These posts include notes to myself regarding all aspects of my life including my practice of specific aspects of raja yoga. Raja yoga and it’s goal are my spiritual path and practice. It seems appropriate to include my own notes in this blog. I hope you find it interesting and inspiring.

I lead a Raja Yoga study course and in it we focus on specific aspects of the teachings for two week intervals. At this time we are practicing the yama and niyama of Patanjali which are:

Yama:

Non-Violence, or Ahimsa

Non-Lying, or Satya

Non-Stealing, or Asteya

Non-Sensuality, or Brahmacharya

Non-Greed, or Aparigraha

Niyama:

Cleanliness, or Shaucha

Contentment, or Santosha

Austerity, or Tapasya

Self-Study, or Swadhyaya

Devotion to the Supreme Lord, or Ishvarapranidhana

These qualities that are not limited to any one path or teaching. They are states of spiritual attainment universally experienced by all souls on their way to perfect union(Yoga) with “all there is” or God.  The practice of yoga is directional, in other words, we work from “where we are” and focus on the immediate steps needed to move toward perfection. Every step in this direction brings a greater experience of freedom, joy and wonder. It’s the greatest adventure on earth!

As Paramhansa Yogananda said:

“If we are not having fun, we are doing something wrong.”

Enjoy the ride!

turiya