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Raja Yoga:
It is a royal way of reintegration (Yoga). When the agitation of mind is stilled, supra-mental perceptions or visions appear and with them comes the fundamental unity of all that exits. Raja Yoga transcends even mind and steps into higher domain of spirituality. The question is what is higher domain of spirituality? It is soul of God? Both are abstract noumena not substantiated by scientific scrutiny. In Raja Yoga the eight steps have been sub-divided and there are 15 steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Abstinence (Yama) is first step
Niyama the second step implies abstinence i.e. bringing senses under control.
Renunciation is Tyaga (abondoing) of all manifest forms through contemplating on self.
Silence is Mauna i.e. abstaining from speech.
Solitude is going to a lonely undisturbed place.
Kala (Time) is to observe succession of instants and conceive all other things as non-dual.
Asana (Posture) is same as prescribed by Patanjali i.e. to sit or stand in such a posture that is comfortable and steady for a required period of time.
Mula Bandha (Root contraction) is to help control the mind. In this the upper part of anus is forcefully contracted.
Deha Samya is straightening of body.
Drishti (sight) is looking the universe as one united whole.
Pranayana is breath control in which all perceptions in mind and movements are stilled. The fact is that it is not possible.
Pratyahar is withdrawal to see divinity in all perceptible forms to direct mental faculties inwards.
Dharna is concentration to hold mind motionless on one object
Dhyan is contemplation. It is extension of Dharna
Samadhi is identification in which the very notion of contemplation is forgotten.
Kundalini Yoga:
It is more a tantric fantasy than yoga. It is claimed to be based on twin principle of consciousness individual and cosmic. Accordingly it is the energy that governs an individual and also the universe. The same cosmic energy (Para Shakhi) also lies dormant in individual human beings coiled 31⁄2 times in the form of a serpent at the root of spinal cord. Kundalini yoga is to arouse and awaken this sleeping coiled energy and make it rise upwards through six energy centres called 'Chakras'. The first is 'Swadhisthan' at the
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