogʌ also called Hatha Vidya (हठविद्या is a particular system of Yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama The term was later used to describe a meditation practice of the Brahma Kumaris involving the focus of one's mind and surrender to a channelled entity they believe to be the Supreme Soul. Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University ब्रह्माकुमारी pronounced (BKWSU or Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya (Sanskrit/Hindi Mediumship is a practice in religious beliefs such as Spiritualism, Spiritism, Espiritismo, Candomblé, Louisiana Voodoo, and
Raja Yoga is sometimes referred to as Aṣṭānga (eight-limbed) yoga because there are eight aspects to the path to which one must attend. This is not to be confused with the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga of K. Pattabhi Jois. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a system of Yoga that has its origins (allegedly in an ancient manuscript known as the Yoga Korunta, compiled by the sage Vamana Rishi Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois,
Concept
Raja Yoga is so-called because it is primarily concerned with the mind. The mind is traditionally conceived as the "king" of the psycho-physical structure which does its bidding (whether or not one has realized this). Because of the relationship between the mind and the body, the body must be first "tamed" through self-discipline and purified by various means (see Hatha Yoga). Hatha Yoga ( Sanskrit हठयोग hʌʈʰʌjogʌ also called Hatha Vidya (हठविद्या is a particular system of Yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama A good level of overall health and psychological integration must be attained before the deeper aspects of yoga can be pursued. Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the Humans have all sorts of addictions and obsessions and these preclude the attainment of tranquil abiding (meditation). Through restraint (yama) such as celibacy, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and careful attention to one's actions of body, speech and mind, the human being becomes fit to practise meditation. This yoke that one puts upon oneself (discipline) is another meaning of the word yoga.
Every thought, feeling, perception, or memory you may have causes a modification, or ripple, in the mind. It distorts and colors the mental mirror. If you can restrain the mind from forming into modifications, there will be no distortion, and you will experience your true Self. - Swami Satchidananda
Patañjali's Yoga Sutras begin with the statement yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ (1. Swami Satchidananda ( 22 December, 1914 &ndash 19 August, 2002) was an Indian religious figure spiritual teacher and Yoga This is an article about the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali For general information on sutras see Sutra. 2), "Yoga limits the oscillations of the mind". They go on to detail the ways in which mind can create false ideations and advocate meditation on real objects, which process, it is said, will lead to a spontaneous state of quiet mind, the "Nirbija" or "seedless state", in which there is no mental object of focus. A Sanskrit term meaning "without seed" In Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras it is said "But these three [[Samyama] ] are only external means compared to the samadhi 'without seed'
Practices that serve to maintain for the individual the ability to access this state may be considered Raja Yoga practices. Thus Raja Yoga encompasses and differentiates itself from other forms of Yoga by encouraging the mind to avoid the sort of absorption in obsessional practice (including other traditional yogic practices) that can create false mental objects.
In this sense Raja Yoga is referred to as the "king among yogas": all yogic practices are seen as potential tools for obtaining the seedless state, itself considered to be the starting point in the quest to cleanse Karma and obtain Moksha or Nirvana. Karma ( Sanskrit: कर्म, kárman - "act action performance" Pali: kamma) is the concept of "action" In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" In sramanic philosophy Nirvana (निर्वाण| Nirvāṇa; निब्बान Nibbāna; Prakrit: णिव्वाण Historically, schools of yoga that label themselves "Raja" offer students a mix of yogic practices and (hopefully or ideally) this philosophical viewpoint.
Practice
Raja Yoga aims at controlling all thought-waves or mental modifications. While a Hatha Yogi starts his Sadhana with Asanas (postures) and Pranayama, a Raja Yogi starts his Sadhana with the mind, although a certain minimum of asanas and pranayamas are usually included as a preparation for the meditation and concentration. For Sadhana the actress see Sadhana (actress Sadhana (Sanskrit sādhanam) is a Sanskrit term for "a means of accomplishing something" Asana ( Sanskrit आसन sitting down < आस to sit down) is a body position typically associated with the practice of Yoga, intended Pranayama (Sanskrit prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning "lengthening of the prana or breath"
Eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are:
- Yama - Code of conduct - self-restraint
- Niyama - religious observances - commitments to practice, such as study and devotion
- Āsana - integration of mind and body through physical activity
- Pranayama - regulation of breath leading to integration of mind and body
- Pratyahara - abstraction of the senses, withdrawal of the senses of perception from their objects
- Dharana - concentration, one-pointedness of mind
- Dhyana - meditation (quiet activity that leads to samadhi)
- Samadhi - the quiet state of blissful awareness, superconscious state
They are sometimes divided into the lower and the upper four limbs, the lower ones being parallel to the lower limbs of Hatha Yoga, while the upper ones being specific for the Raja yoga. A yama ( Sanskrit) यम literally "death" is a rule or code of conduct for living which will help bring a compassionate death to the ego or "the lower self" Niyama ( Sanskrit: नियम is a set of behaviors codified as "the observances" in numerous scriptures including the Shandilya and Varuha Upanishads Hatha Yoga Pradipika Asana ( Sanskrit आसन sitting down < आस to sit down) is a body position typically associated with the practice of Yoga, intended Pranayama (Sanskrit prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning "lengthening of the prana or breath" Pratyahara is the fifth element among the Eight stages of Patanjali 's Ashtanga Yoga. See also Samyama Beginner's mind According to the Hindu Yoga Sutra dhyana is one of the eight methods of Yoga, (the other seven methods are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama Samadhi ( Sanskrit: sa समाधि is a Hindu and Buddhist technical term that usually denotes higher levels of concentrated meditation or Hatha Yoga ( Sanskrit हठयोग hʌʈʰʌjogʌ also called Hatha Vidya (हठविद्या is a particular system of Yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama The upper three limbs practiced simultaneously constitute the Samyama. Samyama (from Sanskrit संयम saṃ-yama Combined simultaneous practice of Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna & Samādhi.
Yama
Yama consists of five parts: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-covetousness). A yama ( Sanskrit) यम literally "death" is a rule or code of conduct for living which will help bring a compassionate death to the ego or "the lower self" Ahimsa ( Devanagari: sa अहिंसा IAST ahiṃsā is a Sanskrit term meaning Non-violence (literally the avoidance of violence - Nonviolence is a philosophy and strategy for social change that rejects the use of physical Violence. Satya is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates into English as " Truth " or "correct Honesty is the human quality of communicating and acting Truthfully related to Truth as a value Achaurya is a Sanskrit word meaning "avoidance of stealing" or "non-stealing" Brahmacharya (brʌmatʃərɪə Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य is the first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization Celibacy refers to the lack of participation in Sexual intercourse. Ahimsa is perfect harmlessness and positive love also. Love is any of a number of Emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong Affection. This removes the brutal nature in man and strengthens the will. This article is about the radio and television stations For other uses see Will.
The scientific basis of the Yama instructions may be explained in this way.
The five directives of Yama lay down behavioral norms as prerequisites for elimination o fear and angst and contribute to a tranquil mind. Nonviolence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satyavachana), non-stealing (astheya), child-like behavior (brahmacharya), and moderation in setting goals (aparigraha), prevent situations that evoke fear in human interactions and contribute to peace of mind.
Ahimsa (non-violence) helps to avoid conflicts with fellow human beings that normally occur because of competition for eating and mating. Hurting a person physically or mentally leads to fear of retaliation which disturbs peace of mind.
Satyavachan (truthfulness) helps peace of mind by eliminating fear of discovery of lies. Untruth implies maintaining two versions of an event, possibly in the same set of neurons, thus causing confusion and mental disturbance.
Astheya (non-stealing) eliminates the anxiety of discovery of theft, potential reprisal by the owner and/or punishment by state. Brahmacharya (celibacy or stage of life devoted to seeking knowledge) averts conflict associated with search for mates, eliminates fear of strife, enhances scholarship and upgrades equanimity.
Aparigraha (moderation in setting goals) prevents angst of potential failure, promotes self-control and poise.
Niyama
Niyama is observance of five canons: Shaucha (internal and external purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study of religious books and repetitions of Mantras), and Ishvarapranidhana (self-surrender to God, and His worship). Niyama ( Sanskrit: नियम is a set of behaviors codified as "the observances" in numerous scriptures including the Shandilya and Varuha Upanishads Hatha Yoga Pradipika Shaucha (शौच purity is one of the Niyamas of Yoga or Hinduism. Santosha (सन्तोष contentment is one of the Niyamas of Yoga. Tapas ( tápas) in Sanskrit means "heat" In Vedic religion and Hinduism, it is used figuratively denoting spiritual suffering Ishvarapranidhana represents surrender to the divinity within the individual in Hinduism and Yoga.
He who practises meditation without ethical perfection, without the practice of Yama-Niyama cannot obtain the fruits of meditation. Purify your mind first through the practice of Yama-Niyama. Then practice regular meditation. Then you will attain illumination.
Science underslying Niyama can be presented as follows.
Niyama unlike Yama prescribes mental exercises to train the mind to control emotions: (Saucha), (Santosha), (Tapaha), (Svadhyaya) and (Ishwara pranidhanani).
Saucha (Purity of thought) requires active monitoring of the mind from being obsessed with material or corporeal desires.
Santosha (Contentment) prevents desire to obtain, experience and /or accumulate objects of pleasure.
Tapaha (Austere or ascetic life style), by practicing self-denying and austere life style controls fondness for desire-generated emotions.
Svadhyaya (Study about self) enlightens the true nature of human nature and facilitates healthy thoughts.
Ishwara pranidhanani (Surrender of ego to God) makes it easier to be not self-centered by aiming at higher goals.
Thus Niyama instructions prepare the mind to control animal (reptilian brain- generated) and human (cerebral) emotions.
Asana
Any easy, steady, comfortable pose is Asana. Asana ( Sanskrit आसन sitting down < आस to sit down) is a body position typically associated with the practice of Yoga, intended Asanas steady the body. Posture is mastered by releasing tension and meditation on the unlimited.
Asana and Pranayama recognize the intimate connection between body and mind. Asana are a series of gentle physical exercises designed to keep muscles in tone, joints supple and nerves in tune.
Pranayama
Pranayama checks the outgoing tendencies of the mind. Pranayama (Sanskrit prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning "lengthening of the prana or breath" It is often misunderstood for breathing exercises. Prana means life force, while yama means to gain control
Pranayama is the prelude to concentration of mind. Pranayama brings the involuntary breathing cycle under voluntary control by regulating inhalation, exhalation and holding breath static either in the lungs or out of them for periods which could be long or short. Active regulation of breathing naturally requires concentrating on the process, a prelude to control of thinking process the final goal of Raja yoga.
Pratyahara
Pratyahara gives inner spiritual strength. Pratyahara is the fifth element among the Eight stages of Patanjali 's Ashtanga Yoga. It removes all sorts of distractions. It develops will-power.
The objective of Prathyahara is to disrupt the communication from the sense organ to the brain. Light, sound, smell etc. stimuli received by the sense organs are blocked from the brain centers and thus could not distract from concentration of the mind.
Dharana
Real Yoga starts from concentration. See also Samyama Beginner's mind Concentration merges into meditation. Meditation ends in Samadhi. Retention of breath, Brahmacharya, Satvic (pure) food, seclusion, silence, Satsanga (being in the company of a guru), and not mixing much with people are all aids to concentration. In Hindu philosophy, sattva ( Sanskrit sattva "purity" literally "existence reality" adjectival sāttvika "pure" Satsang ( Sanskrit sat = true sanga = company describes in Indian philosophy (1 the company of the "highest truth" (2 the company of a Guru, and (3 Concentrate on Trikuti (the space between the two eyebrows) with closed eyes is preferred. The phrase " mind's eye " refers to the human ability for visual Perception, Imagination, Visualization, and Memory, or in other words The mind can be easily controlled, as this is the seat for the mind.
Dhyana
Sleep, tossing of mind, attachment to objects, subtle desires and cravings, laziness, lack of Brahmacharya, gluttony are all obstacles in meditation. According to the Hindu Yoga Sutra dhyana is one of the eight methods of Yoga, (the other seven methods are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama Dhyāna in Hinduism See also Dhyana in Hinduism In Hinduism dhyana is considered to be an instrument to gain self knowledge separating maya from Brahmacharya (brʌmatʃərɪə Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य is the first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization Reduce your wants. Cultivate dispassion. You will have progress in Yoga. Vairagya thins out the mind. Vairāgya ( Devanagari:वैराग्य also spelt as Vairagya) is a Sanskrit term used in Hindu philosophy that roughly translates as dispassion Do not mix much. Do not talk much. Do not walk much. Do not eat much. Do not sleep much. Do not exert much. Never wrestle with the mind during meditation. Do not use any violent efforts at concentration. If evil thoughts enter your mind, do not use your will force in driving them. You will tax your will. You will lose your energy. You will fatigue yourself. The greater the efforts you make, the more the evil thoughts will return with redoubled force. Be indifferent. Become a witness of those thoughts. Substitute divine thoughts. They will pass away. Never miss a day in meditation. Regularity is of paramount importance. When the mind is tired, do not concentrate. Do not take heavy food at night.
The mind passes into many conditions or states as it is made up of three qualities-Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Kshipta (wandering), Vikshipta (gathering), Mudha (ignorant), Ekagra (one-pointed), and Nirodha (contrary) are the five states of the mind.
By controlling the thoughts the Sadhaka attains great Siddhis. He becomes an adept. He attains Asamprajnata Samadhi or Kaivalya. Do not run after Siddhis. Siddhis are great temptations. Not to be confused with the African-descended Siddi people of India (though sometimes spelled identically They will bring about your downfall. A Raja Yogi practices Samyama or the combined practice of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi at one and the same time and gets detailed knowledge of an object.
Control the mind by Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (dispassion). Any practice which steadies the mind and makes it one-pointed is Abhyasa. Dull Vairagya will not help you in attaining perfection in Yoga. You must have Para Vairagya or Theevra Vairagya, intense dispassion.
Samadhi
Meditation on OM with Bhava and its meaning removes obstacles in Sadhana and helps to attain Samadhi. Samadhi ( Sanskrit: sa समाधि is a Hindu and Buddhist technical term that usually denotes higher levels of concentrated meditation or Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (egoism), Raga-Dvesha (likes and dislikes), Abhinivesha (clinging to mundane life) are the five Kleshas or afflictions. Destroy these afflictions. You will attain Samadhi.
Samadhi is of two kinds:
- Savikalpa, Samprajnata or Sabija; and
- Nirvikalpa, Asamprajnata or Nirbija.
In Savikalpa or Sabija, there is Triputi or the triad (knower, known and knowledge). The samskaras are not burnt or freed. In Hinduism sanskaras (singular sanskara) ( Sanskrit: impression under the impulse of previous impressions are the imprints left on the subconscious Savitarka, Nirvitarka, Savichara, Nirvichara, Sasmita and Saananda are the different forms of Savikalpa Samadhi. In Nirbija Samadhi or Asamprajnata Samadhi there is no triad.
A Bhakta gets Bhava-Samadhi, a Jnani gets Badha-Samadhi, a Raja Yogi gets Nirodha Samadhi.
Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic