A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga is an in-depth yet practical guide to the concepts and practices used in yoga to achieve significant improvements in mental functioning leading to an elevated comprehension of reality and a higher spiritual awareness.  Written by Yogi Ramachara, a pen name of William Walker Atkinsoon, it was originally published in monthly installments between October 1905 and September 1906 and received and enthusiastic and popular reception.  Each lesson contains a wealth of material for study. Many students of the book find value in re-reading the lessons at intervals to discover material overlooked during previous readings. The book is especially helpful in distinguishing the self from the ego and finding higher levels of spiritual consciousness.

According to scholar Jason Birch, “Raja yoga” is a term with a variety of meanings that depend on the context.  It is sometimes referred to as “royal yoga”, “royal union”, “classical yoga”, and “astanga yoga”. In Sanskrit  texts it refers to the goal of yoga – Samadhi, a state of meditative consciousness - and not the means of attaining it.  19^th Century Swami Vivekananda, who introduced much of America to yoga in the 1890’s, equated raja yoga with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the most authoritative work on the subject. 
 

Play sample: 

Download a PDF datasheet