Hinduism 101 - Mandhata Global

According to Raja Yoga precepts Raga and Dvesha constitute the Samsara, Universe of the being. Thus, they
constitute the mind, which is a force that is much superior to Prana or that which sustains the living physical body.
Thus, it is superior to matter but it nevertheless deludes the Jivas, living beings, who cannot determine its source of
sustenance. Even above these two – Raga and Dvesha – is Atma Vichara, the ability to identify oneself. This ability
reveals the true nature of the Yogi. The Raja Yogi thus makes efforts to destroy both Raga and Dvesha through
concentration and meditation because once these two are destroyed the mind too loses its ability to reach outwards into
the world and the Yogi can then enter into Samadhi with his or her true nature which is the Purusha within.
Obstacles to Meditation:
Patanjali say that – “Disease, dullness, doubt, carelessness, laziness, worldly-mindedness, illusion, missing the point,
instability – these are obstacles to Yoga.” These obstacles are much enhanced by grief, melancholy, bodily fevers and
even inhalations and exhalations.
The best ways to remove such obstacles are Abvashya, good habits, and Vairagya, aloofness. Vairagya is not exactly
running away from the world. Rather, it is defined as a state of mind which does not allow one to get too involved in
materialistic affairs. Raja Yoga prescribes that the Yogi should be able to master his or her carvings. The Yogi should
first scrutinize and analyze his or her mind to determine what he or she likes most. Then he or she should practice
giving up such cravings. Once the desires are in control the Yogi may utilize whatever he or she requires to live well. In
this manner he or she will not be a slave to desires yet may utilize whatever he or she requires to live.
Also, a true Vairagi, one who practices Vairagya, is one who is entirely selfless and dedicates his or her life to the
service of humankind.
The Types of Aspirants:
Raja Yoga asserts that three types of aspirants approach its Yogic precepts to achieve freedom from misery in this life
itself. When the Purusha realizes its own distinction from Prakriti then it finds itself free from misery which is spread
by desires that constantly embroils the Purusha within the close confines of Prakriti.
The three types of aspirants are:
• Uttama Adhikari - First-class Aspirant. For this type of aspirant Raja Yoga prescribes Abvashya, good
habits, sustained by Vairagya, indifference to materialistic cravings. The aspirant, as a Raja Yogi, should
practice meditation on the self to purify the mind through suppression of the afflictions of the mind. To these
types of aspirants Samadhi is relatively easy.
• Madhyama Adhikari - Second-class Aspirant. For this type of aspirant Raja Yoga prescribes Kriya Yoga
which consists of - Tapas, Sadhana and Ishvarapranidhana. Tapas is austerity. It can be practiced through
disciplinary actions like fasting, etc. though the greatest forms of Tapas are humility and continence and
egoless selfless service. Sadhana is study of the scriptural literature. It is supplemented by Japa, recitation, of
the personal Ishta Mantra. Ishvarapranidhana is self-surrender to the Lord. All actions should be taken as
Ishvaraprana – as offerings to the Lord.
• Adhama Adhikari - Lowest-class Aspirant. To the lowest-class aspirant Raja Yoga prescribes Ashtanga
Yoga - The Eightfold Sadhana. This shall be discussed just hereafter.
Ashtanga Yoga - Yoga of the Eight Limbs:
Patanjali’s Yoga system is popularly known as Ashtanga Yoga. It is the principal system derived from the Vedas
through which the great Maharshi developed Yoga into a science. All other Yoga forms – Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, Hatha,
Tantra, Kundalini and others -, though inherent within the Vedas in the Upanishad parts, have been subsequently
developed by great men based on the scientific approach of Maharshi Patanjali.
The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are:
• Yama - Vows – The Yogi should vow to observe five principal tenets: Ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya
(Truthfulness), Asteya (Honesty – Vow never to steal), Brahmacharya (Sexual continence) and Aparigraha
(Vow never to be greedy).