Raja Yoga Meditation - Summary


The foundation of Raja Yoga Meditation is Soul-consciousness, that is, developing the awareness that we are not just the body, but the conscious being inside the physical form of matter. The body is in a sense a vehicle, but not the essence or seed of our being. The soul, an eternal point of light, has inherent qualities such as being incorporeal and full of purity, peace, power, positivity, happiness & bliss, as well as many other virtues.

However, over time we begin forgetting who we are, thereby having the awareness of what being a soul means forgotten. And as a result, we gradually lose touch with the respective qualities. It's like losing the pin number to the account of virtues. The inherent qualities are then not readily available due to our own lack of self-awareness. This lacking is the source of impurity/corruption that has engulfed human beings and which has ultimately manifested in the world today.
Because of an inaccurate awareness/consciousness of who we are (i.e.- identifying with labels and roles that are bound to projections of low self-esteem) our actions also become inaccurate because the basis of words and actions are this very state of consciousness. If one does not have the awareness of who they innately are then their actions will also be inaccurate--- as our consciousness so our actions. Just as inevitable as it is for us to lose ourselves, so too is it that the quest in search of these original qualities begins. This is why so many seek fulfillment in material things. Because of forgetting our original form, desire is born and people begin the search for Truth in hopes of once again re-attaining virtuous experiences.

Raja Yoga is simply a method for re-awakening one's original innate virtuous state. It may seem apparent that most seek these qualities through physical comforts and other various methods, but you now know that the greatness of being already awaits you to be discovered within. To embark on such a journey in search for these qualities one must have already had them to lose, otherwise how would it be known what to look for?
So as long as a soul-conscious awareness isn't firm, one continues with their current methods of attaining temporary comfort and pleasure rather than true peace and happiness. Becoming soul-conscious is the basis for Raja Yoga in this way.

It is also said that desires are like chasing a shadow; as we pursue the darkness that we think will bring us long lasting attainment, we have our backs to the Light, which further causes our shadow to grow taller and away. But when we turn our back on the darkness and face the Light, everything we desire is always available as it follows us. Once we realize who we are and become an embodiment of our true virtuous nature, we are no longer enslaved to limited desires.

The translation of 'yoga' simply means to re-align or reconnect to ones Kingly qualities. Only when this link becomes firm and unbreakable is it said to one that they are self-sovereign. Because of identifying with the roles and titles we are conditioned with as we grow up, we eventually find ourselves with a vision or self image that is not of the highest self-esteem. However, the result of a degraded vision tarnished with unacceptence and impurity can give birth to the re-examination of this acquired concept of 'I'. This ancient method is a way for one to let go of old habits that have only limited and entrapped us in the conditionings of our past. The importance establishing inner silence as the eye-of-the-storm enables one to heal and refresh the self as a means of re-emerging that which we have hidden away.

Everyone has the power to choose when they want to break away from the bondages and burdens of past hurts and sorrows; all it takes is a little tinkering of our own consciousness!


"When We Change, The World Changes"


For more information about Raja Yoga Meditation visit www.bkwsu.org