Ashtanga Yoga is that branch of yoga that analyses the mind and aims to gain control over it. That is why it is an unavoidable tool on our journey to fulfilment. Systematised by Maharishi Patanjali, it is related to Samkhya philosophy. Ashtanga Yoga is also known as Raja Yoga. Raja means «king», «the highest». In that sense all the paths of yoga could be called Raja Yoga, as in their own way they all lead to the highest state of realisation.
The cosmic mind reflects pure Consciousness and has the limitless power that we ascribe to the Creator. The energy that God uses to create this universe is mind: it is called Mahat, the great cause. The first thought of God was energy that was so powerful it brought this universe into being. Human mind has that creative power... but through impurities and wrong identifications, it has become so fragmented and weak that it has cut itself off from the Cosmic Mind.
The human mind has been defined as a bundle of thoughts. This fragmented, agitated mind keeps man trapped in illusion and takes him away from who he really is, and from the happiness he is seeking. He mistakenly thinks that happiness is in external pleasures, which dissipate his energy and make his mind even more fragmented. This leads to more problems, addictions and enslavement.
That is why he who has control over his mind and senses is a king, a "Raja” Yogi. The definition of yoga given by Patanjali is" the cessation of thought waves». He outlined eight limbs, or steps, to achieve this objective of stilling the mind”.
Extract from Yogi Hari's book "Sampoorna Yoga"
In his Yoga Sutras, the treatise of reference, Yogi Patanjali defines 8 steps to attain the peak of concentration (the Eight Limbs of Yoga)
1 Observation of a moral social code called Yamas: non violence, truthfulness, honesty, moderation in sensual pleasures, non covetousness.
2 Observation of a personal moral code called Niyama: purity, contentment, austerity, study and devotion to God
3 Being able to remain in a steady posture, effortlessly (Asana)4 Breath control (Pranayama)
5 Capacity to withdraw mind and senses from the external world (Pratyahara)
6 Concentration (Dharana) . The object of concentration must be carefully chosen that is why the tradition recommends the repetition o f a mantra and concentration on the representation of the corresponding deity.
7 Meditation: uninterrupted flow of thought towards God (Dhyana)
8 Samadhi - Contemplation: concentration until the distinction between the observer/object disappears.
Steps 7 & 8 are the results of the previous steps. They define a state, an experience and therefore cannot be taught.
Every morning the participants of the Sampoorna Yoga course are trained in meditation according to the Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga guidelines.
In Sampoorna Yoga, concentration, which is the major tool of Raja Yoga, is also developed by Hatha and Nada Yoga (Divine sound). The course participants can therefore observe its positive effects on their other activities (clarity of mind, efficiency) and are encouraged to continue to practice at home!