Raja Yoga meditation: A personal spiritual experience and narrative inquiry.
Explore (New York, N.Y.) June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103462 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA personal narrative describes how Raja Yoga meditation, learned through an online course during COVID-19 lockdown, helped the author cope with pandemic-related distress. The account explores how spiritual knowledge, meditation, and selfless service (Sewa) together fostered self-awareness, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. A unique experience during a residential spiritual retreat is analyzed through both spiritual and neuro-psychological frameworks. The narrative suggests that meditation-based spiritual practices can enhance psychological well-being and inner transformation during global crises.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Narrative inquiry Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | The author |
| Intervention | Raja Yoga meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Covid-19 Mental well-being Narrative inquiry Raja yoga |
| Key finding | Raja Yoga meditation, combined with spiritual knowledge and selfless service, enhanced psychological well-being and fostered inner transformation during the pandemic. |
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed widespread psychological distress, daily disruptions, and pervasive uncertainty. This paper presents a narrative inquiry exploring a personal spiritual journey with Raja Yoga meditation, initiated via an online course during the pandemic lockdown. The account investigates the interconnected roles of spiritual knowledge, meditation practice, and selfless service (Sewa) in enhancing psychological well-being and fostering profound inner transformation. Additionally, a unique subjective experience during a residential spiritual retreat is analysed through both spiritual and neuro-psychological frameworks. The findings highlight the potential of meditation-based spiritual practices to cultivate self-awareness, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. This study contributes to the expanding body of literature addressing the intersection of spirituality and mental health during global crises.