A Raja Yoga session is first and foremost an inner practice, focused on progressive mastery of the mind and deep meditation. Unlike other more physically oriented styles of yoga, Raja Yoga focuses onspiritual evolution, integrating elements of controlled breathing, withdrawal of the senses and mental concentration. This approach emphasizes the mental stages of yoga, while including basic physical postures and breathing techniques to prepare the body and mind for meditation. Here's an overview of the typical stages of a Raja Yoga session:

1. Opening chants and mantras: Raja Yoga sessions often begin with the chanting of mantras to set the spiritual mood. The mantra "Om", symbolizing universal consciousness, is frequently used to calm the mind and prepare for the practice. These chants connect the practitioner to a deeper spiritual dimension right from the start of the session.
2. Pranayama (controlled breathing): Raja Yoga attaches great importance to breathing techniques, as they help to purify the nadis (energy channels) and calm the mind. Pranayamas such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate breathing) and Ujjayi (victorious breathing) are often practised to calm the nervous system and create a state of deep relaxation. This prepares the body and mind for the next stages of practice, when concentration and meditation are essential.
3. Asanas (physical postures): Although Raja Yoga focuses primarily on mastering the mind, basic postures derived from Hatha Yoga are often practised at the beginning of the session to strengthen and soften the body. These postures are chosen for their ability to relax the body and prepare the practitioner for sitting for long periods. Postures such as Padmasana (Lotus Posture), Sukhasana (Easy Posture), and Vajrasana (Diamond Posture) are favored for their comfort and ability to stabilize the body, thus promoting prolonged meditation.
4. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the senses): One of the most distinctive steps in Raja Yoga is the withdrawal of the senses, called Pratyahara. This practice involves turning the senses away from external stimuli to focus attention inward. The practitioner is guided through visualization or concentration exercises that enable him or her to detach the mind from sensory distractions, fostering a state of deep calm and mental silence. This is a crucial step in mastering thoughts and preparing for concentration and meditation.
5. Dharana (Concentration): After Pratyahara, practice continues with Dharana, prolonged concentration on a single point. This may be a physical object (such as a candle flame), a sound (such as the mantra "Om"), or simply the breath. The aim is to train the mind to stay focused on a single point, without being distracted by extraneous thoughts. This intense concentration is essential to prepare the practitioner for deep meditation.
6. Dhyana (deep meditation): The heart of Raja Yoga is meditation (Dhyana). Once the practitioner has stabilized his or her mind through Dharana, he or she enters a state of deep meditation. Here, the mind becomes completely immersed in contemplation, and the distinction between the meditator and the object of meditation gradually disappears. The aim is to reach a state of absolute calm, where the fluctuations of the mind are entirely controlled, and themind remains perfectly stable in awareness of the present moment.
7. Samadhi (spiritual union): Although this state is not always achieved in a single session, Samadhi is the ultimate goal of Raja Yoga practice. It is thecomplete union between the practitioner and universal consciousness. In this state, all dualities disappear, and the individual realizes his or her unity with the divine. It's a state of total bliss and spiritual realization, where the ego fades away and inner peace is complete.
8. Final relaxation (Shavasana): After meditation, the session ends with a period of deep relaxation in Shavasana (corpse pose). This stage allows you to integrate the benefits of your practice and release any residual tension. The practitioner is encouraged to relax completely, while maintaining a subtle awareness of body and breath.
9. Closing chants (mantras and prayers): To close the session, mantras or prayers are often recited, reinforcing the spiritual bond established during the practice. This can include invocations to peace, such as the Shanti Mantra, or prayers of thanks for the benefits of the practice. This final devotional moment concludes the session on a high spiritual note.

Each Raja Yoga session thus follows a spiritual and mental path that helps to calm the mind, soothe the fluctuations of the spirit, and awaken inner awareness. By focusing on meditation and mastery of the mind, Raja Yoga offers a path tospiritual awakening, while providing a solid foundation for daily spiritual practice.