The path of raja yoga, or the royal path, has been laid out for us by Patanjali many years ago. The path begins with the observance of yama and niyama, personal and social observances. These are often misunderstood as codes of conduct or moral behaviour but they are far more than this.

They express a state of mind and a state of being, which if sincerely worked on, contribute to creating harmony and balance both internally and externally. This is essential for the practice of meditation. If we reflect on the majority of our thoughts and the disturbances of the mind, we will find that mostly they come under these aspects of our personality, working on them sincerely will assist us in our self-development and also pave the way for a more harmonious relationship with our own minds. After yama and niyama comes asana and pranayama and we will explore what Patanjali was actually referring to when he used these terms as it is different to the asana and pranayama of hatha yoga – thus clarifying the progression and the systematic development of our practice and experience.

The continuation of the Raja yoga programme will move into the internal path. The experience of pratyahara is essential to meditation yet is another traditional aspect of yoga that is not often talked about, let alone taught. Pratyahara is the disconnection of the mind from the senses and without this state being established, meditation is actually impossible. It is this misunderstanding that can lead to a feeling of meditation being an effort or something we cannot do, rather than the natural and effortless experience it can be if the correct preparation is made.

We will practice various techniques that induce the state of pratyahara and see how these techniques naturally guide us into the state of Dharana, or concentration. Literally Dharana means ‘to hold’ and in the state of concentration we are holding one thought/image/idea in the mind and managing to exclude others at will – this only arises with preparation otherwise struggle is created in the mind which is counterproductive.
The day will include discussion, group work, reflection and meditation on the yamas and niyamas as well as practice of asana and pranayama in a manner suited to raja yoga. We will consider the development of this experience towards pratyahara, using appropriate techniques and explore the idea and experience of Dharana and Dhyana.

Simple lunch will be provided but please also bring vegetarian food to share.

The day will be followed on Sunday with a karma yoga day, and if you wish to stay for this you are welcome and the accommodation will be free.

The contribution for the day is £65