Soul Sustenance

Understanding The Difference Between ‘Hatha Yoga’ and ‘Raj Yoga’
‘Hatha yoga’ uses force and discipline in an attempt to unify the energies of the body with those of the consciousness. Through physical postures and breathing exercises, which are sometimes quite difficult, through ‘hath yoga’ one is able to achieve considerable control over the body metabolism and attain a remarkable level of physical health - that is beyond doubt, and to a limited extent bring about spiritual benefit. If the soul is able to achieve that posture mentally, as done by a ‘Raja Yogi’ (one who practices ‘Rajyoga’ med itation as taught by the Brahma Kumaris), then sitting the body in a certain position to achieve the same becomes less important. In fact, with practice the soul is able to adopt a mental posture according to whatever situation it finds itself in.

Perhaps the most famous posture of all is the "padmasana" or lotus posture. ‘Raja Yogis’ put themselves in the "padmasana" mentally. Besides, when the soul is fixed in the loveful union with God, the physical posture is not so important. “Padam” in English refers to the lotus flower and is a symbol of detachment. Just as the roots of the lotus grow in the bed of the pond but the flower is a thing of radiance and beauty, floating on the water untouched by the mud and slush, the ‘Raja Yogis’ live in the world but beyond it. Even though their "roots" are in the muck of society, they maintain a mental posture of detachment and mental purity. Living in the thick of things, they remain pure observers and a source of beauty and radiance for others. Those who concentrate only on ‘Hatha Yoga’ believe that by first disciplining the body, they will be sufficiently relaxed and controlled to undertake the practice of meditation. ‘Raja Yogis’ on the other hand are able to easily enter the state of meditation with the thought, "I am a peaceful soul, the child of the Supreme Soul, the Ocean of Peace", which makes the attempt to reach self-realization by performing physical exercises less important – especially for spiritual upliftment. Furthermore, ‘Raja Yoga’ can be practiced by anyone of any age or physical state because all that is required is the subtle power of thought. This is a clear contrast in the approach of ‘Raja Yoga’

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris