A basic principal of any type of Yoga is meditation. For some styles of Yoga, meditation is coupled with other aspects such as the physical aspect of Hatha Yoga. However, there are some systems of Yoga where meditation is the primary focus. One of these systems is Raja Yoga.
Anyone who has practiced Yoga is familiar with the basic art of meditation. If you are taking Yoga, chances are that the meditation you practice involves relaxation and breathing exercises. The goal is to reduce stress, relax your body, release tension and find a sense of inner peace. In fact, many people practice Yoga for this primary reason. Studies have shown that Yoga is an excellent way to reduce stress which is what initially draws people to it in the first place.
There is a difference between the meditation that most people can achieve through relaxation techniques and a higher form of meditation that is sought through the practice of Raja Yoga. One of six orthodox schools of Hindu Philosphy, Raja Yoga centers on the mind rather than the physical aspects found in Hatha Yoga. While the first step of Raja Yoga does involve relaxation, Raja Yoga also uses meditation to look within, discover (or redicover) your spiritual side and find a way to connect who you are spiritually with the world around you. Liberation is said to be the ultimate goal of Raja Yoga.
The meditation of Raja Yoga transcends the basic Yoga meditation. In order to even begin this type of meditation, basic meditation must be mastered. Its belief is that you can not seek your spirituality from the world, that you must search within yourself to discover who you are, to be conscious of your spiritual being. This type of self-awareness is used as a tool to change the way you react to the world around you. Rather than overreacting or reacting without thinking, it changes the way you think, allowing you to respond with love, harmony and peace as well as helping you rid your life of conflict and stress.
There is some disagreement as to whether this higher meditation is ever fully achieved. For some, it is believed that it is possible. For others, the journey within yourself and through your spiritual self is thought to be ever evolving and that the goal is to not fully achieve higher meditation but to be able to continue your inward journey as life events happen. Either way, the journey to your spiritual awareness must begin with you.
