The word ‘Raja’ means King, as it is the ‘Royal Road’ to Nirvana or Samadhi, the ultimate goal of all yogis. This path, so wonderfully described by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, includes:
- the Yamas (non-violence, truth, not coveting, purity of mind and body, non-possessiveness);
- the Niyamas (cleanliness, contentment, discipline, study of scriptures, surrender to Spirit);
- Postures or Asanas done consistently to keep the body well, preserving prana, the life force. These poses can help calm the whole body and the nervous system, preparing the mind for concentration and meditation.
- Pranayama or Breathing Exercises are beneficial to overall health, calm the mind and the nervous system, preparing the yogi for concentration and meditation.
- Pratyahara, withdrawing the senses from their external objects. We do this as a matter of course during many yoga classes, ideally becoming more indrawn during the session, to taste the nectar of the inner Self.
- Dharana, concentrating awareness on an object such as a flame, the mid-point of the eyebrows, or the image of a deity.
- Dhyana, steadfast meditation, the undisturbed flow of awareness toward the object of meditation. The meditator remains separate from the object of meditation.
- Samadhi, oneness with the object of meditation. This is achieved by constant, uninterrupted meditation on the object of meditation, which is eternal, free, powerful, and blissful by nature.
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Hannah Caratti, LMFT, integrates psychology, trauma-informed yoga, and iRest® Yoga Nidra to help individuals cultivate resilience, healing, and lasting well-being.
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 50289) and an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT).
