Raja yoga works to cultivate inner peace through meditation. It is less widely known than Hatha yoga, which includes postures, stretching and breathing exercises. The Sanskrit term "raja" means "royal," referring to the highest mastery of one's own mind. Some people practice both Hatha and raja yoga for calming and refreshing mind and body.
Yoga and Your Mind
The key purpose of yoga is to develop mastery over your mind, wrote the Indian Sage Patanjali, author of the "Yoga Sutras," which are guidelines for a healthy, positive life. According to Patanjali, yoga postures --- called asanas --- must be steady, effortless and held for a long time to bring equilibrium to the mind. If you practice asanas as instructed in the Sutras, your mind becomes calm and quiet, preparing you for raja yoga meditation. With consistent practice, the mind learns to be steady in all situations.
Posture and Practice
Beginners may try seated meditation in a chair or use a cushion on the floor. Keep your back fairly straight, yet comfortable. Some prefer to practice while lying down. Close your eyes and focus your attention within by noticing your breath as it moves in and out. Your focal point may be the air entering and leaving your nostrils or the rising and falling of your abdomen.
Getting Results
The purpose of meditation is to experience being rather than doing. It is natural for your attention to wander, so be patient with yourself and keep bringing your mind back to the focal point each time you stray. With repeated practice, you may reduce your mental fluctuations.
Not a Religion
Although raja yoga emphasizes mental and spiritual development, you do not need to adopt a certain religion to benefit from meditation. It is not necessary to be in a retreat or a monastery to practice raja yoga --- you can meditate anywhere and anytime you choose. All it takes is a quiet space and your solid intention to focus your mind. Check with your healthcare provider about trying any new exercise or meditation program.
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