Raja yoga, or Yogoda, is the practice of specific yogic meditation intended to help promote self realization and enlightenment. Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of "Autobiography of a Yogi," founded it and claimed that Raja yoga would help bring spiritual enlightenment and balance into the lives of those that practice it with devotion and regularity. The first three exercises of Yogoda are typically practiced for one and a half years in preparation for the more advanced Kriya yoga practice, which involves advanced breathing exercises and deep meditation. People that practice Kriya yoga are considered gurus.
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Safety Considerations
Like other forms of yoga that implement mindfulness and meditation as elements of a holistic practice, Yogoda may have clinical applications for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. While yoga, including Yogoda, is generally considered safe for most people, consult with your doctor before beginning any form of yoga practice to ensure safety both physically and mentally. If dealing with mental health issues or psychiatric disorders, meditation practiced within Yogoda yoga may not be compatible with current treatment plans. Consult primary mental healthcare professionals before engaging in Yogoda. Additionally, inverted postures or spinal twists are not suitable for pregnant women, people with blood clotting issues or people with neck and spinal injuries.
Energization
The technique of energization is the first exercise in Yogoda. The goal of energization is to strengthen the body through drawing energy from God or the Universe into the body in preparation for deep meditation. Advocates believe that energization encourages higher states of consciousness, and deeper mental and physical relaxation. Energization is achieved through deep, focused breathing exercises and yogic postures designed, according to Yogoda practitioners, to harness energy from an exterior source into the body.
Concentration
Concentration is the second exercise of Yogoda that is practiced to stimulate the ability to concentrate. This exercise allows focus on internal and external problems and questions while ignoring distractions and external surroundings. According to Yogoda practitioners, realizing divine consciousness is enhanced with improved concentration. Concentration is developed through lengthy meditation and focused posture.
Meditation
With the exercises of energization and concentration comes what is considered by Yogoda supporters to be the most important element of Yogoda; meditation. Both energization and concentration are drawn upon to utilize the full capacity of meditation to reach the point of self realization and total awareness of the trinity of spirit, body and mind. The exercise of meditation is developed through regular practice with the intention of reaching ultimate clarity.
Cautions
The practice of Yogoda was developed as a tool for developing human capacity for enlightenment. People that wish to sell enlightenment or receive payment for guru teachings are to be regarded with much caution as history indicates that such people are selling a product that cannot be sold or bought. The teachings of Yogoda should not cost any more than a typical yoga class and will ideally be practiced in centers or at home where the ideal has nothing to do with material gain.
References
- "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness";Larry Trivieri Jr.; 2001
- "How to Use Yoga: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Iyengar Method of Yoga, for Relaxation, Health and Well-Being"; Mira Mehta; 1998
- "Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychology"; Todd Feinburg and Martha Farah; 2003
- "Autobiography of a Yogi"; Paramhansa Yogananda;1946
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