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What are the core principles of Raja Yoga according to Swami Sivananda’s manuals?

Think of Raja Yoga, as laid out in Swami Sivananda’s manuals, as a roadmap for mastering the mind and discovering inner freedom. It boils down to eight interwoven limbs, each one building on the last like the rungs of a ladder:

• Yama (Ethical Restraints)
– Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-greed
– Lays the groundwork for a life free from inner conflict, much like obeying traffic rules keeps everyone safe

• Niyama (Observances)
– Purity, contentment, austerity, self-study, devotion
– Encourages a daily checklist of self-care and introspection, similar to a modern wellness routine

• Asana (Posture)
– Steadiness and comfort in the body
– Prepares the vessel for deeper practices—think of it as fine-tuning your favorite sports equipment

• Pranayama (Breath Control)
– Mastery of life-energy through regulated breathing
– In today’s mindfulness boom (hello, meditation apps!), breath remains the quickest way to calm racing thoughts

• Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)
– Turning attention inward, unplugging from sensory overload
– Feels a bit like hitting “Do Not Disturb” on your phone

• Dharana (Concentration)
– Single-pointed focus, cultivating mental stillness
– Just as athletes visualize success, this trains the mind to lock onto one object or idea

• Dhyana (Meditation)
– Unbroken flow of awareness toward the chosen focus
– An expanded Dharana, where distractions fade away—almost like streaming your favorite show without any buffering

• Samadhi (Absorption)
– Reunion with the source, pure consciousness
– Described as the ultimate “zone,” where individuality dissolves into universal peace

Alongside these limbs, Sivananda’s signature “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize” motto bubbles up as a daily mantra—reminding practitioners that selfless service and a generous heart are every bit as vital as sitting still on a cushion. It’s no pie-in-the-sky philosophy but a hands-on, time-tested system inviting anyone to slow down, sharpen the mind, and savor the taste of true inner freedom.