The starting point: awareness of the self
Within Raja Yoga, the self is understood as the soul—the conscious being who thinks, feels, remembers, decides and experiences through the body. This is sometimes described as soul consciousness.
Meditation begins by gently shifting attention from the many roles we play towards this inner sense of self. The aim is not to reject ordinary life or the body, but to experience our roles with greater awareness and stability.
For a person new to these ideas, it is reasonable to approach them as something to explore. Raja Yoga places value on personal experience: listen, reflect, practise and notice what effect the understanding has on your state of mind.
Why is Raja Yoga often practised with open eyes?
Open-eyed meditation makes the boundary between “meditation time” and everyday life less rigid. The eyes can remain softly open while attention turns inward. Over time, the same awareness can be practised while walking, working or speaking with other people.
This can be especially useful for people who want meditation to become practical rather than something that only happens in a quiet room.
Peaceful thoughts and spiritual connection
Raja Yoga uses a small number of clear thoughts to guide attention. These may relate to peace, self-respect, compassion, inner strength or the spiritual identity of the self.
A further part of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga is remembrance of the Supreme, understood as the Supreme Soul and a source of spiritual qualities. People can explore this aspect gradually as they learn the course.
If you are completely new, begin with meditation for beginners or our practical guide on how to meditate. You can also attend a free introduction at a local centre.
Common questions
Is Raja Yoga the same as physical yoga?
Raja Yoga meditation as taught by Brahma Kumaris is primarily a practice of awareness and the mind; it does not depend on physical yoga postures.
Why are the eyes open?
Softly open eyes can help practitioners bring meditative awareness into ordinary daily situations rather than limiting it to closed-eye sessions.
What does soul consciousness mean?
Within Raja Yoga, it means becoming aware of yourself as the conscious inner self rather than identifying only with the body and external roles.
Can a beginner try Raja Yoga?
Yes. The introductory course is designed to explain the ideas gradually and give beginners time to practise.