SWAMI VIVEKANANDA (1863-1902), best known for his book, Raja Yoga, was an Indian Hindu monk who later became a yoga guru and was key in introducing the Vedanta and yoga to the Western world.

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Raja basically translates to “royal” and further translates the practice of Raja Yoga as being the “royal path.”

 

Vedanta is Sanskrit for the “conclusion” of the Hindu teachings within the Veda. Vedanta teaches one about the transmigration of the self (samsara) and the means of release from the cycles of rebirth. It further teaches that the self (atman) is an agent of its own actions (karma) and the recipient of its consequences.

 

Within the book, Raja Yoga, Swami Vivekananda stated in “Concentration #12” that

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“No man is helpless, because he represents a bundle of habits, which can be checked by new and better ones…[and that] repeated habits can reform [one’s] character.”

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Concentration #12, in essence indicates that

    

• Habits are a result of impressions that give us consolation.

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• The result of these impressions are the vibrations of these habits, leaving marks that form our character.

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• As our character takes hold, it forms a sort of wave that sets the tone of our character.

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• So, if good prevails (i.e., good habits) we are good;

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• If joy prevails, we are happy;

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• Just so, if wickedness prevails, we are wicked

 

And so it goes…

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