Raja Yoga is the path that leads to union with God through control of mind, meditation, concentration and self restraint. It teaches control of the senses and thought waves that arise from the mind. It is the analysis of the mind and the exploration of the super-conscious aspect of Reality. A student of Yoga must first learn to give up all desires for worldly pleasures and enjoyment. That which is obtained by desires, greed, passion and lust ultimately leads to grief. The student must get an intense desire of learning the Eternal Truth. There are six virtues which are important for every one to learn to get to the path of Raja Yoga. [ i ] They must be able to control the mind from wandering in thought and going outward. [ ii ] They must restrain the senses from seeking the worldly pleasures. [ iii ] They must then turn the mind inwards. [ iv ] They must be able to feel the suffering of the body and mind without murmuring. [ v ] They must be able to attach their mind to a single idea or thought. [ vi ] They must constantly be thinking of one's real nature.

The first three requisites of one practicing yoga are: [i] Purity, physical and mental; [ii] patience; [iii] Perseverance. When results are not obtained one should not give up practice but persist in it patiently. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Prathyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are the eight limbs of Raja Yoga. Yama and Niyama are the ethical disciplines to purify the heart. Yama are the virtues. It consists of non-injury [Ahimsa], truthfulness [Sathya], abstinence [Brahmacharya], non- stealing [Astheya] and not receiving gifts conducive to luxury [Aprigraha]. Niyama is observance. It consists of internal and external purity [Saucha], contentment [Santhosha], austerity [Tapas], study of scriptures and recitation of manthras [Svadhyaya] and self-surrender to God [Ishwara- pranidhana]. Asana [steady pose], Pranayama [regulation of breath] and Prathyahara [abstraction or withdrawal of senses from their objects] are preliminary accessories to Raja Yoga. They produce serenity and steadiness of body and mind and leads to good health.