What is Rajyoga? Why is it called Rajyoga?

The name Rajyoga comes from the Sanskrit word raja, which means "king" or "royal." The practice is seen as the "king of all yogas" because it is considered the most direct and highest path to achieving self-realization or enlightenment. The term also refers to the mastery of the mind, which is often metaphorically called the "king" of the human body. By controlling your thoughts and inner self, you gain a kingly command over your life. Lastly, some teachings suggest the name points to the ultimate goal of connecting with the supreme self, which is considered the "king" within you. read less

What is Rajyoga? Rajyoga (Royal Yoga) is the path of meditation and mind control described in Patanjali Yoga Sutra. It is also called the “Yoga of Kings” or “Royal Path” because it is the most direct, systematic, and authoritative path to attain the highest goal of Yoga — Samadhi (union with the Self). Rajyoga is based on the Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs of Yoga) explained by Patanjali: 1. Yama – moral discipline (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence, non-possessiveness) 2. Niyama – personal discipline (cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, surrender to God) 3. Asana – steady and comfortable posture 4. Pranayama – regulation of breath and prana (life force) 5. Pratyahara – withdrawal of senses from external objects 6. Dharana – concentration on a single point 7. Dhyana – meditation, continuous flow of awareness 8. Samadhi – ultimate absorption or union with the Self / Supreme Why is it called Rajyoga? 1. Royal Path to Liberation – It is considered the “king of all yogas” because it directly deals with the mind, which is the ruler (king) of our body and senses. 2. Mind Control – When the mind is mastered, all other aspects (body, senses, emotions) naturally come under control. Hence, it is the royal way of attaining self-mastery. 3. Highest Goal – Other yogas (like Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga) are preparatory or supportive, but Rajyoga leads directly to Samadhi / Kaivalya, the highest state. 4. Comprehensive Path – Rajyoga combines discipline, physical steadiness, breath control, sense withdrawal, and meditation — making it the most complete system of spiritual growth. Summary 1. Rajyoga = Path of meditation and mind control (Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga). 2. It is called Rajyoga because it is the royal, supreme path that rules over the mind and leads directly to liberation. 3. Mastering Rajyoga is like becoming a king over oneself — having control over body, mind, and soul. read less

Raj Yoga is known as the “royal path” of yoga. It mainly deals with the mind and meditation. The purpose of Raj Yoga is to control our thoughts, emotions, and mental restlessness so that the mind becomes calm and focused. Through this, a person can experience inner peace and self-realization. It is called Raj Yoga because just like a king (Raja) rules and controls his kingdom, in the same way, Raj Yoga teaches us to rule and control our own mind. When the mind is under control, the whole life comes into balance, just like a kingdom works smoothly under a good king. read less

Rājayoga (राजयोग) literally means the "royal path" of yoga. It is considered the king of all yogas, because it leads directly to mastery over the mind and ultimately the self. Let me break it down clearly: 📖 Meaning of Rajyoga Rāj = King / Royal / Supreme Yoga = Union (of individual consciousness with the Supreme or the universal consciousness) So, Rājayoga = the royal path to union with the divine or the self. read less

Raja Yoga is considered the “royal path of yoga” because it deals directly with the mind. While Hatha Yoga works through the body and breath, Raja Yoga focuses on concentration, meditation, and self-realization. It was systematized by Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras as the Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs of Yoga): read less

Raja Yoga is also called Ashtanga Yoga. It has 8 limbs are steps to help control your body, mind, and spirit: Yama – Rules about how we should behave to others (like not lying, not stealing). Niyama – Rules about personal discipline (like cleanliness and contentment). Asana – Physical postures to keep the body healthy. Pranayama – Breathing exercises to control life energy. Pratyahara – Pulling the senses inward, away from distractions. Dharana – Focusing the mind on one point or thought. Dhyana – Deep meditation, steady flow of concentration. Samadhi – Ultimate state of bliss and self-realization where mind becomes one with the object of meditation. read less

Raja Yoga is also called Ashtanga Yoga. The 8 limbs are steps to help control your body, mind, and spirit: Yama – Rules about how we should behave to others (like not lying, not stealing). Niyama – Rules about personal discipline (like cleanliness and contentment). Asana – Physical postures to keep the body healthy. Pranayama – Breathing exercises to control life energy. Pratyahara – Pulling the senses inward, away from distractions. Dharana – Focusing the mind on one point or thought. Dhyana – Deep meditation, steady flow of concentration. Samadhi – Ultimate state of bliss and self-realization where mind becomes one with the object of meditation. read less