Understanding Raj Yoga

[gurdeepsinghjohal 275]

What is the meaning of word ਰਾਜ ਜੋਗੁ (raj yog/yoga) for Gursikh as defination from vedanta school of thoughts or Guru Granth Sahib.

Pg211

ਗਉੜੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥

Gourree Mehalaa 5 ||

ਰਸਨਾ ਜਪੀਐ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮ ॥

Rasanaa Japeeai Eaek Naam ||

With your tongue, chant the Name of the One Lord.

ਈਹਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਆਨੰਦੁ ਘਨਾ ਆਗੈ ਜੀਅ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਕਾਮ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Eehaa Sukh Aanandh Ghanaa Aagai Jeea Kai Sang Kaam ||1|| Rehaao ||

In this world, it shall bring you peace, comfort and great joy; hereafter, it shall go with your soul, and shall be of use to you. ||1||Pause||

ਕਟੀਐ ਤੇਰਾ ਅਹੰ ਰੋਗੁ ॥

Katteeai Thaeraa Ahan Rog ||

The disease of your ego shall be eradicated.

ਤੂੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਜ ਜੋਗੁ ॥੧॥

Thoon Gur Prasaadh Kar Raaj Jog ||1||

By Guru's Grace, practice Raja Yoga, the Yoga of meditation and success. ||1||

[luckysingh99 1,195]

The aim of Raja yoga as Patanjali said was to ''Remove the mind's noise''

This way the observer can return to a view of their truer self.

This is the reason why there are several shabads with reference to raj yoga, but it does not go as far that the truer self was or is found as claimed without the name of the lord.

Because the multi-limbed practice of raj yoga on it's own does not reveal any truth.

If there is no name of the Lord when practicing , then no truth !

[gurdeepsinghjohal 275]

The aim of Raja yoga as Patanjali said was to ''Remove the mind's noise''

This way the observer can return to a view of their truer self.

This is the reason why there are several shabads with reference to raj yoga, but it does not go as far that the truer self was or is found as claimed without the name of the lord.

Because the multi-limbed practice of raj yoga on it's own does not reveal any truth.

If there is no name of the Lord when practicing , then no truth !

So is it metaphor in Guru Granth Sahib if we go by meaning of Patanjali.

[luckysingh99 1,195]

So is it metaphor in Guru Granth Sahib if we go by meaning of Patanjali.

No, it's not really a metaphor as I see it-

Let me try explain-

ਰਸਨਾ ਜਪੀਐ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮ ॥

Rasanaa Japeeai Eaek Naam ||

With your tongue, chant the Name of the One Lord.

ਈਹਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਆਨੰਦੁ ਘਨਾ ਆਗੈ ਜੀਅ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਕਾਮ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Eehaa Sukh Aanandh Ghanaa Aagai Jeea Kai Sang Kaam ||1|| Rehaao ||

In this world, it shall bring you peace, comfort and great joy; hereafter, it shall go with your soul, and shall be of use to you. ||1||Pause||

The important rahao tuk- is confirming that we may play clever tricks with our limbs and postures but in the end only the work done by the TONGUE (utter of naam) shal be of any use to us. Therfore the work done by the fancy yoga poses and breathing is no good if tere is NO TONGUE work or uttering.

(NOTE- it is reference to physical action and not the mind!)

ਕਟੀਐ ਤੇਰਾ ਅਹੰ ਰੋਗੁ ॥

Katteeai Thaeraa Ahan Rog ||

The disease of your ego shall be eradicated.

ਤੂੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਜ ਜੋਗੁ ॥੧॥

Thoon Gur Prasaadh Kar Raaj Jog ||1||

By Guru's Grace, practice Raja Yoga, the Yoga of meditation and success. ||1||

This last tuk confirms that we may practice this raj yoga which is the meditation to success (as claimed by patanjali)

BUT without HIS GRACE there will be no success. Therefore, if you do the TONGUE work, then with his grace you CAN have succes with the Raj yoga.

AGAIN, I don't think gurbani condemns the practice or encourages it solely.

BUT it does encourage the DHIAN and FOCUS on Waheguru, and then assures that you can add yoga practice for higher attainment but yoga on it's own (as claimed by patanjali) is not going to free your mind from maya.

[DSGj 339]

Very nice luckysingh99 Jee! Great information!

[gurdeepsinghjohal 275]

Problem here Luckysingh99 veerji, this translation does not matches with Prof. Sahib Singh. Either Prof. Sahib singh is wrong in his approach in Defining Raj Yog or this explaination of website is wrong.

[DSGj 339]

ਰਾਜਜੋਗੁ

ਰਾਜ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਯੋਗ ਕਰਨਾ. ਸੰਸਾਰ ਦੇ ਵਿਹਾਰ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਮਨ ਜੋੜਨਾ। ੨. ਯੋਗਮਤ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਮਨ ਦੀ ਵ੍ਰਿੱਤਿ ਦਾ ਨਿਰਵਿਕਲਪ ਹੋਣਾ ਰਾਜਯੋਗ ਹੈ. "ਇਹ ਰਾਜਜੋਗ ਗੁਰੁ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਤੁਮਹੂ ਰਸੁ ਜਾਣੇ." (ਸਵੈਯੇ ਮਃ ੪. ਕੇ) "ਤੂੰ ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਜਜੋਗੁ." (ਗਉ ਮਃ ੫) ਦੇਖੋ, ਸਹਜਜੋਗ, ਜੋਗ ਅਤੇ ਯੋਗ ਸ਼ਬਦ। ੩. ਜੋਤਿਸ ਮਤ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਜਨਮ ਸਮੇਂ ਗ੍ਰਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਅਜੇਹਾ ਜੋੜ, ਜਿਸ ਤੋਂ ਰਾਜ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤੀ ਹੋਵੇ, ਅਰਥਾਤ- ਕਰਕ ਲਗਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਵ੍ਰਿਹਸਪਤਿ- ਗ੍ਯਾਰਵੇਂ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਬ੍ਰਿਖ ਦਾ ਚੰਦ੍ਰਮਾ, ਸ਼ੁਕ੍ਰ ਅਤੇ ਬੁਧ- ਦਸਵੇਂ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੇਖ ਦਾ ਸੂਰਜ ॥ ਮਕਰ ਲਗਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਨੀ, ਮੇਖ ਦਾ ਮੰਗਲ, ਕਰਕ ਦਾ ਚੰਦ੍ਰਮਾ, ਸਿੰਘ ਦਾ ਸੂਰਜ, ਮਿਥੁਨ ਦਾ ਬੁਧ, ਤੁਲਾ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੁਕ੍ਰ ॥ ਕਨ੍ਯਾ ਦਾ ਬੁਧ ਲਗਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਸਵੇਂ ਥਾਂ ਸ਼ੁਕ੍ਰ. ਸੱਤਵੇਂ ਵ੍ਰਿਹਸਪਤਿ ਅਤੇ ਚੰਦ੍ਰਮਾ, ਪੰਜਵੇਂ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਮੰਗਲ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਨੀ, ਇਹ ਸਾਰੇ "ਰਾਜਜੋਗ" ਹਨ.

ਪੂਰਨ ਰਾਜਜੋਗ

ਪੂਰ੍‍ਣ ਰਾਜ ਅਤੇ ਪੂਰ੍‍ਣ ਯੋਗ. ਵਿਹਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਪਰਮਾਰ੍‍ਥ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਮਾਲ. "ਪੂਰਾ ਤਪੁ ਪੂਰਨ ਰਾਜਜੋਗੁ." (ਗਉ ਮਃ ੫) ਦੇਖੋ, ਰਾਜਜੋਗ.

[gurdeepsinghjohal 275]

ਰਾਜਜੋਗੁ

ਰਾਜ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਯੋਗ ਕਰਨਾ. ਸੰਸਾਰ ਦੇ ਵਿਹਾਰ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਮਨ ਜੋੜਨਾ। ੨. ਯੋਗਮਤ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਮਨ ਦੀ ਵ੍ਰਿੱਤਿ ਦਾ ਨਿਰਵਿਕਲਪ ਹੋਣਾ ਰਾਜਯੋਗ ਹੈ. "ਇਹ ਰਾਜਜੋਗ ਗੁਰੁ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਤੁਮਹੂ ਰਸੁ ਜਾਣੇ." (ਸਵੈਯੇ ਮਃ ੪. ਕੇ) "ਤੂੰ ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਜਜੋਗੁ." (ਗਉ ਮਃ ੫) ਦੇਖੋ, ਸਹਜਜੋਗ, ਜੋਗ ਅਤੇ ਯੋਗ ਸ਼ਬਦ। ੩. ਜੋਤਿਸ ਮਤ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਜਨਮ ਸਮੇਂ ਗ੍ਰਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਅਜੇਹਾ ਜੋੜ, ਜਿਸ ਤੋਂ ਰਾਜ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤੀ ਹੋਵੇ, ਅਰਥਾਤ- ਕਰਕ ਲਗਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਵ੍ਰਿਹਸਪਤਿ- ਗ੍ਯਾਰਵੇਂ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਬ੍ਰਿਖ ਦਾ ਚੰਦ੍ਰਮਾ, ਸ਼ੁਕ੍ਰ ਅਤੇ ਬੁਧ- ਦਸਵੇਂ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੇਖ ਦਾ ਸੂਰਜ ॥ ਮਕਰ ਲਗਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਨੀ, ਮੇਖ ਦਾ ਮੰਗਲ, ਕਰਕ ਦਾ ਚੰਦ੍ਰਮਾ, ਸਿੰਘ ਦਾ ਸੂਰਜ, ਮਿਥੁਨ ਦਾ ਬੁਧ, ਤੁਲਾ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੁਕ੍ਰ ॥ ਕਨ੍ਯਾ ਦਾ ਬੁਧ ਲਗਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਸਵੇਂ ਥਾਂ ਸ਼ੁਕ੍ਰ. ਸੱਤਵੇਂ ਵ੍ਰਿਹਸਪਤਿ ਅਤੇ ਚੰਦ੍ਰਮਾ, ਪੰਜਵੇਂ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਮੰਗਲ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਨੀ, ਇਹ ਸਾਰੇ "ਰਾਜਜੋਗ" ਹਨ.

ਪੂਰਨ ਰਾਜਜੋਗ

ਪੂਰ੍‍ਣ ਰਾਜ ਅਤੇ ਪੂਰ੍‍ਣ ਯੋਗ. ਵਿਹਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਪਰਮਾਰ੍‍ਥ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਮਾਲ. "ਪੂਰਾ ਤਪੁ ਪੂਰਨ ਰਾਜਜੋਗੁ." (ਗਉ ਮਃ ੫) ਦੇਖੋ, ਰਾਜਜੋਗ.

What we should take by this meaning.

ਯੋਗ = practise of yoga

ਯੋਗ= union with god(without practise of yoga science,defination in bracket is just to clarify).

[luckysingh99 1,195]

Raj yoga is also regarded as the highest form of yoga that can be successful in gaining union with the lord.

Throughout gurbani when we see references of yoga and gaining results or union, then as per Guru Nanak and sidh ghosht, a sikh is to obtain his results via gurus grace in a grihasti jeevan (householder life) compared to the recluse lifestyles adapted by the yogis.

Since sidh gosht teaches us that we can get the same enlightenment as householders in the maya filled society world just like the sadhus or yogis who only assumed it possible whilst hiding away from society and being recluse.

The important lesson from sidh gosht is that after conversation with the yogis, Guru Nanak ji didn't reject yoga practice but he rejected the recluse and hiding in caves methodology used by the yogis.

[gurdeepsinghjohal 275]

Still the defination of raj yoga is not clear. This is pauri by Bhai Gurdass ji talks about something different.

ਦੇਖਿ ਪਰਾਈਆ ਚੰਗੀਆ ਮਾਵਾਂ ਭੈਣਾਂ ਧੀਆਂ ਜਾਣੈ।

Daykhi Paraaeeaan Changeeaan Maavaan Bhainaan Dheeaan Jaanai.

The Sikh ought to treat beautiful women of others as his mothers, sisters, and daughters.

ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰੁ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਧਨ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੈ।

Ousu Sooaru Ousu Gaai Hai Par Dhan Hindoo Mousalamaanai.

Others' wealth for him is as beef for Hindu and pork for a Muslim.

ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਲਤ੍ਰ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਮੋਹੇ ਮੋਹਿ ਨ ਧੋਹਿ ਧਿਙਾਣੈ।

Poutr Kalatr Koutanbu Daykhi Mohay Mohi N Dhohi Dhiaanai.

Out of infatuation for his son, wife or family, he should not betray and deceive anyone.

ਉਸਤਤਿ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕੰਨਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਆਪਹੁ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਆਖਿ ਵਖਾਣੈ।

Ousatati Nidaa Kanni Souni Aapahu Buraa N Aakhi Vakhaanai.

While listening to the praises and slander of others, he should not talk ill of anybody.

ਵਡ ਪਰਤਾਪੁ ਨ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਿ ਕਰਿ ਅਹੰਮੇਉ ਨ ਕਿਸੈ ਰਞਾਣੈ।

Vad Parataapu N Aapu Gani Kari Ahanmayu N Kisai Raanai.

Neither he should count himself as great and glorious nor should he out of his ego, snub anybody.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖਫਲ ਪਾਇਆ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਰਸ ਰਲੀਆ ਮਾਣੈ।

Guramoukhi Soukh Phal Paaiaa Raaju Jogu Ras Raleeaa Maanai.

Gurmukh of such a nature practises Raj yoga (the highest yoga), lives peacefully

ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੈ ॥੧੧॥

Saadhasangati Vitahu Kurabaanai ॥11॥

And goes to sacrifice his self unto the holy congregation.

Vaar 29, Pauri 11 of 21 1

[luckysingh99 1,195]

Still the defination of raj yoga is not clear. This is pauri by Bhai Gurdass ji talks about something different.

ਦੇਖਿ ਪਰਾਈਆ ਚੰਗੀਆ ਮਾਵਾਂ ਭੈਣਾਂ ਧੀਆਂ ਜਾਣੈ।

Daykhi Paraaeeaan Changeeaan Maavaan Bhainaan Dheeaan Jaanai.

The Sikh ought to treat beautiful women of others as his mothers, sisters, and daughters.

ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰੁ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਧਨ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੈ।

Ousu Sooaru Ousu Gaai Hai Par Dhan Hindoo Mousalamaanai.

Others' wealth for him is as beef for Hindu and pork for a Muslim.

ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਲਤ੍ਰ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਮੋਹੇ ਮੋਹਿ ਨ ਧੋਹਿ ਧਿਙਾਣੈ।

Poutr Kalatr Koutanbu Daykhi Mohay Mohi N Dhohi Dhiaanai.

Out of infatuation for his son, wife or family, he should not betray and deceive anyone.

ਉਸਤਤਿ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕੰਨਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਆਪਹੁ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਆਖਿ ਵਖਾਣੈ।

Ousatati Nidaa Kanni Souni Aapahu Buraa N Aakhi Vakhaanai.

While listening to the praises and slander of others, he should not talk ill of anybody.

ਵਡ ਪਰਤਾਪੁ ਨ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਿ ਕਰਿ ਅਹੰਮੇਉ ਨ ਕਿਸੈ ਰਞਾਣੈ।

Vad Parataapu N Aapu Gani Kari Ahanmayu N Kisai Raanai.

Neither he should count himself as great and glorious nor should he out of his ego, snub anybody.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖਫਲ ਪਾਇਆ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਰਸ ਰਲੀਆ ਮਾਣੈ।

Guramoukhi Soukh Phal Paaiaa Raaju Jogu Ras Raleeaa Maanai.

Gurmukh of such a nature practises Raj yoga (the highest yoga), lives peacefully

ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੈ ॥੧੧॥

Saadhasangati Vitahu Kurabaanai ॥11॥

And goes to sacrifice his self unto the holy congregation.

Vaar 29, Pauri 11 of 21 1

Gurdeepji, I can see what you mean and why you question !

I will try and answer, but I am not entirely sure !

The problem is that Raj yoga is probably much different and reformulated to what it was back then. I know we have normal gorey doing raja yoga classes here and i'm sure they are not enlightened! :lol2:

Going back to the days of Guruji, I think it's correct to say that Raja yoga was the Highest form of yoga. In other words it was the one that could free you from your mind as stated above earlier.

The yogis that practiced this with dedication were enlightened and we can't argue that because even Guru Nanak ji never questioned that in Sidh Gosht.

However, from sidh gosht we also know that these Yogis or sadhus found it essential to be recluse and hiding away in the caves so that they could be free from their minds and thus be in union with God.!

Like I said above, Guru Nanak Ji's point was to explain that this enlightenment could be attained away from the caves in normal society providing the conduct was gurmat and one searched within using the name of the Lord.

So, in my opinion when references are made to raj yoga in gurbani, it is referring to the results of Raj Yoga

Since results are enlightenment, union and God Realisation.

Therefore in short, a reference to raj yoga means -

Raja Yoga = Enlightenment, God Realisation and Union.

The above shabad is about What and How a Guru's sikh should conduct themselves and still be able to attain the 'results' of raj yoga which are enlightenment and God realisation, without hiding away from society.

Gurmat is about being in society and grihasti jeevan.

This is what I personally make of it and it is just an assumption but I could be wrong and there may be a shabad to support that, but I haven't come acroos one yet ! :wow: