Raja

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras with its eight limbs are, ironically, a product of the West. In India and as per my upbringing, Bhakti through the Puranas is the primary path most people follow. However, I think that Raja Yoga is a means to intensify Bhakti Yoga.

• Yama. Moral Restraints
  • Ahimsa. Nonviolence
  • Satya. Truthfulness
  • Asteya. Refrain frm Stealing
  • Bramacharya. Celibacy
  • Aparigraha. Refraining from Coveting
• Niyama. Observances
  • Saucha. Cleanliness
  • Santosha. Contentment
  • Tapas. Austerity
  • Svadhyaya. Study of the Sacred Texts and Mantras
  • Ishvarapranidhana. Surrendering the fruits of all action to the Divine
• Asana. Posture
• Pranayama. Breath Control
• Pratyahara. Withdrawal of the Senses
• Dharana. Concentration
• Dhyana. Meditation
• Samadhi. Absorption