Raja yoga literally means king of yoga. The word "raja" means royal. Raja yoga is also known as classic yoga or the simple yoga. This is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy. This approach towards yoga was outlined by Patanajli.The practice of the methods prescribed in Raja Yoga by Patanajli leads to the cessation of all miseries and attainment of eternal bliss.

Raja yoga encompasses the eight limbs of yoga namely

Yama - Code of conduct - self-restraint

• Ahimsa - non-violence
• Satya - truth
• Asteya - non-stealing
• Brahmachraya - continence
• Aparigraha - non-avariciousness

Niyama

• Saucha -purity
• Santosha -contentment
• Tapas - austerities
• Svadhyaya - study
• Ishvarapranidhana - surrender to God

Asana - firm, comfortable meditative posture

Pranayama -the regulation of the Vital Force

Pratyahara - abstraction of the senses and mind from objects

Dharana - concentration

Dhyana - meditation

Samadhi - super conscious state or trance

The focus of raja yoga is on the last two steps: the mind (meditation) and diving into the inner universe (samadhi). Over the centuries, and up to the present day, raja yoga has continued to evolve, thanks to the great practical knowledge and experience of great sages of Raja yoga.

Raja yoga teaches us to uncover those experiences by observing the internal states through the daily practice of meditation. Raja yoga leads us to its ultimate goal towards finding oneness with the formless absolute ultimate.

If you are a beginner and intend to learn yoga from basics please refer to our yoga for beginners page.