Introduction

People want a variety of things from meditation. Some come for peace, others for self control, some for power and some for silence, but of all the reasons, the ones which are most often expressed are peace or peace of mind. At first sight there doesn’t seem to be much difference between the two but, on closed inspection, we find that they are asking for different things. Peace is simply an experience, whereas peace of mind is a way of life.

At some time or other we have all enjoyed a moment’s peace, how ever fleeting. Simply to experience peace is not actually so difficult. Peace is something easily attainable through the practice of meditation because this is what meditation is specifically designed to give. However, to attain peace of mind implies that I want to experience peace constantly. While I go about my daily life, I need to be in control of myself to the extent that I can have whatever experience I choose, when I choose. To experience constant peace of mind, I need something more than just a meditation technique. After all, in the middle of a dispute with the shop assistant over the change, I can’t just sit myself down and spend five minutes delving into the deep recesses of the self to regain that temporarily lost inner peace! It is the experience of peace, previously gained through meditation. Which I need to be able to use later on in my practical life, especially at times when it is not easy to be peaceful if I can’t use my meditation to bring benefit to my daily life, is it really of any use to me?
Therefore, the emphasis in this meditation course will be a double one.

Firstly, to reach a simple, effective method of meditation called Raja Yoga, and to discuss and experiment with ideas on how to deepen the experiences gained;Secondly, to look at the reasons behind stress and tension in my life so that, through understanding, I can begin to change to root causes, using the power gained through meditation; and also to clarify how I can translate peaceful feeling into peaceful actions, so that peace becomes peace of mind.

Easy Raja Yoga: Basic Technique

Attempting to practice without benefit of precise and accurate theoretical knowledge is to sail rudderless upon an uncharted sea; to discuss theory without putting it into practice is not to go to sea at all. Therefore, let us briefly explore some of the theory behind Raja Yoga and then take the step of practicing regularly in order to experience for ourselves all of its benefits and pleasure

Definition

Yoga is a Sanskrit word which literally means ‘link’ or ‘union’ (just as its antonym-viyoga-means ‘separation’) The word Raja (or Raj) means ‘King’, ‘Sovereign, or ‘Supreme. Thus Raja Yoga is quite simply the communion of the soul with the supreme of all unions (and the union makes us self-sovereign). The Raja Yoga is quite simply the communion of the soul with the Supreme Soul. In the course of practice, one tunes the mind to that very subtle frequency on which God is radiating His love, light, and might. By considering the self a soul, and then by focusing a gentle stream of positive thoughts, towards the Supreme Being, His own harmonious vibrations will be received upon that same current, allowing the soul to experience the wealth of unlimited attributes of the Supreme. Peace, power and bliss are the inevitable fruits of this connection. The soul is filled with the happiness which cannot be equaled by any physical experience. Thus the soul becomes the master over his senses. Mind, intellect, and response patterns are soon tamed and transformed. The personality becomes clean and pure. Within the soul there remains only the knowledgeful silence of the consciousness of God.

We have called this practice not merely Raja Yoga, but Easy Raja Yoga. This is because the method is very simple that people of all age levels and educational backgrounds may study it easily and achieve the highest results with very little effort. It need hardly be added that the practice is equally suitable for men and women of any religious background, race, or nationality. There is no ‘chosen’ group which is more capable than others of making contact with God-nor any whom, He will love more than others. We are separated only by the strength of our own will to establish that highest connection.