Raja Yoga is a path of self-realization through meditation and concentration. It is one of the four main paths of yoga, along with Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga.

The eight limbs of Raja Yoga are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. These limbs are a systematic approach to self-realization through meditation and concentration.

The first limb of Raja Yoga is Yama, which refers to ethical restraints or moral observances. It includes non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-sensuality, and non-possessiveness.

The second limb of Raja Yoga is Niyama, which refers to ethical observances or positive duties. It includes cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study, and self-surrender.

The third limb of Raja Yoga is Asana, which refers to physical postures. It involves sitting in a comfortable and stable position for meditation.

The fourth limb of Raja Yoga is Pranayama, which refers to breath control. It involves regulating the breath in a specific manner to calm the mind and promote concentration.

The fifth limb of Raja Yoga is Pratyahara, which refers to sense withdrawal. It involves withdrawing the senses from external objects and focusing on the inner world.

The sixth limb of Raja Yoga is Dharana, which refers to concentration. It involves focusing the mind on a single object or thought.

The seventh limb of Raja Yoga is Dhyana, which refers to meditation. It involves maintaining focus on a single object or thought for an extended period of time.

The eighth limb of Raja Yoga is Samadhi, which refers to the state of superconsciousness or enlightenment. It is the ultimate goal of Raja Yoga, where the individual experiences a union with the divine or the universal consciousness.

Patanjali is considered to be the founder of Raja Yoga. He is the author of the Yoga Sutras, which is a classic text on Raja Yoga.

The Yoga Sutras is believed to have been written by Patanjali in the 2nd century BCE.

The main purpose of the Yoga Sutras is to provide a systematic guide to Raja Yoga. It outlines the eight limbs of Raja Yoga and explains how to practice them.

The central concept of Raja Yoga is the union of the individual soul with the universal soul. This union is achieved through meditation and concentration.

Raja Yoga contributes to the overall well-being of an individual by promoting physical and mental health, enhancing self-awareness and self-control, and cultivating compassion and empathy.