| It is important for the human psyche to have a | | | | who have achieved good health and balanced nature |
| concept or perceptions of our origin and our ultimate | | | | through the practices concentrating upon the body. |
| life destination. This motivates the study of psychology. | | | | Those who by nature have directed a strong stream |
| What is missing in the more material purposes of | | | | of emotional development towards devotion rather |
| western psychology, are the components of the soul | | | | than self satisfaction have succeeded in the spirit of |
| and spirit of a human being. Yet the spiritual life | | | | Bhakti no matter what religious ideas they use to |
| purpose is as important as a material one. It is a Truth | | | | channel their full devotional energy - or if they follow no |
| to be sought and remains one of the main focal points | | | | formal spiritual system at all. Those who explore the |
| for Vedic scholars and philosophers as for the genuine | | | | realities of human nature and are motivated by a |
| seeker for understanding of human being. | | | | search for truth are practising Raja Yoga and will find |
| Although Indian scholars of Vedic lore will be capable | | | | much to discover. |
| of more profound discussions of psychology and | | | | The simple tenets of Raja Yoga direct us to learn all |
| analyses of human nature, most of us wish to use the | | | | we can of the three clear spheres and functions of |
| tenets of Raja Yoga philosophy and teachings to help | | | | human intelligence. They have been similarly identified |
| us towards the spiritual goal by relying upon the three | | | | by wise philosophers and leaders of mankind |
| simplest definitions of the psyche as an adjunct to | | | | throughout the ages. Recognition followed by study of |
| what is already known to us through western | | | | these three aspects of ourselves allows us in time, to |
| psychology. | | | | integrate them. |
| Consideration of these components serves to guide us | | | | Personality - consisting of the body and brain, emotions, |
| through the labyrinth of information about the human | | | | and thoughts |
| mind and personality to illumine a clear path towards a | | | | Soul - the inhabiting intelligence, wisdom or sum-total of |
| higher destination. This spiritual path or Marga is known | | | | life experience |
| and highly regarded as that of kingly purpose in | | | | Spirit - the spark of life that links us with the Divine light, |
| discovering life's truth, hence its name Raja Yoga. | | | | power and energy that has created and animates all |
| However, it is a royal status that must be earned. | | | | living forms - and has entrusted us with the gift of life |
| There are many successful exponents of Hatha Yoga | | | | and free will. |