Raja Yoga
Literally, Raja means royal or kingly. That’s why for the past years, Raja Yoga is considered as the king of all Yogas.
Generally, Raja Yoga is concern directly with the mind. And in this Yoga there is no struggling with Prana or physical body. And more likely, there are no Hatha Yogic Kriyas. Instead, the Yogi just have to sit at ease, watch his mind and get rid of his troubling thoughts. Consequently, he must learn how to still his mind, restrain his thought-waves and enter into the thoughtless state or what is so called the Asamprajnata Samadhi.
Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga?
Even before, Raja Yoga is already sometimes referred to as Ashtanga or eight-limbed yoga as there are eight aspects to the path to which one must attend to. Also, Raja Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga are oftentimes interchanged and used as one with the same meaning and all depending on the individual and the tradition in Yoga exercises of a particular place as well.
Raja Yoga and the Mind
Basically, Raja Yoga is called as the king of all Yogas as it deals primarily with the mind. Hence, the mind that is generally conceived as the “king” of the psycho-physical structure.
Normally, Raja yoga is based on directing one’s life force to bring the mind and emotions into balance and that the attention may be easily focused on the object of meditation, or the Lord directly. Likely, it enables one to realize that it is his perception of the divine Self that is obscured by the disturbances of the mind. If the mind can be made still and pure, the divine Self will consequently, outrightly, shine forth.
Mastering the Mind and Meditation
Raja Yoga is actually for mastering the mind. If one can master the mind and, through repeated practice, he can make the mind his servant than being its victim otherwise. As when the mind is properly trained, it may become one’s truest friend. However, when left untrained and reckless, it’s an enemy that won’t leave the premises.
On the other hand, while you are in your pursuit to finally master your mind, remember that you need first to master how to meditate sincerely with pure heart and will as it is in meditation that you would eventually know what you are and what you can actually become to be able to control your mind. Meditation is a serious personal matter that may help you become a better person.