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The Classical Yoga of India is Raja Yoga, the “Royal Yoga” of the mind. Because the mind is traditionally seen as the “king” that rules the life of the human being, the union with or awakening of the mind to the true and higher Self is the ultimate goal of Raja Yoga.

Established by the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Raja Yoga is one of six orthodox schools of Hindu philosphy that are described by Patanjali. The term Raja Yoga was introduced in the text of the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika to distinguish Raja Yoga from the newer Hatha Yoga.

Raja Yoga is primarily concerned with the mind although bodily disciplines play a critical role in this yoga. Because of the interplay of mind and body, the body must be brought under control to make way for the mastery of the mind. Thus, Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga have in common the usage of “asanas” or yoga postures. The Raja Yoga “sadhana,” the spiritual practice, begins with asanas and also pranayama, or yoga breathing practices, but these are considered preparations for meditation and mental disciplines.

Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras begin by stating that “Yoga limits the oscillations of the mind.” The Yoga Sutras then explain ways in which mind can create illusory ideations and advocate meditation on real objects. This yoga process can quiet the mind and bring it to “Nirbija” or the “seedless state” in which there is no mental object of focus. Practices that allow the individual to access this state may be considered Raja Yoga practices.

Integral to most Raja Yoga taught today is a yoga system known as Ashtanga Yoga or Eight Limbed Yoga. The first seven of the Eight Limbs of yoga practice include five “abstentions”; five “observances”; asanas or yoga postures; pranayama or yoga breathing; withdrawing attention from external objects; fixing attention on a single object; and meditation on the nature of the object. The eighth limb of this yoga practice is the attainment of Samadhi, ultimate liberation through union of consciousness with the essence of the object, the royal goal of Raja Yoga.