Yoga's Royal Road

Common Ground Magazine July 2011

Yoga's Royal Road
by Michele Hebert

 

What is Raja Yoga?

Raja Yoga, sometimes called the "Royal Yoga" is inclusive of all yogas, and its philosophy goes beyond the boundaries of the many styles of yoga today. Raja Yoga emphasizes the benefits of meditation for spiritual self-realization and the purposeful evolution of consciousness.

Raja Yogis Michele Hébert and Mehrad Nazari were drawn to Raja Yoga because of its authentic and inclusive nature. The spiritual focus of Raja Yoga was also the emphasis of their own spiritual master, Walt Baptiste.

"Raja Yoga is a science, art and a path in life to enhance,
enrich and strengthen our spiritual focus."

 

-Walt Baptiste

 

"With Raja Yoga, benefits are experienced both immediately and long-term, not just on a physical level but in all aspects of our lives. We experienced positive changes in our lives that include not just improved health, but greater awareness, mental clarity, self-confidence, and spiritual attunement within ourselves and in relationship to the world around us."

 

-Michele Hébert and Mehrad Nazari, Ph.D.
 



  RAJA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
 Two new locations for Teachers to learn the art of teaching Raja Yoga are now available.   Details are on the Teacher Training page.  


MORE ABOUT RAJA YOGA

Raja Yoga is also referred to as the Mental Yoga, or the Yoga of the Mind, because of its emphasis on awareness of one's state of mind. It is through this practice of concentration that one learns to calm the mind and bring it to one point of focus. It is at this point that we direct our attention inwardly, toward our true nature, which is Divine. You can achieve this by following the Eight-Fold Path of Raja Yoga, which includes observation of the following:

1. Yamas (Abstentions):  Ahimsa (non-injury), Satya (truth), Asetya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Apragraha (non-greed)
2. Niyamas (Moral Observations): Susha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhaya (study of the scriptures), Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to God)
3. Asana: Steady pose, posture or seat
4. Pranayama: control of vital energy through breathwork
5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana: concentration of the mind
7. Dhyana: Meditation
8. Samadhi: Enlightenment, union with the Divine