The eight limbs of Raja Yoga – what are they?

Raja Yoga is a very life-changing teaching. The name itself contains the high significance of this style of yoga. Raja means king, so it is the "royal" yoga. The eight steps/limbs of this yoga style are special and can change the life of the yogini in a sustainable way. If you want to learn more about royal yoga and follow this path, you can read this article. It will inspire you to more inner freedom.

Raja Yoga: Definition and a brief explanation

Yoga is a very ancient teaching and includes various techniques to approach enlightenment and the mastery of the mind. Unlike common yoga styles such as Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga or Yin Yoga, Raja Yoga relies on other essential points. Raja Yoga is one of the four yoga paths; the other three are: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.

Raja comes from the ancient teaching, Sanskrit, and means king or ruler. All this knowledge goes back to the wise man Patanjali, who is still a well-known name in this field today. He wrote the Yoga Sutra, which can also be described as a guide for yoga. Many equate Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed yoga) with Raja Yoga.

The goal of Raja Yoga is to let go of "control" over the mind, which is often difficult nowadays. Many people are so overwhelmed by their daily lives and all the challenges that this is reflected in a very restless mind.

What can you do to calm down?

Depending on your personality and challenges, there are different ways to become calmer. Raja Yoga uses various meditation techniques, breathing techniques (Pranayama), and asanas for the body. Of course, the aspect of self-observation is also essential to become calmer and more conscious and to go through everyday life with more concentration.

The eight limbs of Raja Yoga: On the way to a free spirit

Many people are restless and find yoga through this problem. Raja Yoga helps you to become calmer and more peaceful inside. The reason why people are so distracted and restless are the Kleshas. These are passions that are responsible for clouding and confusing the mind and thoughts.

• Fear of death (Abhinivesha)
• Too much egoism (Asmita)
• Incorrect knowledge (Avidya)
• Attachment to certain preferences (Raga)
• Exaggerated aversion (Dvesha)

The goal of Raja Yoga is not to completely eliminate all these passions. Instead, it is important that you follow the path of Ashtanga Marga and reduce the influence of the Kleshas on your own behavior.

Overview: the eight limbs of Raja Yoga

The following section introduces the eight limbs of Raja Yoga. It is not important in which order they are performed. However, to develop spiritually, all steps must be practiced.

1. Yamas (dealing with the world, environment)

We do not live alone in the world, so it is essential that we live in harmony with the environment. Dealing with other living beings is important. Yama is divided into five sub-points, the processing of which is already very intensive (e.g., Ahimsa: striving for the absence of injustice, respectful treatment of all living beings, Asteya: not stealing or taking what does not belong to you, etc.)

2. Niyamas (dealing with oneself)

This limb is about engaging with oneself and reflecting. Here, too, there are five sub-points that show how one's own mind and body should be treated, for example, Shaucha (purity of the body), Santosha (modesty with what you possess), Svadhyaya (self-study), etc.

3. Asanas (physical exercises)

Asanas are almost the best-known point of the eight-limbed path and the aspect that many people in the Western world also implement. There are countless different yoga exercises for the mat that bring body, mind, and soul into harmony. In addition, the life energy and physical vitality of the practitioner increase. The effect of the exercise naturally always depends on the yoga style; Hatha Yoga works differently than Vinyasa, and yet they all help people to achieve inner peace.

4. Pranayama (breathing techniques)

This point is also relatively well-known, as people all over the world practice breathing exercises in everyday life. A good level of physical discipline is a prerequisite for this. Prana is the energy that surrounds us all. There are various breathing exercises, which usually all include the same parts:

• Exhale
• Hold breath with empty lungs
• Inhale
• Hold breath with full lungs

5. Pratyahara (dealing with the senses)

This limb is about mastering the senses. Pratyahara describes the withdrawal of the senses to protect yogis from sensory overload. In addition, no one is distracted from essential tasks. This allows you to increase mindfulness.

6. Dharana (Concentration)

If you want to go this way, you must learn to concentrate completely on one thing. No one should be permanently distracted. In this context, you try to focus on a specific thing during the exercise. Over time, it will become easier and easier for you.

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

In this stage, you get to know meditation. The goal of a meditator is to have fewer thoughts in their head or to let them pass during their time on the cushion. This is especially difficult for beginners, but with time and a little practice, you will get better and better. With enough practice, you can notice physical and mental differences; even in stressful situations, Raja Yoga helps you to remain calmer and more focused.

8. Samadhi (inner freedom)

This point is the culmination of the path and the goal of every yogi. The state of absolute being is sought: a moment in which you can merge with reality, you are one with God and feel all the knowledge within you.

How can you integrate these steps into your life?

These steps initially seem very demanding and naturally require a lot of time until you have integrated them into your life. At first, it is important that you are aware of all these limbs and gradually incorporate them into your daily life. Everyone will have different preferences.

• Do everything at your own pace and don't stress yourself.
• Don't compare yourself
• Read a book for further information to get a better insight.
• Find like-minded people with whom you can walk the path motivated.

Do you already practice these eight limbs in your daily life? Have you already integrated them all?