The Concept and Effectiveness of Raja Yoga

This study is based on the concept and effectiveness of Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga is one of the four yoga systems, the other being Jnana yoga, Bhakti yoga and Karma yoga. Raja Yoga's percepts are concerned with discipline and control of mind. It comprises a set of eight steps Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Prathyara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Raja Yoga is also known as ‘the royal path’ is very scientific to understand and at the same it is spiritual in its context. It focuses on concentration, relaxing, conditioning of mind and deep meditation. The underlying concept is to connect the practitioner with the basic life force and reach the highest level of existence. Studies and researches conducted on Raja yoga also strongly advocate the effectiveness of Raja Yoga in curing and healing many health problems like insomnia, neurotic disorders, headaches, depression, cardiovascular autonomic functions and hyper tension.