As a yoga teacher, the first question I get is, what kind of yoga do I teach? Rajadhiraja Yoga. Have you heard of it? And then usually interesting conversations about yoga begin. My wish is to convey at least part of that here, in this blog dedicated to Rajadhiraja Yoga.
The second frequent question is, is it traditional yoga? The answer is, yes. Rajadhiraja Yoga is simultaneously traditional and modern. Its history stretches back 7000 years, to the time when adiyogi or the first yoga teacher, Shiva, lived in India — for whom I believe it is fitting to dedicate at least a few lines. One of Shiva's names is Sadashiva, "he whose sole life vow is to increase the all-encompassing well-being of all living beings". Shiva's contribution to human civilization as a historical figure was truly great. He founded and developed svarashastra or svarodaya, the science of breath control, among other things. He loved dance and created, among others, the Tandava, a yogic dance that increases strength and virility in men. Shiva was deeply loved by people, and even today holds a special place in the hearts of many. With the passage of time, some of Shiva's teachings remained, while others were lost.
In the second half of the 20th century, we come to the modern revival of Rajadhiraja Yoga. At that time, another great teacher appeared, by the name of Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (1921 – 1990). His disciples gave him the spiritual name Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, which means "he who attracts others as the embodiment of bliss". Shrii Shrii Anandamurti revived Shiva's original teachings and added new ones he considered most important for today's modern era — namely the complete theory and practice of Rajadhiraja Yoga as we use it today. This yoga master also gave talks around the world on spirituality and society, ecology and environmental awareness, philosophy, Neohumanism, sociology, philology, linguistics, science and art. Beyond all this, over a period of eight years, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti composed 5018 songs in Bengali and other languages, known as the collection of mystical music "Prabhat Samgiita" or "Songs of the New Dawn".
Since Rajadhiraja Yoga is truly vast, for this blog I have selected a few points of interest and summarized them in 12 points.
- The name Rajadhiraja Yoga or "Yoga of the King of Kings" was given by Ashtavakra, a great yogi who wrote the "Ashtavakra Samhita" more than 2000 years ago.
- Rajadhiraja Yoga selects asanas with the greatest effect on the balance of endocrine system that effects the emotions and the mind.
- An indispensable part of asana practice in Rajadhiraja Yoga is deep relaxation in Shavasana.
- Rajadhiraja Yoga uses the directing of breath flow through the left nostril, which is most suitable for asana practice. If breathing remains predominantly through the right nostril, the emphasis will remain on purely physical aspects.
- Among the Rajadhiraja Yoga asanas we have some completely new asanas. Most of them can be started already in the first classes. As strength, body flexibility, and pranic fitness gradually develop through regular practice, advanced asanas are added.
- Yogic dances are also performed individually or in a group. One of them is Kaoshikii, or the dance for the development of all layers of the mind, the so-called koshas. In addition to significantly developing physical fitness, Kaoshikii promotes self-confidence, awareness, self-expression, and creativity.
- Kumbhakas or breath retentions are perhaps the most important feature in the practice of Rajadhiraja Yoga asanas. Like all pranayamas or yogic breathing techniques, kumbhakas are recommended to be practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher familiar with Rajadhiraja Yoga.
- Correct performance of Rajadhiraja Yoga asanas will successfully balance hormone secretion through their influence on the functioning of the endocrine glands.
- For the harmonization of prana in the body, better lymph flow, and for softness and radiance of the skin, Rajadhiraja Yoga teachers teach self-massage, which can be a complement to asana practice.
- Yogic meditation is meditation with a personal mantra given by an acharya, or a qualified meditation teacher. If one does not have a personal mantra, one meditates with the universal siddha or refined mantra Baba Nam Kevalam, which means "Love is all there is".
- The original spiritual science of tantra — taught in India more than 7000 years ago — is woven into Rajadhiraja Yoga.
- In one of his many talks, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti presented an explanation of Shiva's "Seven Secrets of Success", which at any moment can be an inspiration for yogis engaged in spiritual effort, as well as for all seekers on the spiritual path.
Namaskar,
Tarini Devi
