{"id":629,"date":"2026-06-06T21:48:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T21:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onlined.sivananda.co.il\/?page_id=629"},"modified":"2026-06-26T11:30:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T11:30:25","slug":"raja-yoga-study-group-meeting-5-07-06-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/onlined.sivananda.co.il\/?page_id=629","title":{"rendered":"Raja Yoga : MIP Study group – Lesson 5"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 10%|rgba(255,255,255,0.65) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/onlined.sivananda.co.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_559565874-scaled.jpeg” background_enable_mask_style=”on” background_mask_style=”diagonal-pills” background_mask_size=”cover” custom_padding=”8vw||8vw||true|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”c0c690be-128b-4b8a-86b2-445382659ebe” text_text_color=”gcid-a9d8e14e-2f78-408a-a83c-506939196b52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-a9d8e14e-2f78-408a-a83c-506939196b52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]

The yoga sutra of Patanjali<\/strong><\/h1>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”84ae99d8-9d1b-47b2-9747-0598e0da9831″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-a9d8e14e-2f78-408a-a83c-506939196b52%22:%91%22header_text_color%22%93}”]

Raja Yoga- <\/strong><\/h1>\n

MIP Study group<\/strong><\/h1>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”c0c690be-128b-4b8a-86b2-445382659ebe” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-a9d8e14e-2f78-408a-a83c-506939196b52″ text_font_size=”61px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-a9d8e14e-2f78-408a-a83c-506939196b52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]

Lesson 5<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/onlined.sivananda.co.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PHOTO-2025-05-09-10-24-45.jpg” title_text=”PHOTO-2025-05-09-10-24-45″ align=”right” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”91%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” border_radii=”on|500px|500px|500px|500px” border_width_all=”24px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/onlined.sivananda.co.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChatGPT-Image-7-juin-2026-07_14_11.png” title_text=”ChatGPT Image 7 juin 2026, 07_14_11″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”21px” border_color_all=”#d8b4a0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Arjuna’s Crisis: The Beginning of the Spiritual Journey” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/onlined.sivananda.co.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChatGPT-Image-7-juin-2026-11_30_52.png” title_text=”ChatGPT Image 7 juin 2026, 11_30_52″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”The Battlefield of Kurukshetra” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Bhagavad Gita begins on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two armies stand facing one another, preparing for a great war that will determine the future of a kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arjuna, one of the greatest warriors of his time, asks Krishna to place their chariot between the two armies so that he may observe those assembled for battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he looks across the battlefield, he sees not enemies, but teachers, relatives, friends, mentors, and loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, something unexpected happens.<\/span><\/p>\n

The great warrior begins to collapse internally.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”The Symptoms of a Disturbed Mind” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Bhagavad Gita begins on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two armies stand facing one another, preparing for a great war that will determine the future of a kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arjuna, one of the greatest warriors of his time, asks Krishna to place their chariot between the two armies so that he may observe those assembled for battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he looks across the battlefield, he sees not enemies, but teachers, relatives, friends, mentors, and loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, something unexpected happens.<\/span><\/p>\n

The great warrior begins to collapse internally.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”The Symptoms of a Disturbed Mind” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Arjuna describes his condition:<\/span><\/p>\n

“My limbs fail and my mouth is parched. My body trembles and my hair stands on end.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

“Gandiva slips from my hand.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

“My mind seems to be reeling.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Although nothing external has changed, Arjuna can no longer perceive reality clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n

His emotions overwhelm his reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

His attachment clouds his judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear distorts his perception.<\/span><\/p>\n

The battlefield remains the same, but the mind interpreting it has become disturbed.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Arjuna as a Symbol of Every Seeker” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

According to the yogic tradition, Arjuna represents all of us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every sincere seeker eventually encounters their own Kurukshetra.<\/span><\/p>\n

We face situations that challenge our attachments, beliefs, expectations, fears, and identity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like Arjuna, we may feel confused, uncertain, overwhelmed, or unable to determine the right course of action.<\/span><\/p>\n

The battlefield is not only external.<\/span><\/p>\n

It exists within the mind.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”The Role of Avidya” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

In Raja Yoga, Patanjali identifies the root cause of suffering as Avidya, spiritual ignorance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Avidya is the mistaken identification of the Self with the body, mind, emotions, thoughts, and experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

It causes us to mistake the temporary for the eternal.<\/span><\/p>\n

The changing for the unchanging.<\/span><\/p>\n

The non-Self for the Self.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arjuna’s crisis is a perfect example of Avidya in action.<\/span><\/p>\n

He is no longer seeing reality as it is.<\/span><\/p>\n

He is seeing reality through the filters of attachment, fear, grief, and emotional identification.<\/span><\/p>\n

His suffering is not created by the battlefield itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is created by the way his mind is interpreting the battlefield.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Why We Need a Teacher” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

One of the most important lessons of the Bhagavad Gita is that Arjuna cannot free himself from his confusion alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

He recognizes the limitations of his own understanding and turns to Krishna for guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n

He says:<\/span><\/p>\n

“My mind is confused regarding dharma. I am Your disciple. Please teach me.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

This moment marks the true beginning of the spiritual journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

The warrior becomes a student.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ego becomes willing to learn.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seeker becomes receptive to wisdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is why the guidance of a teacher is so important in Raja Yoga.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the mind is clouded by ignorance, it cannot easily recognize its own errors.<\/span><\/p>\n

The teacher helps remove confusion, reveal blind spots, and guide the seeker toward a clearer perception of reality.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Krishna’s First Teaching” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Krishna does not immediately tell Arjuna what action to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, he begins by correcting Arjuna’s perception.<\/span><\/p>\n

He says:<\/span><\/p>\n

“You grieve for those who should not be grieved for, yet you speak words of wisdom.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Krishna begins by addressing ignorance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before action can become correct, perception must become correct.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before outer transformation, there must be inner clarity.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”The Connection to Raja Yoga” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali serve a similar purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as Krishna guides Arjuna from confusion to wisdom, Patanjali guides the seeker from Avidya to Self-knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Yoga Sutras teach us:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • How the mind creates suffering.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • How perception becomes distorted.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • How attachment clouds judgment.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • How ignorance hides our true nature.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • How meditation restores clarity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The goal of Raja Yoga is not simply relaxation or stress reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Its goal is to remove Avidya and reveal Reality.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”From Arjuna to Samadhi” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Arjuna’s journey mirrors the journey of every practitioner of Raja Yoga.<\/span><\/p>\n

    He begins in confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

    He seeks guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n

    He gains knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

    He learns discrimination.<\/span><\/p>\n

    He transforms his understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Eventually, he is able to act from clarity rather than confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This is the same movement described by Patanjali:<\/span><\/p>\n

    From ignorance to knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

    From suffering to freedom.<\/span><\/p>\n

    From identification to Self-realization.<\/span><\/p>\n

    From the disturbed mind to Samadhi.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In this way, the crisis of Arjuna is not merely the beginning of the Bhagavad Gita.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It is the beginning of the spiritual journey itself.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” border_width_all=”21px” border_color_all=”#d8b4a0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1850px” custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”The Map of Reality: From Duality to Absolute Consciousness” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”57px” title_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    <\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#d8b4a0″ divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/onlined.sivananda.co.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sankhya_Philosophy_Map_of_Manifestation-scaled.png” title_text=”Sa\u0304nkhya_Philosophy_Map_of_Manifestation” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_style=”dotted” divider_weight=”20px” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]