Friday, September 16, 2011

Soul Sustenance

Principle Behind Rajyoga Meditation

"Yoga" in a general sense means a mental connection or union, achieved through remembrance. Whenever someone or something is remembered, then the soul is having yoga with that person or thing. At any moment, we are remembering people, places and things of the past or present, or we are imagining future events. We are continually using this power within, trying to find and maintain peace and happiness. We like to remember pleasant experiences and to entertain them as thoughts. We become "lost" in thought, detached from our immediate surroundings and problems. It is a natural ability of the soul to withdraw into itself in the face of external difficulties.

The same ability is used in Rajyoga meditation. The intellect, full of knowledge, is that which understands and remembers also. As long as the intellect remains fixed on the person or thing, the soul experiences its qualities. For example, when we remember a beautiful summer experience of relative peace and quiet, we re-experience the scenes, forget our problems and drift away. If we remember something painful or unpleasant, or someone's faults, the mind is disturbed. The mind experiences different states according to the type of thoughts that arise. The thoughts depend on where the intellect is focused. In short, as is the consciousness so is the experience.

Raja Yoga, the highest yoga, or remembrance, works entirely on the level of mind, intellect and .sanskaras., rather than focusing on bodily forms, postures or rituals. The first stage in Raja Yoga is to stabilize the self in the pure experience of the inner tranquility of the soul. At first, distracting thoughts may come to the mind. To be free from these, do not become involved in a struggle to contain or eradicate these wasteful thoughts, but merely step away from them. The next step is to stabilize the self on the form and qualities of the Supreme Being (God).

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

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