Raja Yoga is a spiritual path that aims to attain self-realization and union with the divine through the control and mastery of the mind and intellect. In Raja Yoga, practitioners are taught to develop and harness their mental faculties, namely the mind, intellect, and sanskar (subconscious impressions).
The mind refers to our thoughts, emotions, and desires. It tends to wander and gets easily influenced by external stimuli. Through Raja Yoga, practitioners learn to discipline and control the mind, redirecting it towards positive and spiritual pursuits. By cultivating concentration and focus, individuals can gain mastery over their own thoughts and emotions.
The intellect, in Raja Yoga, refers to the faculty of discernment, understanding, and decision-making. It is through the intellect that we analyze and make sense of the world around us. In Raja Yoga, practitioners learn to develop a refined intellect that can discriminate between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. By sharpening their intellect, individuals can make wise choices and align themselves with higher spiritual principles.
Sanskar, also known as subconscious impressions, are the accumulated imprints from past experiences and actions. They influence our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors, often on an unconscious level. Raja Yoga teaches practitioners to become aware of these sanskar and transform negative impressions into positive ones through meditation and spiritual practices. By purifying the subconscious mind, individuals can overcome negative tendencies and cultivate virtuous qualities.
Furthermore, Raja Yoga emphasizes the control of the senses. The sense organs, including the eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin, are channels through which we perceive the external world. However, they can also become a source of distraction and attachment. In Raja Yoga, practitioners aim to discipline and regulate their senses, ensuring that they are not easily swayed by sensory stimuli. By maintaining mastery over the senses, individuals can avoid being overwhelmed by worldly desires and remain focused on their spiritual path.
The ultimate goal of Raja Yoga is to transcend the limitations of the mind and intellect and realize one's true nature, often referred to as the Atma (or soul). This realization leads to a state of inner peace, harmony, and union with the divine. Along this path, practitioners are encouraged to overcome their vices, such as lust, anger, ego, attachment to family, and greed. By conquering these negative tendencies, individuals attain a state of purity and become worthy of sharing their wisdom with others.
Following the teachings of Raja Yoga involves putting its principles into practice, which is known as Tharana. It is not merely theoretical knowledge but the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. By integrating these teachings into their actions, individuals become eligible to advise and guide others on the spiritual path.
In summary, Raja Yoga is a path of self-discipline and self-realization that focuses on controlling the mind, developing the intellect, purifying the subconscious mind, and mastering the senses. By overcoming vices and putting the teachings into practice, individuals can attain inner peace and spiritual growth, becoming qualified to guide others on their own journeys.