Yoga Systems: Raja Yoga

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Yoga Systems: Raja Yoga

In Raja Yoga the goal is to quieten the mind through meditation where the attention is fixed on an object, mantra, or concept.

Whenever the mind wanders it is brought back to what ever is the object of concentration. In time the mind will cease wandering and become completely still. A state of focused uninterrupted concentration will occur.

From this state the yogi will eventually merge with the higher SELF. Please note that this whole process may take hours, weeks, months, or years of consistent practice before the complete merging with higher SELF ... or it could happen in an instant. It just depends on the yogi.

The aim of Raja yoga meditation is to successfully establish a mental link with the supreme source of all spiritual energy and power, the Supreme Soul, with the purpose of freeing the individual soul from sorrow, misery, pain, depression, fear, anxiety, illness, insecurity and phobias, and enabling the soul to once again experience constant peace, happiness, love and lasting health and prosperity.

Since the individual soul has lost its inherent power and potential and its spiritual energy has become low after playing its role in physical bodies for a prolonged period of time, the link with the Supreme through Raja yoga mediation recharges, re-invigorates, re-strengthens and re-empowers the soul with its original spiritual energy, so that the soul is once again able to play its role in its original supreme glory.

Purification of Soul: The benefits of Raj Yoga are immense. It is a panacea for all ills. The divine fire of yoga burns the deep-rooted vicious samskaras of the soul. It is the only means to expiate past sins. The soul is freed from bad and futile thoughts, worries and anxieties, tensions and confusions etc. It also strengthens man's willpower and makes him active, alert and more efficient. Yoga slows down the ageing process resulting in longevity.

Inculcation of Divine Virtues: The ultimate aim of Raja yoga is to elevate man to Deity status. So, a yogi has not only to give up bad sanskaras but also acquire positive divine qualities. Only then can be become eligible for the highest and holiest Deity status- like that of Shri Lakshmi and Shri Narayan. So through link with Shiva, yogi inculcates divine virtues like humility, introverted feelings, purity, cheerfulness, contentment, simplicity, patience, tolerance etc.

Acquisition of Powers: The following powers are attainted through Raja Yoga Meditation - Power to withdraw - Power to pack-up - Power to tolerate - Power to accommodate - Power to discriminate - Power to Judge - Power to face - Power to co-operate.

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See also: Yoga Systems, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)