Raja yoga is one of the four paths of yoga named in the Bhagavad Gita (‘the Lord’s Song). In Raja yoga the body features as the primary material for meditation and personal development. Yogis who follow the path of Raja often choose a physically demanding practice.

The human body at peace with itself,

is more precious than the rarest gem.

Cherish your body, it is yours this time only.

The human form is won with difficulty,

It is easy to lose.

All worldly things are brief,

like lightning in the sky;

this life you must know

as the tiny splash of a raindrop,

a thing of beauty that disappears

even as it comes into being…

Therefore set your goal;

Make use of every day and night

to achieve it.

_Tsong Khapa