Raja Yoga, is known as the “royal path.” Raja in Sanskrit translates to “chief” or “king” or even “best of its kind.” Raja Yoga is the incorporation of the three main paths of yoga as described in the Bhagavad Gita of karma, bhakti, and jnana. Raja yoga practitioners follows them all. In addition to actively practicing and adhering to the principles and standards of the Path of Action, the Path of Devotion, and the Path of Wisdom, one must also integrate The Eight Limbs of Yoga as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
What are Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras?
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras were written around 200 BCE, but the exact date of composition is unknown. His 195 yoga sutras are the foundation of yogic techniques and also point to how to integrate yoga into one’s daily life. Often, you find his sutras in a book that includes commentaries by leaders and teachers in yoga or Hinduism. My book of Patanjali’s yoga sutras is paired with commentary by Swami Vivekananda.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga include both the Yamas and Niyamas, which form a foundation of right behavior and right values. Yamas mean social restraints and niyamas means self-disciplines. These eight yamas and niyamas serve to help induce a positive environment of discipline, restraint, inner growth, and overall spiritual strength.
Wait, Let’s Get Back to Raja Yoga
So the “Royal Path” of Raja Yoga, incorporates all of the three main paths of yoga— Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga, as well as integrating the Eight Limbs of Yoga from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The main focus is seeking inner illumination to liberate oneself and merge the soul with the cosmic soul, the universal consciousness, or God. By following all of the paths laid out in the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Raja Yoga is a noble path to follow and has earned its title as the Royal Path.
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