Rajyoga Meditation: Philosophical Foundations, Spiritual Practices, and Implications for Holistic Development
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Meditation is a contemplative practice associated with self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual development. Among its diverse traditions, Rajyoga meditation, as taught by the Brahma Kumaris, emphasizes soul consciousness, self-realization, positive thinking, and a conscious relationship with the Supreme Soul. This conceptual paper examines the philosophical foundations, central principles, distinctive features, and everyday applications of Rajyoga meditation, with particular attention to its potential contribution to holistic development. The discussion focuses on two interconnected dimensions of the practice: self-realization, understood within the Brahma Kumaris tradition as awareness of one's spiritual identity, and God realization, understood as the cultivation of a conscious relationship with the Supreme Soul. The paper further examines the practice's emphasis on mental reflection, open-eyed meditation, spiritual knowledge, and the cultivation of values such as peace, purity, love, happiness, and compassion. Practical applications are discussed in relation to daily routines, workplace interactions, stressful situations, and reflective self-assessment. Existing literature on meditation and selected studies of Rajyoga meditation provide a basis for discussing its psychological and physiological relevance; however, the available evidence does not establish all spiritual claims or demonstrate that every reported benefit is caused by the practice. The paper concludes that Rajyoga meditation offers a distinctive spiritual framework for personal reflection, values-based living, and the pursuit of holistic well-being. Further methodologically rigorous research is required to establish its effects and clarify the mechanisms through which the practice may influence psychological and physical outcomes.
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223216110